Wanaka disc golfers (from left) Martin Galley, Shannon
Foley, Hazen Simson and Matt Gunn, alongside Blizzid the
dog. Mr Galley says Lismore Park is a massive area which
can be shared by many groups. Photo by Matthew Haggart.
Frisbee fans say a disc golf course at Lismore Park in
Wanaka will better utilise the massive reserve, despite
opposition from the Wanaka Residents Association, which claims
the pursuit is too sporty.
The Wanaka Community Board decided at a meeting this week a
proposal for an 18-hole disc golf course at Lismore Park
should go out for community consultation.
Frisbee golf club spokesman Martin Galley told the Otago
Daily Times yesterday he had been surprised at the level of
opposition to the proposal when it went before the community
board.
"This park is underutilised. It is a massive area, which can
be shared by all sorts of groups," he said.
Former Wanaka board member Graham Dickson said disc golf
should be played elsewhere.
The Lismore Park management plan protects passive recreation,
which is incompatible with Frisbee golf.
The Wanaka Residents Association representative said
unsuspecting park-users would be susceptible to "high-speed
flying missiles" and other "inaccuracies" common to golf.
He called for a more suitable park to be found.
After taking advice from parks manager Gordon Bailey and
seeking information from Mr Galley, the board decided the
proposal did not comply with the management plan and it
should be notified for public submissions.
The board was also split on whether to support the activity
or reduce the proposed course from 18 holes to nine holes.
A hearing panel to consider public submissions has been
appointed, comprising Jude Battson, Ken Copland and Mike
O'Connor.
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