I was at the Trend Cellar over the weekend buying a couple of discs, and the guy working there said he had heard there was going to be a new course built in McHenry off of Lillian St. Has anyone else heard anything like this?
Yes, I too talked to the "kid" working there and he stated they were going to put in a course. His mother (Trend Cellar is her family business) also said they were not only helping to get the course in but they want to start running tournys as well. This was in the beggining of Aug. Have not heard anything else on that course.
has anyone heard anything new on this?
I live in McHenry, the trend Cellar owner plans on getting it approved in mid June. Start Building in July, and I heard a Mid to late August Opening of the course. Also Graduating Seniors of McHenry West Campus plan on putting in a course as well. That will probably be a nine hole course
Is it planned to go in at Cold Springs Park?
I played a couple rounds at the nine hole behind McHenry West Campus yesterday. As I said earlier it is nine holes. I played it the day after they put in all the baskets and tee off posts. So it isn't completely finished as of yet. Mainly the course is hilly and its open, maybe eventually a couple trees will be planted. the longest hole was 610 ft which you start off throwing over a patch of tall grass. I was talking to a couple of friends who made the course it's going to be mainly all par 4's and 3's. My favorite two holes were 4 and 5 the two right after the long hole three. Hole four's basket is hidden behind a bush and is a straight play from the tee. And Hole 5 at first I thought it was straight ahead behind a tree but discovered it was over and down the hill. out of view from the tee. another cool hole is 8. you tee off and play with the curve of the softball outfield fence. All in all I thought it was a decent little nine holer that will bring a little more excitement to students and locals. Also the trend cellar planned course to go in over by Lillian has been approved so look for that to be up soon. Word is that they want to do an 18 hole course with an additional nine. And they plan on running tournaments right away.
Oh a couple other things on the West Campus course. The first hole starts off to the left of the tennis courts as you are pulling into the parking lot. My only real complaint was that it was a long walk to each tee off spot, but oh well I don't think it will really matter
Quote from: Kevin on June 21, 2009, 12:36:36 PM
I played a couple rounds at the nine hole behind McHenry West Campus yesterday. As I said earlier it is nine holes. I played it the day after they put in all the baskets and tee off posts. So it isn't completely finished as of yet. Mainly the course is hilly and its open, maybe eventually a couple trees will be planted. the longest hole was 610 ft which you start off throwing over a patch of tall grass. I was talking to a couple of friends who made the course it's going to be mainly all par 4's and 3's. My favorite two holes were 4 and 5 the two right after the long hole three. Hole four's basket is hidden behind a bush and is a straight play from the tee. And Hole 5 at first I thought it was straight ahead behind a tree but discovered it was over and down the hill. out of view from the tee. another cool hole is 8. you tee off and play with the curve of the softball outfield fence. All in all I thought it was a decent little nine holer that will bring a little more excitement to students and locals. Also the trend cellar planned course to go in over by Lillian has been approved so look for that to be up soon. Word is that they want to do an 18 hole course with an additional nine. And they plan on running tournaments right away.
Thanks for the update, the Trend Cellar course is something to look forward to.
Quote from: StrikerME02 on June 21, 2009, 02:20:21 PM
Quote from: Kevin on June 21, 2009, 12:36:36 PM
I played a couple rounds at the nine hole behind McHenry West Campus yesterday. As I said earlier it is nine holes. I played it the day after they put in all the baskets and tee off posts. So it isn't completely finished as of yet. Mainly the course is hilly and its open, maybe eventually a couple trees will be planted. the longest hole was 610 ft which you start off throwing over a patch of tall grass. I was talking to a couple of friends who made the course it's going to be mainly all par 4's and 3's. My favorite two holes were 4 and 5 the two right after the long hole three. Hole four's basket is hidden behind a bush and is a straight play from the tee. And Hole 5 at first I thought it was straight ahead behind a tree but discovered it was over and down the hill. out of view from the tee. another cool hole is 8. you tee off and play with the curve of the softball outfield fence. All in all I thought it was a decent little nine holer that will bring a little more excitement to students and locals. Also the trend cellar planned course to go in over by Lillian has been approved so look for that to be up soon. Word is that they want to do an 18 hole course with an additional nine. And they plan on running tournaments right away.
Thanks for the update, the Trend Cellar course is something to look forward to.
No problem, yeah the locals in McHenry are getting pretty excited for the new course as well
Today I played the 9 holer at McHenry West Campus. Given the land they had, the course isn't bad at all. That being said, the land they had offered extremely little. All the holes are extremely open, you can count the amount of trees on the course on one hand. There really isn't any tall grass or weeds to come into the way except to the left of thee basket on hole 3 and in front and to the right of the basket on hole 4. Other things to note are that hole 5 is blind because there is a hill between the tee and pin, and hole 8 goes around the baseball field and if you land inside the field if you want your disc you'll have to climb the fence because all the gates were padlocked shut.
The good news is that while it is yet another wide open course that's only 9 holes, at least the holes have some distance. I'd say the majority of the holes are between 300-400 feet, with the longest being hole 3 at over 600' and hole 9 at I'd guess 450'. So at least it doesn't suffer from the "must birdie" 150-300 footers you always see at most 9 hole courses. I enjoyed playing it, despite the heat. Assuming all par 3's, I shot 3 birdies and a bogue (on the 600 footer), which isn't too terribly shabby so I'm happy with it.
The course is a mile or less from the Trend Cellar course (assuming it's going in at Cold Springs) so it's a great warm up course and a way for high school students to get introduced to the sport and then graduate to the Trend Cellar course.
Because the tee signs aren't in yet (just the posts) I'm attaching a course map I made, it definitely will be handy, because some of the tees aren't exactly close, or even remotely close, to the previous basket.
Can't wait for the Trend Cellar course!
-Keith
yeah, no exact word on the pars for the course yet, but a Friend of mine said probably majority par 3's and 4's. I'm thinking Holes 1,2,5,6, and 7 will be par 3's while 3, 4, 8, and 9 will be 4's although then I again everything could be par 3's with the exception of the long hole. But I'm thinking 3 or 4 holes will be par 4's. As of right now I have just been doing total shots. But I agree that this is a good warmup course in general. It has already been helping me with my distance accuracy (I'm not afraid to unload here like I am at Lippold and Antioch). I Drove by where the trend cellar is planning on building the new course, I'm thinking it could take a while the woods are pretty dense so that may involve taking down some trees. I was hearing a mid to late August Opening. The Course is supposdly planned out by the owners son and the kid knows what he is doing so it should be a good course.
I just play all par 3s on every course I go to, it just makes the math easier...
I just recently started doing that. It actually has helped me get better I am starting to post better scores.
Where is the 18 hole course going to be located in McHenry? Can someone post an address?
I got a chance to play the course at the McHenry HS West Campus. It's a great place to practice and the holes are open. It has some surprising length with 4 holes over 350ft. Course is closed during school hours and during athletic events.
Very nice tee signs. Tees are grass. The baskets are Innova with Orange bands.
Brad took me out to the site that might possibly be the new 18 hole course in McHenry. The land is very good disc golf land. VERY thick rough! This could be the areas best 18 hole course if it's designed properly. If it were to happen someone experienced needs to do the job. Some major work and thought is needed. There are no open areas where you can just place a hole. Each hole will need a fairway mowed and cleared.The area reminds me of the front 9 at Big Creek in Des Moines. http://www.dgcoursereview.com/gallery.php?id=68&mode=gal
Good to hear there are tee signs now.
And, hmmmmmm, maybe BRETT could have some input on the design of the new course...
Quote from: WkeBrd3 on July 09, 2009, 08:16:27 PM
Good to hear there are tee signs now.
And, hmmmmmm, maybe BRETT could have some input on the design of the new course...
Trust me, i'll do anything and everything to help this course get done right if i'm allowed.
To install this course right someone with experience needs to come in and take a look at the land. This is a HUGE task just to get a quality layout then acutally cutting/mowing fairways is another monumental task. I will be honest. I would have a hard time designing a course here. I have never been a part of installing a course where the entire property is covered with trees, brush, schule, etc..
Just take a look at the satellite map.
http://maps.google.com/maps?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GGLD_enUS310US310&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=cold+springs+park+mchenry+il&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,4556956172035308093&ei=reJWSuzoOYHCNuD78Z0I&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1
The Person designing the Course is the son of the owner of the Trend Cellar, I have been told he has been to numerous courses and has a great passion for the sport. If I know anything about the family it's that when they set out to do things they do it with profesionalism and with goal for it being the best possible. I truly believe the course will be in great hands.
Quote from: Kaypee09 on July 13, 2009, 11:00:15 PM
The Person designing the Course is the son of the owner of the Trend Cellar, I have been told he has been to numerous courses and has a great passion for the sport. If I know anything about the family it's that when they set out to do things they do it with profesionalism and with goal for it being the best possible. I truly believe the course will be in great hands.
I just hope he's been to courses outside this area because they are not a good model of how courses should be. The most experienced course designers would have their hands full designing this course.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on July 13, 2009, 11:09:00 PM
Quote from: Kaypee09 on July 13, 2009, 11:00:15 PM
The Person designing the Course is the son of the owner of the Trend Cellar, I have been told he has been to numerous courses and has a great passion for the sport. If I know anything about the family it's that when they set out to do things they do it with profesionalism and with goal for it being the best possible. I truly believe the course will be in great hands.
I just hope he's been to courses outside this area because they are not a good model of how courses should be. The most experienced course designers would have their hands full designing this course.
I'm not positive he is just the only one designing the course, I'm sure he has incoporated the help of other experiecned course designers. And yes he has been to other courses outside this area, I have friends who are close friends with the family and know the kid well. Also I believe there will also be volunteers from locals while putting the course up and there are quite a few dedicated to this sport and I'm sure they will make sure the course will be well done.
Quote from: Kaypee09 on July 13, 2009, 11:20:37 PM
Quote from: CEValkyrie on July 13, 2009, 11:09:00 PM
Quote from: Kaypee09 on July 13, 2009, 11:00:15 PM
The Person designing the Course is the son of the owner of the Trend Cellar, I have been told he has been to numerous courses and has a great passion for the sport. If I know anything about the family it's that when they set out to do things they do it with profesionalism and with goal for it being the best possible. I truly believe the course will be in great hands.
I just hope he's been to courses outside this area because they are not a good model of how courses should be. The most experienced course designers would have their hands full designing this course.
I'm not positive he is just the only one designing the course, I'm sure he has incoporated the help of other experiecned course designers. And yes he has been to other courses outside this area, I have friends who are close friends with the family and know the kid well. Also I believe there will also be volunteers from locals while putting the course up and there are quite a few dedicated to this sport and I'm sure they will make sure the course will be well done.
I am excited and keeping my fingers crossed someone will get it right and get a quality course installed in the area. I am not confident this kid is capable of making it happen.
i have been playing the mchenry high school course and must say it is a fairly decent nine hole. i hope this 18 hole course is here soon. been try to find out info but the city website hasnt updated in a while on park meeting minutes. but i did find this from last november -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Professional
consultant Terry Miller of Lifetime Disc Sports submitted his impressive resume and has
offered to assist in the design phase of the course at no cost to the City. Mr. Miller has
walked the site and has shared some of his thoughts on how best to utilize the park for this
project. so hopefully this guy is still on board. i hope we get a great park out of the deal.
here is the link for the city of mchenry-----
http://www.ci.mchenry.il.us/clerksoffice%20-%20parks%20&%20recreation.shtm
and there is a myspace page----
http://www.myspace.com/tomasspcf
the only problem with the myspace page is that you have to be friends with it to view it. i put in a friend request last week and still havent been accepted so good luck if u try.
Terry is a great guy and understands what it takes to install a quality disc golf course. Hopefully he is utilized.
has any body heard or seen any progress on this course if so please post
New disc golf course planned
By CRYSTAL LINDELL - clindell@nwherald.com
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ShareMcHENRY – Area residents could be playing disc golf at a new 18-hole course in McHenry by late winter or early spring.
The McHenry Kiwanis Club is working to partner with the city and various fundraisers to build an $87,900 course at Cold Springs Park, in the Park Ridge Estates neighborhood near McHenry West High School.
The school is home to the only existing course in the city, which will work out well, Kiwanis Club member Dan Jannotta said.
That's because the course at West is more for beginners, while the planned course at the park would be more advanced.
"Cold Springs was most ideal in terms of the terrain and the space available," he added. "We've got the course laid out to go over the wetland areas, and it's going to be really pretty."
The Kiwanis Club has had the idea for the course in the works for about two years.
"It crosses all ages groups and sexes, and it's kind of the new thing going on," Jannotta said.
If all goes well, 18 holes could open officially by June, but Jannotta said he was hoping they might be ready in time for late winter play. The club also eventually plans to add nine more holes to the course, but a time line for that has yet to be set.
Aside from casual play, tournaments also are planned for the site, which is at 319 DePaul Court.
"That's kind of the goal," Jannotta said. "It's just going to be a very professionally laid-out course."
Funding for the project is slated to be split three ways. The Kiwanis Club would fund $15,000 of the project, developer donations funneled through the city would fund $62,900, and the remaining $10,000 would come from fundraising, hole sponsors and community donations.
The single biggest cost would be $50,000 for a parking lot off Lillian Street, according to city documents. Other costs include $10,000 for brush removal and landscape work, $7,000 for fencing and $6,000 for targets, among other things.
Thank you for the post of the article. That is good news. Hopefully the design is worthwhile.
that article is recent I presume? It's funny because the owner of the Trendcellar had made it seem like the course would be done for fall, oh well. Still can't wait for it in either Winter or June. I have been hearing they are going to do a couple different things with holes to make it different from most other courses. They wanted to make a hole where you throw off a platform over cattails or something.
yes the article was from today august 10 th in the norhtwes therald. cant wait either
what makes it even better is that I have a few friends who will be living right by the Course, and i will be about 5 minutes away. It will be great. Plus I'm going to MCC for atleast a year so plenty of time to play
one thing I fear is that this new Course is going to anger a lot of the older McHenry residents, a lot of them likely won't see the point in a $88,000 course. But really in the last couple years the sport has really grown in popularity in McHenry and the course at the school gets a fairshare of play. I know me and my friends have been waiting for this course for a while now and I'm just stoked that it appears to be coming finally. I just hope the course will be done the right way, which I believe it will. I know I want to volunteer to help with the course.
To me that $88,000 is misleading. The parking lot cost will allow other users to access the park as well. No matter what activity planned at that park they were going to need to build a parking lot.
For $38,000 there are not many park activities that can be constructed that cost less. I can gurantee a single baseball field, soccer field, basketball court, and tennis court would cost more.
How often do you see these at parks? Just look how much they cost.
http://www.qiteleplaygrounds.com/product_view.php?typeid=52&pid=263
Quote from: stangoo on August 10, 2009, 02:47:40 PM
yes the article was from today august 10 th in the norhtwes therald. cant wait either
Here is a link to the article.
http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2009/08/07/r_0wwietcxtiaw0ywsh_dtw/index.xml
Disc golf course opposed
By LEE ANN GILL – editorial@nwherald.com
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ShareMcHENRY – Saying they want to preserve the wildlife and wetlands at Cold Springs Park, residents of the Park Ridge Estates subdivision packed the City Council meeting Monday night to oppose a disc golf course being planned for the park.
Residents spoke during the public input portion of the meeting, but Mayor Susan Low said the council would not make comments about the presentation. Instead, it would discuss the issue at a future meeting.
The McHenry Kiwanis Club is working with the city to build the $87,900 course at the park, which is in the Park Ridge Estates neighborhood near McHenry West High School, which is where a beginners disc golf course is located. The new course would be for more seasoned players.
"It was told to us it would be a passive park," Park Ridge Estates resident Brenda Mehlieg said of the plans at Cold Springs. "Disc golf is not a passive sport."
Concerns are for disturbing the wildlife and wetlands, John Mehlieg said.
"When you play disc golf, it goes off course," he said. "It's going to ruin the wildlife and nature preserve."
The majority of the project would be paid for through the city's developer donations, with the remainder paid for by the Kiwanis Club and through fundraisers and other donations.
The largest chunk of the expense – $50,000 – would pay for a parking lot off Lillian Street, according to city documents.
"We are disc golf players," resident Maddie Pepe said. "We enjoy the game."
But the area being eyed for development of the course is "very muddy, boggy and very wet," she said.
The game also is played mostly by young males, she said, adding that it could bother other people in the park.
"It's very intimidating," Pepe said.
Curt Pepe presented a detailed argument to the council, handing out copies of the speech titled "Documentary Presentation by Park Ridge Residents for the Preservation of Cold Springs Park."
Curt Pepe said residents were completely unaware of the plans until reading about the proposed course in a recent newspaper article.
"A better option for a disc course would be Miller Riverfront Park," he told the council. "There is no need to travel through any subdivision to access the park."
Curt Pepe also talked about damage to surrounding trees caused when hit with the discs.
"Trees and shrubs are struck by hard plastic discs thrown by golfers" he said, passing one of the discs around for council members to feel it. "Golfers continuously cut paths through the thicket and bushes when retrieving discs that fly away from the goal or off the fairway
Here's the link
http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2009/08/18/r_c_bcjcmwrvylxcny5rcoka/index.xml
so yeah, my gut feeling tells me this isn't going to be built, in this exact location, and will likely be built somewhere else. What I don't understand is I thought the parking lot was going to be off of Lillian and not actually in the neighborhood. And if the parking lot is off of Lillian how would that cause traffic in the neighborhood? Also I have never seen a disc do damage to a tree and that is what opposers are saying in this article. Really if someone from discontinumm could possibly get involved and send their opinions to the city I think it would help. But again I'm not sure if that is possible.
As far as the damage to the 'thicket and bushes', that is obviously true as one would see at any other course with alot of rough. I don't know if you'd call that ruining the wildlife and nature preserve.
The comments from this female stating that "the participants of the game are young males and it is very intimidating" seem ridiculous. How is that a real argument that anybody would listen to? You are frightened of young males and don't want to attract them to this park? But then she says she actually enjoys disc golf (where is she playing to avoid the young males?), but does not think this land is suitable as its very muddy. They really could have left her statements out of the article as they don't seem like the kind of well thought-out arguments that should matter when making decisions that impact thousands of people.
I'm curious as to how much usage this wildlife and nature preserve area currently gets.
there isn't much usage at all at this location, there has been talks of some sort of recreational park going there for years, but as always, McHenry doesn't seem to get it done. Really McHenry wants to become a Crystal Lake Like City, but it seems like city officials have now idea what they are doing. There are dozens of empty stores in a new shopping area that have remained empty because the City of McHenry appears to be so unorganized.
Really I would just like to see McHenry hold true to their word for once and get something done.
another thing is that a lot of people are saying why build a new course when there is already one at the highschool. Well that course at the highschool is closed while Activities at the school are in session, so really those courses will not be in usage most of the time during the week and will only be capable of use on weekends. If the course does get put in where it is planned to be, I forsee a lot of protests by McHenry Citizens, I can see this whole project getting messy, and it will be a shame because for once McHenry is trying to get something done but it's citizens get in the way
i thought this course was green lighted to go in. maybe all these people should have been invloved from the begining. this course has been discussesd in the parks and recreation meetings for over a year if not longer. shows how much they pay attention to their comunity by finding out in the paper. dont get me wrong there are some people who dont care about keeping parks clean, i understand but most of the parks around this area are kept up fairly well. i love the sport and think its great that we get more courses. iv also walked cold springs and there is never ever any body there. you can tell that that park does not get used by anyone and defenitly not by those people who live next to it. someone always has to get on thier high horse and bitch. well i hope this course sticks it to them and gets buil . i know ill be there.
seems like someone is way cooler than anyone in mchenry could ever be. why do you need to diss the community. let it be if it happens it will happen.
http://www.nwherald.com/columnists/columns/2009/08/20/r_hkbf15fot0wrifyzjv6jua/
An opinion in the Northwest Herald, one that is supporting the new course.
People always give you exactly what you want if you come at them with a heavy dose of sarcasm...
A representative from McHenry who is working on this project called me yesterday. We discussed the issues that the neighbors have. Right now the project is in the air and i'm not sure what is going to happen.
well hopefully they resolve all the issues and make the the residents and us disc golfers happy. i guess we wait and see
I got a chance to look over the proposed course map. It's a whopping 4,300 feet ???.
It appears thru the meeting minutes that Terry Miller of Lifetime Disc Sports helped with the design. I talked to Terry and he walked the land one time and had NO input with the design. I've made them aware of that and they should bring an expert back in to give a second opinion.
Created: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 1:15 a.m. CDTFONT SIZE:Save Cold Springs Park
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ShareTo the Editor:
The city of McHenry appears bound and determined to proceed with a plan to put a disc golf course in Cold Springs Park. Precious taxpayer dollars are currently being wasted on engineering.
The issue is not disc golf. The issue is the land. More than 270 have signed a petition to save Cold Springs. Why is the city so anxious to pick a fight with so many citizens over this issue, particularly when there is no real need, with a 9-hole course at McHenry West, an 18-hole course a few minutes away at Lippold Park, and 23 others within 25 miles.
The mayor and city council have been provided graphic evidence of the environmental destruction that will result if this course is placed on this sensitive land.
There is a reason it is a delineated wetland and shown as a protected wetland on the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Web site.
Those trying to save the park hope that other city council members will join Aldermen Andrew Glab and Steven Murgatroyd in opposing this plan, which will destroy Cold Springs Park as a nature area, protected wetland, and groundwater regeneration resource.
SFlbIver Johnson
McHenry
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UFCreel wrote on October 7, 2009 8:02 a.m.
"Because local government does what it wants to. Just like State and Federal Government. They have money to spend and instead of giving it back to the tax payer they will spend it. So they wont listen they think they know whats best. Hence all the urban sprawl around here. Frisbee golf anyone?"
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UFCreel wrote on October 7, 2009 8:02 a.m.
"Because local government does what it wants to. Just like State and Federal Government. They have money to spend and instead of giving it back to the tax payer they will spend it. So they wont listen they think they know whats best. Hence all the urban sprawl around here. Frisbee golf anyone?"
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UFCreel wrote on October 7, 2009 8:03 a.m.
"OOp's"
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icyfire wrote on October 7, 2009 8:56 a.m.
"Need to vote this bunch out at the next election. Time to clean house."
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Scylla and Charybdis wrote on October 7, 2009 9:48 a.m.
"I love disc golf and cannot wait to play at the new course. Thank you McHenry for paying attention to all of your constituents and not just the vocal minority."
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60010.. wrote on October 7, 2009 10:23 a.m.
"icyfire, you're right! Time to get rid of all the McHenry County Good Old Boy republican office holders. "
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This part made me laugh out loud when I saw it.. "environmental destruction"
I'm sorry but there is ENOUGH protected land out there as it is! Disc Golfers are generally well trained in how to conduct themselves while playing on a course. It's the chuckers who don't actually care. Also, if they actually looked at political voting on agendas by people in office, you will notice that most of the people who vote to protect "sensitive land" are liberals! I'm not bashing either party but that republican comment needs to be addressed.
Just another group of uninformed blow-hards who most likely live close to the park
Quote from: fathergod on October 07, 2009, 09:23:34 AMDisc Golfers are generally well trained in how to conduct themselves while playing on a course. It's the chuckers who don't actually care.
Quote... uninformed blow-hards ...
ROFLMAO
So after having a rather heated discussion on the topic, it seems like only 500+ have concerns about the course. 500 out of over 20,000?? If the city doesn't change their mind or something happens in the near future, this is a done deal! ;D
AND SO IT ENDS
Created: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 1:15 a.m. CDTUpdated: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 8:15 a.m. CDTFONT SIZE:Council votes down McHenry disc golf layout
By CRYSTAL LINDELL - clindell@nwherald.com
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ShareMcHENRY – An emotionally charged City Council unanimously voted Monday night to nix plans for a McHenry disc golf course.
Ward 7 Alderman Geri Condon, who represents the ward that includes the site and surrounding homes, almost was in tears as she addressed the crowd. She said opponents of the course had tried to intimidate her into voting against it.
"I have a 13-year-old son who I was afraid to leave home alone because people had threatened us," she said. "Over a disc golf course?"
The council cited unrelated financial reasons in its decision to pull support from the controversial project. City staff members had determined that the original $50,000 price tag for the parking lot needed to triple, which would have made the project too expensive.
The McHenry Kiwanis Club was working to partner with the city and various fundraisers to build the course at Cold Springs Park, in the Park Ridge Estates neighborhood near McHenry West High School.
However, many of the neighborhood's residents were against the project. They argued that the park should remain a wetland.
Ward 4 Alderman Steve Murgatroyd told the audience that he felt that some of the opponents' measures were extreme.
"There were [those] who used tactics that I thought were very disturbing," he said. "[But] I applaud those who did a good job of stating their points."
Jayne Bockman, who lives near the course, said she didn't know anything about the alleged threats.
"We have yet to see any proof of this," she said. "I felt that [comment] was directed at the group of us, which the majority, if not all, did not speak like that to Mrs. Condon."
Bockman cited a desire to preserve the wetlands in the park as well as traffic and safety concerns as her reasons for opposing it.
"I am not against disc golf; ... it is just not appropriate in this location," she said.
Murgatroyd said he wasn't against the concept, but he knew the price wasn't feasible. Condon agreed that the price tag had become too steep but said she would like to see something built in the park, such as a baseball field.
Nancy Wichhart, one of the nearby residents, was happy the council pulled support for the course because she wanted the wetlands preserved. She said she'd oppose any plans to alter the park.
"I don't think it's over yet," she said.
The jump in price for the parking lot, which was slated to be funded with city developer donations, was credited to the need to accommodate higher than originally expected volumes of traffic.
Assistant City Administrator Bill Hobson said that after studying the issue, staff members estimated between 250 and 400 people would use the park on a weekly basis.
However, that would have been too much traffic to route through a residential neighborhood, so staff members would have needed to change the proposed parking lot location.
Ward 6 Alderman Robert Peterson, a member of the Kiwanis Club, agreed that $150,000 would be too much for a parking lot, but didn't comment further during the meeting.
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kms wrote on October 13, 2009 6:20 a.m.
"People were very overzealous. I live in the subdivision. I think it was first a matter of disorganization. I had two people bother me at my home about it in a single hour and more people knocking on my door about 2 addition separate times. A few more times I just got found flyers, thank heaven I wasn't home. It's a game of frisby for pity sakes! Don't we want people to use county spaces? "
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pricklypear wrote on October 13, 2009 7:20 a.m.
"The city made the right decision but for the wrong reason. The issue is land use not the cost of a parking lot. Alderman Glab was the only one that understood the issue, namely that the city had commited to maintain that park as a nature area/wetland as part of the dedication. What was particularly pathetic was the Condon/Murgatroyd violin saga regarding all the abuse they had received. Nobody in that room last night or at any prior council meeting threatened or used any obscenities, yet they painted everybody with that accusation. "
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meg wrote on October 13, 2009 7:26 a.m.
"One of the commenters was quoted as saying, "I don't think it's over yet,". You can be sure of that. The ignorance (regarding future plans for the sight) of those who bought homes there is no excuse for their bad behavior or their feeble arguments. When that neighborhood was started over 10 years ago it was made quite clear that the sight would be developed, and it will be. It is only a matter of time. NIMBY's. "
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Majority Rules wrote on October 13, 2009 7:50 a.m.
"NO.....that's the mantra repeated all over this County. MEG is right.....just a bunch of NIMBYs that get their debate skills from the Republican party. Frisby golf......oooohhh, so scary! It won't be played at night or in the winter or inclement weather......!!!!!"
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newsbeat wrote on October 13, 2009 8:12 a.m.
"Meg's analysis is as faulty as her spelling. It is unfortunate that the disc golfers still don't get it. It is not about disc golf; it is about appropriate land use and about the City honoring its commitment to maintain the area delineated on the Plat as a Nature Area / Wetland as such. Alderman Glab hit it on the head. He was there when the negotiations occurred. The City made a commitment - people relied on it. Honor it. The City should adhere to the Character Counts credo it talks about so much."
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Snoopy wrote on October 13, 2009 8:15 a.m.
"You missed the point it was promised to the donator that it would remain as a wetlands. Why do you people want to ruin a great park that is home to many species of wildlife? What would you want in your neighborhood deer, chipmunks and rabbits or 50MPH flying discs. There are other parks in McHenry that are better suited for disc golf. I still smell the one business that supports this at work here. Sorry but you lost so start selling hiking boots "
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BubbleToes wrote on October 13, 2009 8:38 a.m.
"Sorry Majority Rules. I'm a liberal democrat and I'm glad this thing did not pass. Your comments show your ignorance about this issue. Save your political BS for other threads. "
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WRUTA wrote on October 13, 2009 8:38 a.m.
"meg wrote on October 13, 2009 7:26 a.m. "One of the commenters was quoted as saying, "I don't think it's over yet,". You can be sure of that. The ignorance (regarding future plans for the sight) of those who bought homes there is no excuse for their bad behavior or their feeble arguments. When that neighborhood was started over 10 years ago it was made quite clear that the sight would be developed, and it will be. It is only a matter of time. NIMBY's. " --- so meg, you don't give a hoot about perserving nature where we can? "
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WRUTA wrote on October 13, 2009 8:40 a.m.
"Hey meg and majority, can we build a disc golf park in your back yard? If you respond, just answer the question."
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Greenview wrote on October 13, 2009 8:45 a.m.
"Boo Hoo Hoo. Costs over runs give me a break the city has been sitting on this rotten egg for over a year and now the prposed parking is to small and this and that. Big thumbs up for Park Ridge Estates residents fight the good fight!"
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kms wrote on October 13, 2009 8:46 a.m.
"Are we going to outlaw frisby everywhere?"
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BubbleToes wrote on October 13, 2009 8:54 a.m.
"Phone calls and e-mails can be traced. Have the Police followed up on these so called threats? And what have they found? Face it Ald. Condon, you failed your constituents. You failed to let them know this park was going to be developed even after nearly two years of discussion. You blindly threw your support behind it without any input from the people it would impact most. And that PO'd a lot of people. "
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WRUTA wrote on October 13, 2009 8:58 a.m.
"Really kms? I live in the neighborhood too and signed one petition and recieved one flier. I just must not be as popular as you. I'm so sad. No one opposed to this location has said word one about being opposed to frisby golf. Just put it in a more realistic location, not in a beautiful area like Cold Springs. People wanting to protect what they were promised are not overzealous. They were vocal about what they wanted to save. Did anyone get a dead cat on their porch? I think not."
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BubbleToes wrote on October 13, 2009 9:01 a.m.
"The people you supposedly represent. You claim to always take input from your constituents and always return their calls. How were we supposed to provide you comments when we didn't even know what was being proposed? "
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newsbeat wrote on October 13, 2009 9:03 a.m.
"The comments made by Aldermen Condon and Murgatroyd last night about threats and the like were offensive to every resident in the room. Although they deflected a bit, they were really accusing that group of threatening and intimidating conduct. Nonsense! Nobody in that room or in any prior Council session engaged in any such behavior and if there is any evidence to the contrary, let's see it! If Condon was the target of any threat or intimidation, we condemn it unequivocally. But the accusation against those in that chamber was offensive and inexcusable."
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meg wrote on October 13, 2009 9:24 a.m.
"I didn't build a house adjacent to property that was slated to be developed into a city park. I also didn't agree that the disc golf was necessarily the best use of the property, and I shared that view with my alderman. My point is that it will be developed eventually, and I'll bet dollars to donuts that the NIMBYs will be out in full force again."
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What is in that well water you all up there are drinking ?
Anyone is support of wetlands are a bunch of fing idiots! Lets have a place for the bunny rabbits and the birds to live... Are you kidding me?? My father dealt with this problem for many years while on the county board. Basically wetlands are created by liberals who want to use the land to block development ;permanently or because they don't think the land would be best used in that situation. I happen to agree with him because look at all the wetlands you actually have. How does it benefit anyone but nature and the people who support it. It was going to be used as a fricking park for everyone! Can you see some handicapped guy decide to go down the path to look at the pretty birdies? The threats mentioned are not surprising either as my father received them also. He could be in a store getting food and someone would come up to him and talk to him about the pending vote coming up. If he stayed talking to them, they were nice but the minute he had to go to check out etc the treat would become included into the conversation. Either, house egging or he will be voted out of office next election etc
Um ... it is a fricking park for everyone.
"Don't it always seem to go
You don't know what you got 'til it's gone
They paved paradise
And they put up a parking lot."
I love how they have this delusional idea that Disc Golf destroys nature. Obviously they have never been to Western Michigan to play Disc Golf where the nature around the Ludington Courses and Flip City is breath taking. These people have no idea what Disc Golf is about and it is really disheartening to see them condemn it before experiencing it.
The thing that smacks of hypocrisy is that the people who claim to be concerned with protecting the wetland are the same ones who bought and/or built houses that abut a wetland.
Quote from: fathergod on October 13, 2009, 11:31:17 AM
Anyone is support of wetlands are a bunch of fing idiots! Lets have a place for the bunny rabbits and the birds to live... Are you kidding me?? My father dealt with this problem for many years while on the county board. Basically wetlands are created by liberals who want to use the land to block development ;permanently or because they don't think the land would be best used in that situation. I happen to agree with him because look at all the wetlands you actually have. How does it benefit anyone but nature and the people who support it. It was going to be used as a fricking park for everyone! Can you see some handicapped guy decide to go down the path to look at the pretty birdies?
Thank goodness it's just THAT simple. Stupid liberals . . . . . . :rolleyes:
Quote from: jack on October 13, 2009, 12:59:29 PM
The thing that smacks of hypocrisy is that the people who claim to be concerned with protecting the wetland are the same ones who bought and/or built houses that abut a wetland.
If you support national parks should you avoid property that abuts national parks? If you support lakes, should you avoid lakefront property? Would it be okay if they bought parcels that abutted parcels that abutted the wetland? How far removed from the wetland must one build to be virtuous?
Quote from: jack on October 13, 2009, 12:59:29 PM
The thing that smacks of hypocrisy is that the people who claim to be concerned with protecting the wetland are the same ones who bought and/or built houses that abut a wetland.
hypocrisy while dealing with NIMBYs? That would never happen in the greater chicagoland area.
Can't we all just get along and sing cumbaya around a campfire???? It sounds like there is plenty of open space in McHenry B)
Maybe I'll be there to shake your hand
Maybe I'll be there to share the land
That they'll be givin' away
When we all live together
I'm talkin' 'bout together now
Thank goodness it's just THAT simple. Stupid liberals . . . . . . :rolleyes:
[/quote]
Perhaps you outta check out your facts before you comment on what I said.
Check out your facts? You mean the fact that you are advocating a disc golf course which would be, in fact:
- installed by the government with taxpayer money
- maintained by the government with taxpayer money
- installed on land purchased by the government with taxpayer money
- "used as a fricking park for everyone!"
Can you BE more liberal socialist than that?
Quote from: fathergod on October 13, 2009, 11:31:17 AM
Anyone is support of wetlands are a bunch of fing idiots! ...Basically wetlands are created by liberals who want to use the land to block development ;permanently or because they don't think the land would be best used in that situation. I happen to agree with him because look at all the wetlands you actually have. How does it benefit anyone but nature and the people who support it. It was going to be used as a fricking park for everyone!
Wetlands play a valuable role in flood control, they are very effective at filtering and cleaning water, and they serve as a habitat for many types of plants and animals. In fact, they are considered the most diverse of all ecosystems. But don't just take my word for it. After all, I'm just a pansy liberal pinko commie (in addition to an f-ing idiot). ::) Do some research about the valuable role wetlands play in our ecosystem.
Can't putt, regarding your question about how far one should build from the wetland, the answer varies. All wetlands require a buffer zone, which is generally thought of as a buffer against human generated disturbance in areas adjacent to the wetland. In terms of regulations, the buffer zone extends horizontally 100 feet from the wetland edge. The upland adjacent to the wetland is critical to the survival of wetland-dependent wildlife, and its importance for wildlife extends well beyond 100 feet. This adjacent upland provides the habitat critical for activities, including nesting, feeding, cover, and over-wintering. Without providing protection to the adjacent upland, a wetland is unable to support the same biodiversity. Thus, the adjacent land is really a "life zone," not just a buffer protecting these species from adjacent human activities. The size of the buffer will depend on the resource value, the intensity of adjacent land use, the buffer characteristics (slope, soil type, etc), and specific buffer functions (taken from http://www.umass.edu/nrec/pdf_files/final_project.pdf).
Here's the part that will be telling. In the article posted up thread, a resident, Jayne Brockman stated a desire to preserve the wetlands in the park, as well as traffic and safety concerns, as her reasons for opposing the disc golf course. She said, "I am not against disc golf; ... it is just not appropriate in this location." In the next paragraph, Geri Condon agreed that the price tag had become too steep
but said she would like to see something built in the park, such as a baseball field. If a baseball field (or whatever) gets built, then you'll know that this wasn't about protecting the wetland at all.
Judging solely from the article it doesn't seem that Alderman Condon's view represents that of her constituency in this matter. I'm guessing no way in hell a baseball field ever goes into that park.
It was a rhetorical question, Jack. Given that the wetland is already incorporated into a park it is likely that appropriate buffers are included. If so, then the houses are outside the buffer zone -- no hypocrisy. A brief view on Google Earth confirms this.