UMass Amhert course in close to installation!

[Brian Giggey]

Ahhhhhh I see, i'm not that well informed of the current public opinion of Explore.

Neither am I, but I will continue to do what we always do...work hard.

I think a LARGE portion of the "mistrust" is The Explore Disc Golf Foundation, and who it is and how it operates. We have some awesome people on board from some really great courses in the area, and look forward to adding more great disc golf minds onto our Board of Directors in the future. As we continue to fund raise over the years, we will give grants to disc golf related projects. Pretty simple --- raise money and give it back. Promote the sport. I understand the naming issue, but I also understand it's marketing and I paid for the 501(c)(3) creation myself. That being said, there's no funny business...it's a neat project, but doesn't have a ton of support, at least from the online community

Thanks for the kind words though, Jeff! We have a slew of basket rentals going out to ski resorts before winter hits so they can wrap their mind around disc golf over the winter months in preparation for summer. We have a lot of neat projects starting up all around the Northeast and Virgina, in addition to constant Mobile setups, but are trying to remain patient with all the red tape that UMass brings. We try and be as forth coming as possible, but it's definitely getting to the point where I won't be posting anything anymore, and the courses will just appear. I'm ALWAYS up for answering questions (call our office), but there's too much work to be done, and wasting time defending ourselves isn't worth it.

If NEFA would like their $1500 back, we're able to do that at any given time, but doubt it will happen as a contract is a contract, and we have 18 months to make it happen. Do I agree with Titan, Derek, Isaac and others? Yes, I do. When we applied for the grant, we were under the assumption (according to the committee) that we would have baskets in the ground by spring. Nope, didn't happen. Sandy has my number and e-mail...and we've been in correspondence. I'm extremely confident that UMass WILL go in. When? I'm honestly not sure, but at least the committee I'm working with is very supportive of the idea, and they are stoked the students are creating RSO's, teams and more. As much bashing as there is in this thread, we ARE still trying to grow disc golf, right?

I do look forward to a course at UMass, but I also look forward to several of the other courses that are much closer to going in. I'd kill for UMass to go in --- you wouldn't believe the ear full I get from students, online forums and more (but we also have lots of great supporters) --- but I have to remain realistic. They love the idea of a course and all the environmental education, but it isn't their top priority. I'd love to explain more of the process and the meetings, but with the constant kick back, I just can't anymore. Once again, if you respectfully have questions, call our office, I'll be more than happy to answer them.

I also do look forward to meeting many of you in person (Chance, you're the man...thanks for your constant support), and I'm sure you're all solid folks. With that being said, if people have questions about our current projects, feel free to be in touch...Zeena and I are actually really fun I hope you all somewhat appreciate all the work and constant headaches we've had to put up with, but regardless, we will continue to do our best on this project to make it happen...be it in the spring or 3 years from now, when the NEFA grant has long since been returned

God bless, and throw 'em straight!

-Brian

[Paul Sullivan]

Thanks for all you are doing to promote disc golf. For every person that complains, accuses, whines etc there are many many more that have no problems with you or "The Foundation".

Please keep up the good fight, hopefully when my son starts UMASS in 3 years he will be able to enjoy the Orchard Hills course.

See you out there.

GO UMASS DG Team, hopefully they will crush it at the NorthEast Regionals this weekend

[Eric Kevorkian]

From the general "NEFA Grant" thread

I don't see why this wouldn't work...

how about applying for a future grant....submit the application, if it's approved, NEFA will grant the funds when the course is ready for install and will be one that years grants. This will allow those presenting the course to the powers that be the chance to say they have the funding from NEFA when the course is approved. Knowing these projects can take some time, we could increase the time-limit before the agreement expires.

Basically NEFA is committing to the project when it goes through, but if for some reason it does fall apart NEFA has removed itself from any financial hassles.

[Derek Brazauskas]

From the general "NEFA Grant" thread

I don't see why this wouldn't work...

how about applying for a future grant....submit the application, if it's approved, NEFA will grant the funds when the course is ready for install and will be one that years grants. This will allow those presenting the course to the powers that be the chance to say they have the funding from NEFA when the course is approved. Knowing these projects can take some time, we could increase the time-limit before the agreement expires.

Basically NEFA is committing to the project when it goes through, but if for some reason it does fall apart NEFA has removed itself from any financial hassles.

Kovo it makes to much sense.. I agree with you though.. I personally have nothing against Brian or the foundation, I am happy he is growing the sport. I have never attacked or slandered him or his organization. What everyone is missing is I'm upset with NEFA for giving a grant to a potential course in it's infancy. A contract is a contract, so we don't grow a course this year that exists so that maybe we help a course that may exist in a year or so...typical politics.. GL with UMass Brian, i hope you dont think i was attacking you because its not the case. I was just trying to point out that nefa slowed progress on another course by giving the grant out premature.

[Eric Kevorkian]

That was my only issue with it too...I have nothing against Brian or the UMass project.

There were other courses that could have put those funds to use immediately.

It will be interesting to see what Drew came up with for the revamped process.

[Titan Bariloni]

If NEFA would like their $1500 back, we're able to do that at any given time, but doubt it will happen as a contract is a contract, and we have 18 months to make it happen. Do I agree with Titan, Derek, Isaac and others? Yes, I do.

just some advice...I would think if it is determined Umass won't crack ground w/i grant time limit..it might be wise to develop some understanding with nefa to secure the grant for the future rather no course,and returning grant money at end date..then rendering Umass to back of list as they had there chance with the grants...if something is done now..the money may be available in the future

[John Williston]

How much does that 1500 gain in intrest sitting in that bank account for that long?

[Stephen Ditter]

with todays rates, not a hell of a lot.

[Matt DeAngelis]

About $30 if it's in a 1% annual interest savings account.

[Andrew McManus]

It will be interesting to see what Drew came up with for the revamped process.

As an applicant for many grants over the years at work, one thing i can say is that nearly all grants across the board are now requiring some sort of a match % by the applicant. Typically, grants require either a 25% or 50% match. This match can be monetary, in kind labor or materials. It makes sense to have a match requirement IMO. It makes the process more competitive and provides additional reassurance for measurable progress.

[Titan Bariloni]

on the inside back cover of DGM mag there is an ad to a college using DG as a selling point to draw people to the school.....hmmmmmmm

guess my earlier point holds true..!!!!!

[Chance Strom]

Ummmm, you win?

[Jason Southwick]

Is this UMass course still going to happen? What's happened so far?

[Titan Bariloni]

both are open for speculation Mr. Southwick

[Brian Giggey]

Is this UMass course still going to happen? What's happened so far?

Slow and steady just the way UMass likes it

Right now, we are buttoning up everything with the Conservation Commission and wetland delineation. No holes are within the 100' setbacks, but delineations still needed to be done to prove this to the authorities.

We are aiming for an installation of 9 DISCatcher Pros, on the south side of Eastman Lane, in March/April 2013 as decided back in September by the Committee. This will help show the University how the course operates, maintenance required, and interest by the student body. This will also give us more time to apply for grants (to pay for wetland delineations and permits for bridge crossings) on the Northern side of Eastman Lane. The layout has been done in such a fashion that holes do not cross water, but permitting for bridges is INCREDIBLY expensive, and necessary.

Everyone is very excited about the course --- especially the environmental education concept and $500 PDGA grant being spent on discs given to all the surrounding elementary schools --- but they are continually taking precautionary steps to make this happen. They can't just snap their fingers, as many of you have seen by following this process.

That being said, some VERY good news was the agreement made by the Facilities Management to mow the holes and upkeep the 9 hole course, in addition to giving us the green light on "volunteer labor" which was a hurdle in its own right. The hope is that the success of the 9 holes on the Orchard Hill side will help attract funding from UMass itself. They have made it clear that this isn't a University project, and is completely funded by sponsorships and donations. It has been a uphill battle since I moved home in September 2011 to pursue this full time, but considering the fact that this was just a student-created idea at the time (pitched in May 2010; gained an academic sponsor in August 2011), we are pleased to be this far, and will continue to chip away until it's in the ground and done.

Thanks for your interest and support, and happy holidays to you all.

[Titan Bariloni]

in addition to giving us the green light on "volunteer labor" which was a hurdle in its own right.

good news there..IMO that woulda shut da club down..union labor isn't cheap

agreement made by the Facilities Management to mow the holes and upkeep the 9 hole course,

cutting a small circle around the pole creating a small edged "bed" to lay bark mulch,crushed stone(also a small piece of weed cloth) will help with erosion and also keep the mowers very happy as they don't have this ugly spot to "weedwhack" and can just zoom around the small circle...

[Andrew McManus]

This will also give us more time to apply for grants (to pay for wetland delineations and permits for bridge crossings) on the Northern side of Eastman Lane. The layout has been done in such a fashion that holes do not cross water, but permitting for bridges is INCREDIBLY expensive, and necessary.

Is the Conservation Commission requiring that wetland delineations be shown on a plan or just staking in the field? Typically, this is not required under the MA WPA if you're outside the 50' buffer; however, the local by-law could require this depending on the wetland setbacks stated within the local regs. If/when you engage a certified wetland scientist for delineation services, you may want to emphasize the community/educational benefit of the project and they may do the work pro-bono or possibly at a discounted price....just a thought. Perhaps one of the wetland professors at the University?

So psyched to see this project in the works at my alma mater!

[Brian Giggey]

This will also give us more time to apply for grants (to pay for wetland delineations and permits for bridge crossings) on the Northern side of Eastman Lane. The layout has been done in such a fashion that holes do not cross water, but permitting for bridges is INCREDIBLY expensive, and necessary.

Is the Conservation Commission requiring that wetland delineations be shown on a plan or just staking in the field? Typically, this is not required under the MA WPA if you're outside the 50' buffer; however, the local by-law could require this depending on the wetland setbacks stated within the local regs. If/when you engage a certified wetland scientist for delineation services, you may want to emphasize the community/educational benefit of the project and they may do the work pro-bono or possibly at a discounted price....just a thought. Perhaps one of the wetland professors at the University?

So psyched to see this project in the works at my alma mater!

The wetland delineations are per the towns ordinance. We worked with the University and GIS maps from the get go on this, and they were fine with the hole locations, but the Conservation Commission stated we HAD to have wetland delineations to PROVE that we were outside the buffer. If we are within the buffer, then we have to apply for a Request for Determination of Applicability. Therefore, the University wants us to shift some holes OUTSIDE the buffers until after the "pilot installation" is over. If the pilot goes well and they give the green light on the 9 holes, then we can apply/pay for permits and move the holes back to their original location --- most namely hole #3. The Northern side is a whole other monster with delineations and bridge crossings.

In 2011, UMass put a paved path in connecting Orchard Hill and Sylvan Residential Areas. The Western side of the wetland was delineated so the path could be installed. Now, the town is mandating us to delineate the Eastern side of the wetland, even though we all know (us and committee) the holes aren't within the buffer. This is going to be around $800. We have talked to many professionals and University staff, but it is what it is. Everyone knows that we are doing this with the "support of the University" with no financial assistance from them, yet we still have to continue to take the proper steps.

The 9 hole "pilot installation" is still slated for April 2013. We have done extensive studies on GIS maps and soil tests, but the fact of the matter is, there are wetlands all over the place in the Orchard Hill area and many of the holes/walking paths will have to work around it. That being said, we thank you for your patience and support. The course will go in when it's supposed to, and hopefully it'll get some play when it is

[Brian Giggey]

Facilities Management began clearing holes 1-3 this morning. We are walking the course with the grounds crew in February to flag remaining pathways, fairways/rough lines and any tree branches/shrubs that need to be removed. Slow and steady

Hole 1: Par 3, 245', -4' elevation. Nice, beginner-friendly way to start the round with the basket tucked just shy of the wood line.
(2nd tee is located within the white, Poplar stand of trees on the right side of the picture in the background.)

[Andy Gallerani]

Great work Brian. One step at a time

[Titan Bariloni]

nice great news..the terrain up there is awesome

[Brian Giggey]

Thanks, Andy. Slowly, but surely progresses is being made.

Yes, Titan, the terrain is great --- lots of incredibly views, but TONS of wetlands and the delineation setbacks really render the space quite small in terms of useable space.

[Titan Bariloni]

well I have always said in regards to design..just cuz there is tons of cool stuff around(swamps,hills(erosion areas,ect ect)..doesn't mean we have to use it(design through it)..the fact we get to traverse around it and check it all out while playing is

[Brian Giggey]

Work continues on the UMass course today as Facilities Management begins to clear holes 5-9. Most holes just need fairways mowed down, but some holes need much more work. Sadly, there are several trees that are being removed for liability reasons like the dead Spruce tree on the left of the picture below, and the large Pin Oak that provided a canopy by the 1st tee (picture above). It's really unfortunate due to the fact that these trees --- while not really a technical element within the hole themselves --- provide a vertical element and help "frame" the views of the mountain ranges, baskets, etc. It's beyond our control, as the University has to do what is best for liability purposes, but it's sad to see 'em go.

Hole 6: Par 3, 170', +2' elevation. Shortest hole on this 9 hole loop. The tee provides boulder seating and is defined by an old equestrian jump, while the hole is highlighted by a specimen Maple to the right and a coniferous wall of Yews to the left. The basket is tucked to the right of the "Y" tree in the background, where the topography slips away long and right.

[Jason Johnson]

I went up there to take a look around before the blizzard hit. Terrian looked great, nice variety of holes from what I could tell between the flagging, and iphone map. Its exciting to see something going on, on the ground, and they definitly made quick work of some thick brush with good use of the tractor brush hogs. Can't wait to see it after spring has sprung, with a little more definition of hole layouts and such, and of course it always looks raw at first, but some of the rough is still going to be tough to play out of, as it should be. Definitly progress happenning, still going to take a lot of work, and hopefully many hands, and some open mindfulness regarding details. But overall, I'm very happy to see something happenning on that side of the river. Nice start !

[Brian Giggey]

I went up there to take a look around before the blizzard hit. Terrian looked great, nice variety of holes from what I could tell between the flagging, and iphone map. Its exciting to see something going on, on the ground, and they definitly made quick work of some thick brush with good use of the tractor brush hogs. Can't wait to see it after spring has sprung, with a little more definition of hole layouts and such, and of course it always looks raw at first, but some of the rough is still going to be tough to play out of, as it should be. Definitly progress happenning, still going to take a lot of work, and hopefully many hands, and some open mindfulness regarding details. But overall, I'm very happy to see something happenning on that side of the river. Nice start !

Thanks for the kind words. Not sure which holes you saw flagged, but the Orchard Hill 9 holes are roughly cleared and done. There are multiple hole flags out there (like the middle of the site) because things began to shift once the Conservation Commission got on board in the Fall. That being said, holes 6-7 got pushed further out to East Pleasant Street. No ideal with vehicular traffic noise, but it meets the requirements.

Facilities Management did a wonderful job of rough clearing the holes. They got a little more aggressive than I wanted --- removing some important buncrs and widening some holes (like hole 7 by East Pleasant Street), but we are blessed to get all this help, so we adapt. As the spring and summer months creep in, Facilities Management may do very little (to nothing) since this isn't a priority anymore.

The University project committee will hold a meeting in May to see if the course was a success. If it is deemed so, they will move forward on letting us install permanent tees/signage and figuring out the steps needed to make the back 9 in Sylvan Forest happen.

DISCatcher Pros have been ordered up and are in transit to our shop. We have one final meeting in early March, but have been told by the University we can sink baskets as soon as the snow/frost allows.

Here is our most recent blog on the UMass project:
http://www.explorediscgolf.com/umass-di ... stallation

[Brian Giggey]

- UMass Facilities Management work is done. Will do as much fine tuning as I can this week.
- Final wetland meeting this Wednesday.
- Dig Safe comes on Thursday.
- Hoping to dig holes and sink baskets this weekend.

The 9-hole Orchard Hill loop should be playable soon!

[Rick Berry]

Great NEWS!

[Brian Giggey]

UMass = Green lighted!

Just left the Wetlands meeting in Amherst, and we got approved. Hole #3 won't be playable until we receive our permit, but baskets 1-2 and 4-9 should be in the ground this weekend.

[Titan Bariloni]