1. Proximity to house and property lines / Buffer zones for noise pollution and visual lines.
-The planned proximity of the course to other property is a minimum of 30’ or more across most of the course. Holes 9 and 10 are the two planned holes closest to private property and have at least a 30’ buffer to the abutting property lines. The course would follow all current noise ordinances and be open from dawn to dusk.
2. Wetland and wildlife concerns, moose, deer, bear, bobcats, turtles, salamanders, newts, etc. MDC has been tracking collared bears and moose at the end of Sherwood and behind Pondview Circle.
-The design will address any concerns regarding the wetland, and wildlife. As a part of the process, the recreation department will file a Notice of Intent to Conservation Commission, where they have oversight. The tentative course route has already been walked with the Conservation Administrator to validate what would be permissible. The presence of common species would not impact the project, however, with any observation of the rare/salamanders/newts and isolated wetland bodies, there is a good chance that the vernal pool is in this area. If found, there would be the proper buffer for the 100’ no disturb zone.
3. Total access = open gate at all times? That gate at Constantino Field is always locked for a reason!
– The lower gate has been locked at this time to keep vehicles off the current playing fields. The parking lot will be updated to allow the lower gate to remain open but proper materials will be put into place in the upper parking lot to keep vehicles off the fields. In addition, the lower gate will remain to allow the area to be locked up as needed and during certain times of the year.
4. Out of town people trespassing on private property to access from back 9 holes by Pondview Circle and Sherwood Drive?
– The goal and advertising of the course would not include a back entrance or private property access. Constantino will be the access point for all in town or out of town people to park. Signs will be posted throughout the course guiding people from hole to hole.
5. Who is responsible for trash and clean up?
-The recreation department will be responsible for monitoring the space and maintaining the area. The DPW will empty the trash cans located in the parking lot area.
6. Bathrooms? It is about a three beer walk to the back 9 so then what???
– The recreation department provides a porta-potty as necessary for all recreation programs. This would be the same for the area discussed.
7. Why has this been flagged before a plan was even approved by the conservation committee?
– The course must be flagged to give a visual and distances so that the Conservation Commission has the details of the project, for their review.
8. Why does this need to be 18 holes with 36 throw stations?
– The course design included 18 holes with two tee pads as this is the most efficient design to allow for multiple age groups and skill levels to allow a lifelong non-traditional recreational activity.
9. Why does this have to be so intrusive unlike Dufrene’s Town Park?
– Dufresne Park area had baskets added to their walking areas as part of an Eagle Scout project. The concern that was brought to our attention was that it was unsafe to have a walking trail double as a disc golf fairway.
10. Why the need to put this in the middle of a quiet, established neighborhood?
– The parcel of land being used is a town-owned open space, and the potential to leverage this for public use, specifically recreation. This is of minimal impact and the least invasive recreation project to put within this space. Talks around adding more playing fields, which would be more invasive and intrusive, have been abandoned in favor of this less invasive and passive use case.
11. What about the existing trail access for Mountain Biking, Hiking, Cross country skiing, Horseback riding, Hunting?
– The project of adding this course not only focuses on Disc Golf but also allows other trails to be used within the parcel that does not interfere with the layout of the course as discussed with the designer.
12. Why was there no notification to abutters like when logging was done?
– This had been publicly noticed and approved at two town meetings and as required, abutters will be notified as the Notice of Intent and Conservation paperwork is filed. These have not been filed yet, as we are in the design stage which allows the parties involved to see if the parcel is usable or if there are any conservation concerns that would come into play. Abutter notifications have specific timing and circumstances that are being followed throughout this process.
13. When was the last time the town property was surveyed for wetlands?
– This property was surveyed in 2019, done 1.5 years ago.
14. What does this seating area you have listed consist of in the middle of the woods?
– The area listed refers to an area to observe or to have a place for people to rest if needed. No permanent structures or benches are necessary within the location, just a safe area to highlight the landscape.
15. If the industry-standard disc golf course averages 1 acre per hole and an executive course average 2 acres per hole why do you feel the need to use the entire 50-60 acres?
– In fact, the plan is to leverage ~45 acres, a section that will be dedicated to the 3 ADA holes at the front/middle of the course plan. 21 goals and 39 tee pads. The property allows to have multiple uses along with disc golf, the more space allows for a safer environment for all to utilize.
16. Were there any other course designs considered by other designers?
– Multiple course quotes were considered when looking at the project before selecting one for the project.
17. Is there a conflict of interest with this course designer already doing screen printing for the town?
– There is no conflict of interest as the process to select a designer was to get at least three valid quotes from companies with the list of costs, timetable, and experience of their company. The company’s quotes were reviewed and the project was awarded to Explore Disc Golf LLC.
18. How can you apply to be nonprofit then charge for league and tournament play? Town leagues, Beer leagues, because this is a sport that is popular at local breweries and the reason some have them on their private sites. The last time I checked alcoholic beverages are prohibited on town property. Who will enforce this?
-The Belchertown recreation department did not apply to become a non-profit, a group of community members started a non-profit to fundraise for a Disc Golf course in town. Any leagues formed through the Belchertown recreation department follow the department guidelines. For any tournaments run by a non-profit, the proper steps would be taken by such a group. As for smoking and drinking concerns, there is no alcohol or smoking on town property. The recreation managed properties like this one would be monitored and anyone not in compliance will be asked to leave.
19. Tournament play with cash and merchandise prizes?
-Potential for the course to be reserved for a tournament play, fundraisers etc. For informational purposes, the QVDG group is looking specifically at participating, in an already established nationwide tournament to benefit Veteran’s and is hoping to coordinate with the VFW and the Town Veteran’s administrator.
20. Why can’t this be put on the 876-acre state school property if you wanted this sized course?
– The State School property was never an option given to the recreation department as it is not Town-owned and the lay of the land is not conducive to disc golf. The EDIC owns the land and Mass Development is leading the plans and priorities for the land to be developed.
21. Have you even looked at any alternative sites besides Piper Farms?
– Prior to the Constantino location Piper Farm was considered however due to conservation concerns it was deemed unusable. Another site was looked at off of Route 21 but the topography was not favorable for a disc golf course.
22. Who is responsible for paying the new stormwater runoff charge for impervious space? Each 10 x 20 pad = 200 sq ft x 36 = 7200 sq ft not including roads and pathways? Taxpayers?
-The project has tee pads, natural tee pads that would not fall into the impervious materials/ stormwater runoff so no additional charges would come with the course design.
23. Also please note that a disc golf course is being forced upon the town of New Salem right down the street from us.
– We can no speak to that disc golf course in New Salem as the situation there is very different as it was private property, pay to play, and an issue for the Town of New Salem.
24. When the plan does not work out who will be responsible for cleaning up and returning the space to its original state?
-If the course needed to be taken out or moved for any unforeseen reasons, the recreation department would manage that process and coordinate that process with any other department