The Save Rifle Camp Park Coalition made its proposal public during a press conference Thursday.
Preakness Valley Golf Course is the largest county park in lower Passaic County and has two golf courses, and the disc golf community recommends that border areas of operating golf courses be used for new disc golf courses, the coalition’s website states.
The site also is convenient to public transportation, and already has a pro shop, restaurant, bar and restrooms, the site states. “Installation of the new disc golf course could be made immediate, and would have real benefits for disc golfers,” the site states.
More than 2,300 people have signed an online petition against the course being built at Rifle Camp Park, a natural park used by hikers and birdwatchers.
“The discs used for this sport are made of hard, heavy plastic (often with a sharp edge) and can travel at high speeds. This will make the park unsafe for hikers, birders, fitness walkers, and any other visitors,” the petition states. Petitioners also say the plan would have negative environmental impacts on the park.
Passaic County officials and those designing the course at Rifle Camp Park have said it would be designed not to interfere with trails or harm natural scenery, and would cover 14 to 18 acres of the 225-acre park. Proponents have also said it would bring more people to the park.
Disc golf is similar to regular golf, but players throw golf discs and aim for baskets attached to poles. The object of the game is to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws.
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