Astoria Parks Board Backs Disc Golf Pilot and Native Planting on September 23, 2026

The Astoria Parks and Recreation Advisory Board convened on September 23, 2026, at 6:45 AM in City Hall. Presided over by President Norma Hernandez, the meeting featured extensive public comment and deliberation on a proposed disc golf course. The Board unanimously voted to support a limited six-hole pilot program to evaluate the project before proceeding with a full 18-hole course. Board members also expressed support for a new native planting initiative at Hillside Cemetery.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Strand Sheldal Thomason (228 Kensington Avenue) spoke in favor of the disc golf course, describing it as a vital "third space" that brings together people from diverse backgrounds and promotes community bonding.
• A speaker in opposition (1820 SE 3rd Street) read a letter expressing that the course would destroy the "wildness" of the forest, harm migratory birds and wildlife, and introduce safety risks from discs thrown at speeds of 40 to 60 miles per hour. They argued no adequate environmental impact study had been conducted.
• A speaker in support (2275 Irving), who identified as a biologist, supported the course, noting that invasive species are a significant issue in the forest and that the disc golf course could bring positive attention to the park.

President Hernandez - What Do You Hear?

• President Hernandez shared a community proposal from a resident offering to donate up to $20,000 toward installing a sauna at the Astoria Aquatic Center. Staff are evaluating feasibility, power requirements, location, and code compliance with commercial installers.
• Board members relayed positive community feedback regarding the new Riverwalk lighting and the responsiveness of Parks staff.

Volunteer Recognition

• Staff recognized volunteer Mark Kau for significant contributions removing invasive vegetation along the Riverwalk. Mr. Kau will next shift to invasive vegetation removal at Shively Park.

Astoria Community Foundation Updates

• Britta Herwig reported that the Astoria Community Foundation's Run on the River set a record with over 800 runners.
• The Foundation funded several youth programs, including scholarships, summer camps, a student swim day from Tongue Point (approximately 100 students), and a summer program swim day for the Consejo Hispano Latinx camp.
• The next Run on the River is scheduled for May 22, 2027.

Discussion Items

Disc Golf Course (Old Business - Item 8.a)

• Presentation: Staff (Jonah Dart-McLean) presented the proposal for an 18-hole course in the undeveloped City-owned forest adjacent to Shively Park and Evergreen Fields. He reported that the August 19 public meeting drew about 60 people, with roughly 80% expressing support. Staff consulted with the City Engineer and a contracted forester (Springboard Forestry), who found no significant concerns regarding landslides, erosion, or damage to mature trees. Staff tested sound levels of disc golf chains on-site and are evaluating sound-dampening measures. Staff clarified the course is positioned outside established park activity areas.
• Staff Proposal: A phased approach starting with a six-hole pilot installation was proposed. This would allow monitoring of safety, usage, trail conditions, and environmental impacts before developing the full course.
• Board Deliberation: Britta Herwig and Howard Rub questioned whether a six-hole pilot would provide a representative user experience, suggesting a more developed trial (e.g., nine contiguous, well-signed holes) might be necessary to attract genuine use. Nathan Pinkstaff and Kevin Staples supported the incremental pilot as a responsible compromise. President Norma Hernandez emphasized the need to try new uses and adapt based on real-world data.
• Key Outcome: The Board passed a motion (by Nathan Pinkstaff, seconded by Kevin Staples) to unanimously support Parks staff moving forward with limited, incremental development of the disc golf course, beginning with six holes, so that actual use and potential impacts can be evaluated before proceeding with additional development. Staff also announced an additional public open house for October 1st at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers.

Hillside Cemetery Native Planting (New Business - Item 9.a)

• Presentation: Parks & Public Sites Coordinator Sarah Flynn is leading a project to establish two new native planting areas at Hillside Cemetery. The project introduces a diverse mix of Oregon native trees, shrubs, and flowering plants selected to support pollinators and increase plant diversity. Staff described the project as a first step toward long-term reforestation and potentially developing the cemetery as an arboretum-like space.
• Board Feedback: Board members expressed strong support for the project, praising its proactive approach to ecological health and future planning. Planting will occur once sustained fall rains begin.

Staff Reports & Upcoming Events

• The summer 3-on-3 basketball event was canceled due to low participation. Staff are exploring a limited adult basketball program in late winter or spring.
• The Monster Bash / Pumpkin Pool Bobbing event is scheduled for October 30, 2026, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at the Astoria Aquatic Center.

Key Outcomes

• Disc Golf Pilot Approved: The Parks Advisory Board voted unanimously to support staff in moving forward with a limited, six-hole installation of the disc golf course to evaluate its impacts before proceeding further.
• Native Planting Supported: The Board fully supported the native planting project at Hillside Cemetery led by Sarah Flynn.
• Minutes Deferred: Approval of the minutes from the July and September meetings was postponed to the October 28th meeting.
• Future Meetings: The next regular meeting is October 28, 2026. The Board discussed consolidating the November and December meetings into a single meeting in early December; a poll will be sent to determine the exact date.