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Published December 04, 2009, 01:31 AM

Makes disc golf plea

We are writing to express our sincere disappointment to the permanent closing of the Willow River State Park Disc Golf Course located at Willow River State Park.

By: Michael & Kayla Demopoulos, Hudson, Hudson Star-Observer

Dear Editor,

We are writing to express our sincere disappointment to the permanent closing of the Willow River State Park Disc Golf Course located at Willow River State Park.

On Nov. 15 we entered Willow River State Park to play disc golf. We have played at this course many times but it was a while since we have played Willow River. We purchased a parking pass.

When we entered we saw a sign saying the Disc Golf Course was closed. We went inside the office and we were told it was permanent closing. We are very disappointed that our home course is closed. The next closest course is in River Falls. That course however is not equivalent to the play experienced at Willow River State Park’s Course. To find an equivalent course we now will have to travel to St. Paul.

We were informed by the park official of several reasons for the decision on the closing:

  • Littering: I can only remember one trash can on the entire 18 holes of this course. It is sad that people are lazy but having trash cans throughout the course will greatly reduce this problem.

  • Damage to the trees: I think would be addressed by implementing a Pay for Play model at the course. The courses that are Pay for Play typically are better respected by the players. I would recommend an additional $2 per person per day to play the course.

  • Foul language: This is also reduced with my Pay for Play and having well posted rules and regulations. Wisconsin State parks are for all Wisconsin residents. We all need to make the park more enjoyable for everyone, not just kick out an entire group.

  • Underage drinking/drug dealing: This is a law enforcement issue. Again Pay for Play and well posted rules would reduce this.

  • Players as a group: We were told that disc golf players as a whole are causing the above issues and concerns. This is very untrue.

    Lastly I am asking for support the reopening of the Willow River State Park’s Disc golf Course. I know the state park still owns the baskets. I also am confident we can work together to address the concerns that are still exist.

    And if we fail in saving the disc golf course at Willow River State Park I ask for support in opening a disc golf course in another location in Hudson.

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