The Township is exploring the opportunity of a disc golf course in Drimmie Park (Elora).

When evaluating locations for a beginner disc golf course, the Township reviewed several alternative sites within Elora, including Bissell Park and the Jefferson Elora Community Centre. Following a detailed assessment, these locations were determined to be unsuitable due to their high volume of users and the potential conflicts with established amenities and activities. Features such as major roadways, playgrounds, multi-use trails, skateparks, sports facilities, and picnic areas create safety concerns and limit the ability to accommodate a disc golf course without impacting other park users. As a result, these sites were not considered appropriate for this use.

Drimme Park was identified as the preferred location, as a beginner disc golf course would complement the park's existing passive recreational uses. While the park is well-used and includes nearby residential properties, careful course design and strategic hole placement can minimize conflicts with other park users and adjacent homes, allowing the course to be integrated with existing park activities.

On July 6, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the Township invited residents to a drop-in community event to learn more about the proposed disc golf course. Below is a summary of the feedback captured:

Respondents in Favour Highlighted:

• The park is underutilized and would benefit from more recreational activity.
• Disc golf is an affordable, inclusive activity suitable for all ages and abilities. The course would encourage outdoor exercise, community interaction, and neighbourhood recreation.
• Several respondents were enthusiastic disc golfers or expressed excitement about having a local course.
• Some viewed the proposal as a positive addition to Elora's recreational offerings.

Those Opposed Most Frequently Highlighted:

• Location and size concerns. The park is too small and too close to homes.
• Parking limitations and the expectation that the course would attract visitors beyond the neighbourhood.
• Concerns about discs entering private yards, property damage, and impacts on children and pets.
• Desire to preserve the park as a passive green space, with several noting they purchased homes based on previous commitments that the park would remain undeveloped.
• Potential conflicts with existing uses such as walking, dog walking, and informal recreation.
• Lack of amenities, particularly washrooms.
• Concerns about noise, safety, and increased activity.
• Potential impacts on memorial trees within the park.

The Township reviewed the feedback received during the Drimmie Park engagement session and developed two alternative concept designs that reflect the community's input for consideration. Concept 1 proposes a reduced 4-hole disc golf course, with each hole oriented so that players throw away from adjacent residential properties toward strategically placed baskets. Concept 2 features a compact 2-hole layout with multiple tee-off locations, providing greater flexibility within a smaller footprint while offering a range of skill levels and maintaining play directed away from nearby homes. As this is intended to be a pilot project, the Township will continue to monitor its use and remains flexible to remove, relocate, or add baskets in response to ongoing community feedback.

Feedback/Concern: The location is too small and close to homes

Response: The concept has been revised to include a smaller beginner course (2 to 4 holes) that is better suited to the available space. The layout has been redesigned so players throw away from adjacent homes toward strategically located baskets, helping to reduce the potential for discs to travel toward private properties. The course can also be modified over time, with holes or baskets being relocated, added, or removed if future adjustments are desired.

Feedback/Concern: The community noted parking limitations around the site and had concerns that this type of amenity would attract large groups of people.

Response: Parking for the site would continue to be accommodated through existing on-street parking in accordance with the Township's by-law. The revised concept includes a smaller 2 to 4 hole beginner course, which is intended to serve local residents rather than function as a destination course. Its limited size is expected to discourage tournament play and larger organized groups, while encouraging nearby residents to walk or cycle to the park. As a result, the course is not anticipated to generate a significant increase in parking demand.

Feedback/Concern: Discs entering private yards, property damage, and impacts to children and pets.

Response: The revised layout has been designed so players throw away from adjacent homes toward strategically placed baskets, reducing the likelihood of discs entering private yards. The smaller beginner course also emphasizes shorter, more controlled throws rather than long-distance shots, making it more appropriate for new and recreational players while helping to minimize potential conflicts with nearby properties and park users.

Feedback/Concern: Several course numbers are close to existing memorial trees. There are concerns with potential impact and damage to these memorial trees.

Response: The layout has been revised to increase the separation between the course and the memorial trees. Basket locations and throwing directions have been adjusted so play is directed away from these trees, helping to reduce the potential for discs to strike them.

Feedback/Concern: Conflicts with existing uses such as walking, informal recreation, and dog walking.

Response: Disc golf is generally considered a passive recreational activity that is typically enjoyed by individuals or small groups. The revised 2 to 4 hole beginner course is intended to provide a low-intensity recreational opportunity that complements the park's existing uses. Its smaller scale is expected to limit the number of uses at any given time and minimize conflicts with other passive recreational activities while allowing the park to continue serving a variety of users.