Plans are in place to construct an 18-hole disc golf course in Sunningdale Nature Park.

On Tuesday night, city council approved the Licensing and Construction Agreement between the City of Moose Jaw and the Sunningdale VLA Community Association.

The term is for five years beginning on June 1, 2023. The agreement will renew automatically if both parties are satisfied.

"Over the last month or so, we've worked closely with the Sunningdale VLA [Community] Association to develop the agreement before you today," commented Director of Parks and Recreation Derek Blais. "We feel that the agreement will meet the needs of both parties, while creating a new and exciting recreational opportunity for the citizens of Moose Jaw."

Under the agreement, all capital construction and programming costs for the new disc golf course are the responsibility of the Sunningdale VLA Community Association with the estimated cost to install the course and signage being approximately $12,000. Prior to any construction activity or improvements to the land, the Association must submit a detailed proposal to the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Association would assume all expenses for the ongoing operation and management and repair of the baskets and tee boxes.

Councillor Crystal Froese expressed her support for the plan.

"It's great to see this here before us tonight," she remarked. "Wakamow already has an 18-hole disc golf course, which is very popular. The Moose Jaw Disc Golf Association has almost 250 members on their Facebook page. I've seen people out disc golfing in the middle of winter, so it's pretty hardcore as far as the sport goes."

Any revenues from programming initiatives associated with the disc golf would remain with the Sunningdale VLA Community Association, with the caveat that revenues go back into community programming as offered by the Association. The group would also be able to sell any advertising on tee boxes with the approval of the city, and be able to use those funds towards any future improvements to the course or any programs offered. The Association would also cover any expenses related to removing remaining property if ever the agreement were to be terminated.

The Licensing and Construction Agreement also states that the course is only allowed to be used for disc golf activities or any events that are hosted by the Sunningdale VLA Community Association. Another requirement is that the Sunningdale VLA Community Association must remain incorporated to ensure the agreement remains legally binding. The Sunningdale VLA Association will also be required to keep a $5 million commercial general liability policy. Any party can terminate the agreement with 90 days' notice.

The City of Moose Jaw also has several obligations under the agreement.

"From the city's perspective, we're going to assist by providing some garbage receptacles at some mutually agreed upon locations throughout the course," explained Blais. "We're going to continue to maintain the land as per our regular maintenance practices."

The city will also assist in coordinating a grand opening ceremony once the course is ready to open up to the public and will help with marketing and promotion.

Discs will be available for sign-out at the Kinsmen Sportsplex.

Blais said the hope was to have the new 18-hole disc golf course operational in Sunningdale Nature Park before the end of summer.

The city noted that the proposal from the Sunningdale VLA Community Association aligns with the Parks, Open Space and Community Recreation objectives of the Official Community Plan.

The course is being designed by Zach Renwick.

- with files from Shawn Slaght/Discover Moose Jaw

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