Proposed Course in South Jersey Facing Opposition - Help Needed DGCR

[Coasterbrad]

Thanks for the help everyone. Every South Jersey disc golfer appreciates it.

To give you an idea of what these people are doing...last week we met a guy out in the park who had no idea what disc golf was. He started asking questions and told us that these people (the ones spreading the lies and using scare tactics) told him the people building the course would be putting concession stands throughout the woods to make money for the township.

They planned a meeting with the local paper, the Courier Post. The director of parks and recreation was supposed to be there as well and some of us disc golfer were going to attend. They told the director that the paper cancelled and that word spread to the golfers. The guy from the paper was there though and they most likely just wanted to meet with him privately. When Bob and I approached them the guy heading the opposition freaked out on Bob and told him we weren't allowed to be there at his private meeting.

They are stopping every person heading into the park and telling them whatever they need to tell them to get them on their side and against the course. I won't even get into the censorship going on on their facebook page.

Thanks again, and remember DO NOT "like" the Save Timber Creek page. Just post on it until you get banned.

 

[Disc Fiend]

That seriously sucks, but one of your statements confuses me. How am I supposed to explain to people how disc golf "benefits the land". I don't know of a single thing that disc golf does for land.

we (real disc golfers, not chuckers) clean up and take care of the land our courses are on, that benefits the land.

 

[discgolfcrazy]

i just want a damn course i can easily access from the train station, coming from the lirr on long island, the only accessable course is mt kisco and since my dad works for the mta, i get to any train staion for free, i want to explore the disc golf courses and this course would be great, i wish they wouldnt take it down:wall: :gross: :thmbdown:

 

[hawk12]

This is truly a sad display by the opposition... Even the well worded, non-bashing posts by course supporters are being deleted. If the course does go through I am afraid they will be out there blocking fairways or vandalizing baskets.

Excellent point, this same "park protector" has removed trail marker signs the boy scouts put in along the walking trails, he has done the same to the cross country course distance markers along the trails, and has already found and filling in one of the anchors that have been in the ground in less than a week. His main goal is and always has been to chase every other faction out of the park so he can enjoy the place to himself... I'm sure he does like the trees and does not want them cut down, but his face to face demeanor and tactics borderline on 'envinmental terrorist' to anyone else in the park.

 

[hawk12]

You should always have a ecological study of the area to be used done before building a course. Rare species should be left alone.

I know this seems like it sucks, but perhaps there is a better way to work with everyone....

This is a common problem with disc golf courses. Areas need to be scoped out by environmentalists first and areas of concern should not be used in the design...

Disc golf is a lot tougher on the land than we would like to admit.

Chris, you are correct, we do take a toll on some areas, and this place definately needs to have trees cut to make any kind of throwing lane. THe local officals have held meeting, voted, and approved the layout using a map and walkthrough of the proposed course, so we are OK there. They did not bring in an environmental specialist, which is going to happen very soon.
The course design may needs some tweeks, but will likely go through.

 

[scunham]

Is their mountain biking allowed on the park trails? May have to ride some of the hiking trails on a rainy day

 

[scunham]

Maybe they think this park is perfect .....

KC
9:11 pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012
"HELP!!! OUR CAR WAS BROKEN INTO & MY PLASTIC PINK PURSE WITH OVERSTUFFED PINK LEATHER WALLET STOLEN!!! We have a 2005 Ford Mustang, white with 2 dark blue racing stripes. Those who use the dog park know my dog Heidi, a white German Shepherd & my husband Joe. We were parked in the front, right, 1st disabled spot which is closest to the main entrance to get to the dog park. On Saturday, September 29, 2012, we arrived at the park about 5:30 pm & returned to find the car violated around 7:30pm. If you saw anything or have any information, or if you should happen to find my purse or wallet please contact the Gloucester Township Police. All in all this park is wonderful, but as it is now attracting thieving, low life sort of people, I may opt to use Freedom Park. It's truly a shame because this park is well kept, close, convenient & is where Heidi made lots of friends. People ruin everything...

 

[paramaniac]

I read every post in this thread and have to say i am pretty disgusted with the selfishness shown by this individual. I am not a user of facebook or twitter or else i would try posting on there showing my support of the course, so i am showing it here.

IMHO, people that do things like this are people that have no type of authority in their day to day life... just like the driver that hangs out in the fast lane on the highway, slowing everyone else down to a crawl. that person is trying to exert some sort of control over someone else, instead of being the one that is being controlled.

its public land folks, let the public enjoy it.

Good Luck!

 

[DiscChucker]

Information war

Seeing how these people are censoring the opposing voices on their Facebook page, have you considered creating your own Facebook page to counter their scare tactics? I would suggest naming it something like "Save Timber Creek - The Open Forum" or something else to the effect that closely resembles the name of their Facebook page. Then maybe some of the people who are looking for more information on this matter will see both Facebook pages and get a better idea of what these course detractors all about. In your Facebook page make it very clear the reason why the page was even created. Express that unlike the opposition, all opinions are welcome and that you won't be censoring any of the posts. Use this medium to expose these people for who they really are. If you approach this situation with honesty and integrity then you'll come out the better person. If you can expose the censorship and scare tactics these people are employing, then the truth will make themselves their own worst enemy. Let them continue to spew their lies and nonsense but counter it with documented facts. Take pictures of work days. Show volunteers picking up trash throughtout the park, not just where the course is going in. In fact, your biggest ally would be seeking out park improvements that aren't even related to disc golf. Show an initiative that goes beyond just disc golf and you'll likely make a positive impression on those who know nothing about disc golf. These people who oppose the course will continue to villify disc golfers in their campaign. You need to show actions and words that counter their rhetoric. As unstable as some of these people sound, the good deeds of those supporting the course will likely infuriate them. Anger on their part will likely increase their assinine antics. This too will only serve to help your cause.

I'm not a Facebook fan. But in cases like this you've got to use the weapon of your detractors to level the playing field.

Just remember this. If you do set up the Facebook page, it must be honest, factual, professional and open to all (sans censorship).

Best of luck!

 

[scunham]

^^ good idea. I don't use FB either but that's a very good idea

 

[barneco]

(the ones spreading the lies and using scare tactics) told him the people building the course would be putting concession stands throughout the woods to make money for the township.

...

They planned a meeting with the local paper, the Courier Post.

...

They are stopping every person heading into the park and telling them whatever they need to tell them to get them on their side and against the course.

Can't you guys do the same thing(s)?

Set up your own facebook page in support of the course. You'd get tons of "likes" from folx here and you'd have a place to point the council for some opposing opinions.

If they set up a booth at the park to spread misinformation, then you set up your own right next to them with real information. Plaster the area with signs with tasteful information flyers to counteract it when you're not there.

Maybe contact the local paper yourselves and ask them if they'd like the opposing opinion?

Perception is reality and if they're winning the perception battle then you need to change that.

 

[renoob]

Got banned for posting this:

Looks like it will be a nice course. Thanks for the pics!

:\

 

[Johnny_Crunch]

What a nightmare. This kind of Utopianism is hard to watch.

 

[scunham]

Got banned for posting this:



:\

yes either you get banned or they delete the posts.. someone needs to create a well in depth facebook page like it's been said..

Update...

Dos: Talk to Adam yesterday and he said Duesler met with the freeholders and looks like things are still a go. A couple holes are going to be adjusted on the back nine but sounds like there will be a course at Timber Creek. There will still be a meeting with the ecologist some time this week maybe Adam knows when?

Hawk:the naturalist/ecologist did not show yesterday... This will happen before any work is resumed. All the politicians want to cover their butts before the pending elections, and likely the course will also be delayed until after the elections also, just too controversial right before IMO

Duessler will talk to a few of us tonight, and let us know what the plan is going forward.

 

[wake911]

just posted to their page, let's see how long until its deleted. Do you ahve a page supporting the course i can like?

 

[scunham]

Not yet... but hopefully someone with a fb account can start one

 

[bcr123psu]

Try this one:

http://www.facebook.com/TimberCreekDiscGolf?fref=ts

 

[chris deitzel]

Sounds like you guys are going about this the right way!! Shame that a few people are so stubborn.

Keep it up, get this course in. And maybe even get the douchebag to throw a disc sometime.

 

[scunham]

awesome! Thanks for the find!

 

[scunham]

Sounds like you guys are going about this the right way!! Shame that a few people are so stubborn.

Keep it up, get this course in. And maybe even get the douchebag to throw a disc sometime.

I will give him a beat up dog chewed XL to his liking