EPA - Passive recreation determination?

[MetroWestMA-Jeff]

hey all - I've been looking into land to locate a potential course and was told by town officials that they have land deemed suitable for "passive recreation" but they don't think disc golf meets this definition...A good primer can be found here:http://www.citymtb.org/home/understanding-active-passive-recreational-uses-part-1#:~:text=Passive%20recreation%20refers%20to%20recreational%20activities%20that%20do,and%20are%20highly%20compatible%20with%20natural%20resource%20protection

In looking at the EPA definition it really seems like DG falls into a gray area -- as the course would not appear to need any additional building or maintenance than a typical trail network (for the most part) - as opposed to other sports fields or a ball golf course. I see on the EPA website several positive stories of DG courses on federal superfund/remediation sites, but nothing relating to DG going on passive rec lands (foe example see:https://semspub.epa.gov/work/HQ/100002682.pdf)....I had reached out to the EPA to see if I can get some additional technical assistance but was wondering if any of you all have had dealings with EOA or local officials regrading the classification of disc golf as passive recreation?

 

[joegraham]

The municipality designates what the use is for parks. Try the Park & Rec department first to see if they would even consider a course.

 

[Cgkdisc]

Yes, disc golf is in a gray area in terms of traditional property usage categories. Disc golf can and has been done on passive use land. But ideally, there should be a significant buffer of passive use land surrounding the disc golf area to reduce chances of interfering with active use areas near the course.