Editor:
The SCRD is contemplating building a disc (frisbee) golf course in Welcome Woods Wilderness Park (WWWP) and/or Connor Park. The SCRD held a meeting about the parks on Dec. 10 at Halfmoon Bay Elementary School, largely attended by the Sunshine Coast Disc Golf Association (SCDGA).
Others in attendance were not allowed to ask questions, besides what disc golf is, as the SCRD was seeking input from the attendees on such issues as what trails in the forests are “non-essential.” The SCDGA and the SCRD believe the forests are “underutilized.”
The SCDGA wants to build a nine- or, preferably, an 18-hole course with fairways approximately 20 feet wide and 50 to 300 feet long. All of the underbrush, small trees and lower hanging branches, except between the fairways, will be removed. They promised not to cut down the big trees. They have repeatedly met with the SCRD and the leading candidates for the location is in the WWWP, along either side of the single-lane access road to the water tower, which is also a driveway for several residences.
The SCRD purchased the land that composes the WWWP (all 179.4 acres) in the 1970s for $1 and agreed in a covenant to allocate the land for hiking/recreation and that no trees would be cut down.
The SCRD did not appear concerned about the covenant. The presenter repeatedly commented how old the covenant was, as if that was a reason to disregard it. The SCDGA talked like the course is a sure thing.
Connor Park, like the WWWP, is a dense regenerating forest used by many hikers and bikers. It is also a poor choice for the course.
The SCRD is holding an online survey, until Jan. 10, about the parks and course at www.scrd.ca.
Ric Bills, Halfmoon Bay
