Of the 36 articles addressed thus far in this year’s Town Meeting, only one could not be decided by a voice vote, requiring a hand count that was decided 113-104 in favor. The issue that so closely divided Town Meeting members? An allocation of $50,000 to Park & Rec to find a site and create design plans for — but not construct — a disc golf course.
The close vote on such a small issue — after tens of millions of dollars had been allocated by unanimous consent without debate or discussion — shows the idiosyncrasies of a Town Meeting system, or perhaps any type of Congress. After so many “yes” votes on issues for which members relied on the expertise and good faith of town officials, members may have been looking to draw the line somewhere.
As the Observer tracker shows, disc golf also had the most members and residents (9) rising to comment, with further discussion cut off by a motion to move the question and bring the issue to a vote.
Disc golf, a growing recreational sport in the area, requires nothing like a regular golf course with acres of manicured grass and manufactured hills, sand, greens all calling for expensive, constant maintenance. Instead, disc golf courses consist of mats (“tees”) and baskets on poles set into the existing landscape, which in New England is woods and fields. Creating such a course is inexpensive relative to other common recreational activities such as softball or pickleball.
Still, town committees, like the Town Meeting members, were divided. The Community Preservation Committee and Park & Rec representatives argued for the project. “Our goal is to serve a wider range of community interests beyond traditional athletic fields and courts,” said Park & Rec Chair Chris Gerstel. “We are constantly seeking innovative programming and maximizing the value of the parcels under our jurisdiction.”
“Is disc golf popular? Yes. We have met with the local disc golf community numbering in the hundreds as well as representatives from surrounding towns. Disc golf is an accessible outdoor activity for virtually all age groups. This project would meet this demand without disrupting existing sports organizations.” He cited nine other towns that have created courses for disc golfers.
The Finance Committee argued against the article, saying the proposal was not detailed enough for the committee’s liking, and the town should reserve funds for projects already voted on and proceeding.
Bob Baker, a disc golfer and former Needham High School history teacher (as well as a regular Observer contributor), spoke as a resident. “For the last three years, I’ve been president of an organization known as Needham Disc Golf,” Baker said. “Disc golfers aren’t really known for their political skills, but we are known for our love of sharing the sport.”
Baker thanked all of the town staff and committee members who have helped introduce the sport and the idea of a town course. He mentioned the Needham Golf Club both as a community asset and as a completely different thing from a disc golf course.
“We are a green sport. We are played in the forest. We don’t take 50 acres … This is a sport that doesn’t claim exclusive use of land in about 20,000 locations across the world. It coexists with lots of other activities, including hiking, biking and dog walking.
”Town meeting members also spoke for and against. John Crimmings, from precinct G, said with the cost of building a middle school ahead, every way to save should be considered. “Tossing a Frisbee at a bunch of golf flags,” he said, “I don’t think is worth $350,000.” (Disc golfers would assert the special, weighted discs that can fly 100 yards or more make the game more sophisticated than tossing Frisbees.) Other members pointed to an existing course at Olin College.
Margaret Abruzese of precinct D spoke in favor. “In this time when screens tend to dominate the attention of adults and kids alike, disc golf provides a much needed opportunity to spend time outside, offline and in nature. It provides an opportunity for families and friends to bond and share a fun experience… The many families and residents who attended the pop-up disc golf event put on by Needham Disc Golf had a lot of fun. And I encourage you to support this article.”
After the motion to bring the discussion to a close, Moderator Michael Fee called for a voice vote. Ayes and Nays seemed about even, so he asked for another voice vote. Again, it was about even. Fee designated vote counters, swore them in and sent them to the meeting floor to count hand votes. Whether Needham ever has a disc golf course on its public lands will be determined by future votes, but thanks to that 113-104 margin approving the $50,000 expenditure, the town will at least find a good place to build it and have a design in hand should it come to Town Meeting for construction funds.
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