NEFA DISCussion

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles ... 129245.txt


According to this article the town rec has proposed to put a course in WW1 park. This could be great - I just hope they consult with discgolfers on course design.

Is anyone here already in contact with them?

Isn't that funny Pete? You and I were talking about that very thing recently!

That's the first thing I thought of Mike! I thought maybe you did something about it! Anyway I think we should make contact and offer up some help.. what do you think?

My thoughts exactly. Find out what they want help with. The ski hill may be good for some really good holes.

Wowza ... I'll have to be in touch!

I sent the following email to the director of the rec department who was referenced in the article. Hopefully you don't mind Mike...

Hi Steve,
I read the article in the paper today. Not two weeks ago I was at the park with a friend of mine who is an avid disc golfer like myself, and we were saying it would be a great spot for a course. We are very involved with the disc golf community in New England (NEFA) and would love to help in any way we can. In addition, my friend Mike Dussault is a professionally ranked disc golfer who has also been involved with designing several disc golf courses in New England. I grew up in North Attleboro, ran cross country in the park (when the high school CC course was there) and was a youth director at the YMCA for 5 years, so I am very familiar with the grounds of the park. Anyway, we are certainly not looking to step on any toes, just excited about the possibilities and would love to volunteer our time and resources to help out in any way we can. Thanks.

Pete Violet
(774)249-9912
purplerunner44@comcast.net

Nice Pete ... could you send me that email address via PM when you get a chance. I would love to follow that up with an email from the pres.

sent.

Not at all Pete! Thanks for thinking of me in your email. I hope this happens, and I will help however I can.

I have a good repor with the powers that be in North Attleboro, it's where some of my extended family reside, uncle owns a big excavating company in Town and my cousin lives there now as well.

Let me know if I can be of assistance Pete.

Thanks Steve.

The rec dept is open to help starting with ideas... he wants to meet to discuss ... who wants to join? I'm not sure when yet.

Anyone for a round of Frisbee golf?
NA mulls course at World War I Park

BY AMY DeMELIA SUN CHRONICLE STAFFThursday, October 21, 2010 3:15 AM EDT


NORTH ATTLEBORO - World War I Memorial Park could become home to the town's first designated disc golf course.

Park and Recreation Director Steve Carvalho said the department is looking at the possibility of installing disc golf - also known as Frisbee golf - in the woods at the park.

Depending on funding and weather conditions, the disc golf course could be up and running as early as next summer.

"It's a very simple game and a great way to get some exercise and experience the nature of the park," Carvalho said. "We have lots of visitors who visit the zoo and Julia's Garden, but not very many people get a chance to walk around in the woods. We'll be able to bring in a completely different demographic."

Disc golfers use plastic Frisbee-like flying discs, and throw them at targets. The game essentially follows golf rules and the goal is to throw the disc into the target with the fewest number of throws. "People are staying local, so we're trying to offer as much as we can in our own backyard," Carvalho said. "Not everyone can swing a golf club, but anyone can play Frisbee golf. It's a niche sport and we have the grounds for it."

If the course is created, the department will create a map and purchase equipment, which would be rented out to players for a nominal fee.

Disc golf isn't the only new recreational opportunity being eyed for the park. Carvalho said the park commission is also talking about adding bocce pits and volleyball courts to the property.

While the tough economy makes it difficult to implement new ideas, Carvalho said adding spots for all three sports at the park is an achievable goal because the amount of money needed would be minimal.

Other ideas are being considered for the park, but they require longer range plans because of the money that would be needed.

Those ideas include adding a shallow skating pond to the park near the popular sledding area on Sunrise Hill, possibly creating a tubing area or even reopening the Sunrise Hill ski area.

"It's our dream to get that ski slope back. We've never stopped looking for grants for it because it's not something we can afford to do on our own," Carvalho said.

He said the department has been fortunate to have volunteers who have helped it meet challenges during tight budget years.

Those volunteers range from the town's youth sports organizations that have helped upgrade athletic fields to Eagle Scouts who have cleaned up and improved town monuments.

"The park and recreation department has really become the little engine that can, thanks to our youth sports organizations and thanks to the volunteers in this community. We've been very lucky," he said. One ongoing volunteer project will add a soccer field to the LeStage Property on High Street. Carvalho said T-Corp. has saved the town several thousand dollars by working to construct the field, and workers from the department of public works have also helped with the project, which has cost the town nothing.

Carvalho said the town is now looking for a volunteer with a big bulldozer to help with the project and bring the soccer field closer to a reality.

very cool!

Looks like I might meet with the parks and rec director next Thursday at 5. Is there anyone (Mike D, Rob, Matt D, etc.) interested in looking around the park before then and/or joining me on Thursday?

Umm ... yes, I'm interested ... just need to see what's going on Pete. I'll get back to you a.s.a.p.

I'll be at work, but maybe could do a prelim walk through prior to then.

Thanks guys. Mike I could meet tonight after 4, possibly sat after our challenge, sunday, mon after 4, tues at 5 , or wed after 4.
Let me know what works for you.

call my cell if today 774-249-9912

Great news! Count me in for any assistance needed.

Awesome guys. Hope it comes to fruition.

I'm giddy at the prospect of another course in this neck of the woods!

How, When, and Where can I help?!?!

chris p

Well for starters Rob and I will be planning a time to walk the grounds with the rec dept director some upcoming weekend day.. in the meantime I have walked it myself 3 times recently and am DYING to go with another person besides my wife and daughter so I can get someone else's perspective.... who wants to go and when ....

Hey Pete, if you're still looking to get out and walk the area with someone, I'm free tomorrow afternoon after 3. It looks like the rain is supposed to calm down to 30% chance of showers right around then. What are you doing after school monday?

chris p
774.259.4589