Town meeting in Merrimack, NH June 13th

[Chris Mergemekes]

This is regarding the land that could potentially include an awesome new disc golf course in Merrimack, NH. It goes for public comment on the 13th at the town council meeting, 7 pm (link below). I'll be out of town, but please Merrimack people, please go. Couldn't hurt for others to attend as well. Please show your support, if you can attend.

Town Council Meeting, Merrimack, NH

[Nat Fairbanks]

I'll be there.

[Matt Grayum]

My brother Josh lives in Merrimack and might attend. He left central MA a couple years ago (disc golf courses galore) and lives in Merrimack, NH now where there is no courses near by...hope this get's put though!

[Jeremy Binley]

Daniel Marcus also lives in Merrimack, I'll let him know if I see him this weekend or monday at league.

[Chris Mergemekes]

Daniel Marcus also lives in Merrimack, I'll let him know if I see him this weekend or monday at league.

Thanks J. Already heard from Daniel, he's going so is Nat Fairbanks. Spread the word anyway, It doesn't hurt to have the support. This meeting though, will likely have no mention of disc golf, I think it's just the preliminary to get public comment on the general plan that the Merrimack Conservation Commission has for the land.

[Brad Harris]

I want to try to make it, but don't think I can. I'm playing softball that night.

[Nat Fairbanks]

Daniel Marcus also lives in Merrimack, I'll let him know if I see him this weekend or monday at league.

Thanks J. Already heard from Daniel, he's going so is Nat Fairbanks. Spread the word anyway, It doesn't hurt to have the support. This meeting though, will likely have no mention of disc golf, I think it's just the preliminary to get public comment on the general plan that the Merrimack Conservation Commission has for the land.

That's my understanding as well. In my opinion it will be good to have residents interested in disc golf attend but it's not necessary (or even appropriate) to flood the meeting with disc golf supporters. My plan is to attend, very briefly comment on the plan and then keep my name in the hat to become a member of the possible future Grater Woods subcommittee that should be put in charge of implementing the plan that the Conservation Commission has created. That should help keep the door open to disc golf in Grater Woods as the town begins to implement it's plan.

[Brad Harris]

How did this go last night?

[Nat Fairbanks]

It went as I expected - The public meeting is about getting the entire plan approved so the town can begin implementing the plan. The plan is clear that disc golf and other similar activities will be welcome (but does not call out disc golf specifically). It moves to the third and final public reading where the Town Council can make changes in a few weeks.

I did not speak during the public hearing but I did speak to the chair of the Conservation Commission and another member after the meeting and was assured they are looking forward to disc golf in Grater Woods. However there are other fairly pressing issues that they are planning to address this year (such as public access/parking) that will affect how quickly a course could be established (ie possibly not this year).

Video of the meeting will eventually be here.
http://merrimacktv.com/online-video/town-council/

-Nat

[Chris Mergemekes]

Thanks for the update Nat. I was out of town. I thought it was a bit optimistic when Matt told me we could be implementing a course this summer. I was realistically thinking more like next summer or fall.

[Nat Fairbanks]

Update - The members of the Grater Woods subcommittee were appointed last night. I was appointed as a full time member. The first meeting of the subcommittee should happen in the next couple months, I'll have a better picture of how things will happen after that meeting. With over 500 acres of land available it seems likely that there will be space in Grater Woods for a disc golf course. Look for more info from me next year.

-Nat

[Chris Mergemekes]

Great job Nat! I sent you a PM.

[Titan_Bariloni]

is this the new news spot?

[Nat Fairbanks]

Current status - there is potential space and informal support. That still leaves just about all the work to be done, including official support/permission, course design, fund raising and installation. But there will be a course in Merrimack in 2014.

[Chris Mergemekes]

Current status - there is potential space and informal support. That still leaves just about all the work to be done, including official support/permission, course design, fund raising and installation. But there will be a course in Merrimack in 2014.

This is great news. I am so excited. Way to go Nat! You know I am on board to help with all of that stuff.

[Titan_Bariloni]

current status looks promising

[Daniel Marcus]

I am in!

[Alan MacLean]

Just moved 5 min from Merrimack, NH across the river by the airport. Definitely able to help when needed.

[josh.grayum]

Any update or progress on this? I'm willing to help if possible. I live just down the road from this location. I used to be an avid player but ever since moving to NH from central MA it's been hard to keep up. Just curious if this went anywhere or if it's still "in process".

[Nat Fairbanks]

It's in process. We're not yet at the point of doing substantial course work. I might have more news to share later next week.

[Nat Fairbanks]

Due to access issues the prior location in Merrimack (Grater Woods) has been ruled out. Last night we received preliminary approval to begin design work on a much better piece of property in terms of access and potential course layout since it was just selectively logged this past spring leaving some nice lanes. We've still got more paperwork, design work and full approval to go but we are still moving forward to get a course in Merrimack.

[Nat Fairbanks]

The Merrimack Town Council just voted unanimously to proceeded with a privately funded course in Wasserman Park. Thanks Mergz! Now the fun begins!

[Chris Mergemekes]

Thank you Nat! and everyone for support, help, and inspiration.