Brown Deer Disc Golf Updates

Project Summary

The Brown Deer disc golf course, established in 2007, was designed to integrate with the unique natural features of Brown Deer Park. However, over time, the Parks Department has observed that certain holes within the wooded area of the course have had negative impacts on these features and other park visitors. Notably, the wooded area, which is designated an NA-3 site due to its importance as a woodland with ephemeral wetlands, rare plant species, and diverse wildlife, has suffered damage. Dozens of trees have been damaged and at least a dozen more have died along the fairways.

To mitigate these impacts, the Parks Department tried various methods, such as encasing trees with shields and installing netting in other areas. Unfortunately, these measures were unsuccessful due to vandalism or being ineffective. Recognizing their responsibility as stewards of the land, the Parks Department determined that changes to the course design were necessary to protect the environment and ensure the safety of other park patrons.

The primary challenge is relocating the five existing holes in the wooded area, as many users enjoy this part of the course. To address this, the Parks Department collaborated with the original design team and other disc golf partners to create a plan that would use other areas of the park while maintaining an 18-hole course. The proposed redesign was reviewed by the Planning, Operations, and Natural Areas teams within the department.

Public Input Response

Based on feedback received, the Parks Department is now exploring alternative wooded options that will have less impact on the forest. Respected members of the disc golf community have been assisting in designing these alternatives. The new design options below promote longer season play (approx. 10 months and only pulled during spring thaw). The new layout allows growth potential of up to a total of 27 regularly playable holes.

• Lagoon holes (7A, B, C) would still be available for tournament play ONLY, and no sooner than 3 days before the start of the tournament.
• Lagoon holes are not included in the total count to reach 27 regularly playable holes.
• The long hole placements (C & D) of current hole #16 will be modified to accommodate new pin placements of the newly created hole to reach current tee box #6.

Current Disc Golf Course

Proposed Disc Golf Course

These are DRAFT maps, as we will not have a more accurate design until the foliage reduces in the fall (est. November 2024)

Please take the survey below with your preferred solution. Option A or B.

An in-person public input meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm at the Brown Deer Boathouse.

Parks staff look forward to hearing your feedback! Please sign up for updates.