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Duo to pitch disc golf course for Spallumcheen

Men hope to be able to build course on township land, open in May or June
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Two men hope to convince Spallumcheen council about the benefits of constructing a disc golf course on township-owned land. (Black Press file photo)

UPDATED TUESDAY, JAN. 18, 12:45 P.M.

A proposed disc golf course for the Township of Spallumcheen has, for the time being, been flung toward the City of Armstrong.

Mike Beck and Andy Kliempt proposed to Spall council Monday their plan for a nine- or possibly 18-hole disc golf course on township property off Eagle Rock Road.

“The property they’re looking at is also in the ALR (Agricultural Land Reserve),” said Spallumcheen Mayor Christine Fraser Tuesday, Jan. 18. “So they would have to make a request to the ALR to have the land taken out of the reserve.”

Fraser and township council recommended the pair discuss the situation with Armstrong Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation and look at some pieces of land that already have amenities such as parking and washrooms included.

Suggestions included the parcel of land behind Armstrong’s swimming pool at Memorial Park, or at the Overlander Golf and Events Centre in Armstrong, which is going to be redeveloped into a smaller course with housing and plenty of green space.

Spall Coun. Todd York was absent from Monday’s township meeting.

Fraser said if the duo establish a disc golf course on existing property, there’s potential for them to come back to the township for a spot in Spallumcheen’s South East Sector and develop a full-size 18-hole course with amenities there.

ORIGINAL STORY

Two men hope to pitch a popular type of golf course for the Township of Spallumcheen.

But without using a pitching wedge.

Mike Beck and Andy Kliempt hope to open and operate a disc golf course in the township in 2o22.

“The goal is to have a viable course in place and operating by May/June,” said Beck. “This is achievable because there is not a huge amount of money or construction work needed, and improvements can be done in stages after the basic course opens.”

The men propose a course on township-owned land, a 6.5-acre parcel on Eagle Rock Road, though they admit the property would be tight for an 18-hole layout.

“We may consider a nine-hole course each with two tees and/or shared disc catcher (hole) locations which will allow front nine and back nine play with slightly varied layout and approach challenges,” said Beck.

The duo have modeled their proposal on a similar course and agreement in Salmon Arm where a provincial RAP Attack (initial wildfire resource) crew approached the City of Salmon Arm with the idea of developing city-owned unused park land into a disc golf course.

The city and the proponents signed a Letter of Understanding where the crew came up with the course layout, and researched where to buy the equipment and costs.

“The crew did the work of carving out the course, installing the catchers, tees and signs,” said Beck. “The city did the gravel parking lot, assisted with material moving and paid for the equipment and materials (approximately $16,000).”

Beck and Kliempt will make their proposal to township council Monday, Jan. 17.

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Roger Knox

About the Author: Roger Knox

I am a journalist with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. I started my career in radio and have spent the last 21 years working with Black Press Media.
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