The results of a community survey indicate that residents of Rocky Mountain House overwhelmingly prefer West Central as their preferred location for a new 18-hole disc golf course.
A total of 316 surveys were completed, showing over 72 per cent prefer the high school campus location over the north-end Riverview Park alternative.
The survey follows an extensive public engagement process by the town, including an open house held on Jan. 29 at the Lou Soppit Community Centre.
The process began in the fall of 2024, when the town’s administration was tasked with identifying a suitable location for a disc golf course. The Central Alberta Disc Golf Association (CADGA) assisted in identifying potential sites within the town using GIS technology, and three possible locations were proposed.
Riverside Park was originally identified as a potential spot for a 9-hole course, while West Central and Riverview/River Flats Park offered enough space for an 18-hole course. However, after further discussion, council opted to pursue the idea of an 18-hole course, as it lended to increased potential for hosting tournaments.
Rocky town councillor Dave Auld says disc golf tournaments can attract hundreds of participants and generate significant economic benefits. He pointed out that tournaments at an 18-hole course could bring as many as 125 players and potentially generate up to $80,000 in economic activity over a single weekend.
Site visits were conducted by CADGA members and town staff, focusing on the parks on the north end of town and the area surrounding West Central High School. Following these visits, CADGA’s director proposed two preliminary course layout options.
The two originally proposed locations for a new disc golf course in Rocky Mountain House. L-R Riverview Park, West Central. (Town of Rocky Mountain House)
With budget approval secured for the project, an open house was organized to share information about disc golf and gather community input on the proposed locations.
The Jan. 29 open house, which attracted over 100 attendees, included town council, staff members, CADGA representatives, and members of the public. During the event, information was shared about the sport’s benefits and the site selection process.
While most attendees expressed support for the idea of a disc golf course in the community, officials say there was significant opposition to placing it in the Riverview/River Flats Park.
Along with residents’ preferred location, the survey also asked residents for feedback on the potential locations and various factors such as environmental impact, washroom availability, and the course’s proximity to residential areas. However, respondents also highlighted the benefits of increased recreational opportunities, tourism potential, and encouragement of outdoor activity.
The survey results showed a strong preference for the West Central location near the high school. Additionally, 40 per cent of respondents say they have played disc golf before, while an equal amount indicated they have not— while 18 per cent say they’re interested in trying.
A community survey show nearly three in four West Country residents prefer West Central as an ideal location for an 18-hole disc golf course over Riverview Park. (Town of Rocky Mountain House)
The town has also discussed the matter with Brad Volkman, superintendent of Wild Rose School Division (WRSD), who indicated that while the school board is not opposed to the idea of a disc golf course near West Central High School, further discussions will be needed to address any concerns they may have regarding the project.
If the school division ultimately denies permission to use the land, additional options will be explored for the course’s location.
You can see the entire results of the survey here.
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