How will disc golfers and dog walkers co-exist at Peenaquim?

Editor: A Roast to the City of Lethbridge and the anonymous person who decided that Peenaquim Park needs a disc golf course. How sad that this beautiful, quiet piece of nature in the city will be lost to large gatherings, porta potties, a new parking lot and who knows what else? A PA system? Vendors? Increased flow of traffic on the quiet, narrow road?

It is especially tragic because, even the club itself agrees with an expert, that Peenaquim Park is not an ideal location for a disc golf course being that it is too flat and often windy. It has been said that the location is “boring.”

The flatness of the park, which is not ideal for the golf course, is what makes this dog park perfect. It is walkable for people of all ages and mobility. It is flat. That is good. It can be very windy there. We dog walkers are hardy people and go regardless. It is not near a busy road, so our pets are safe. It is not boring.

One issue is the loss of usage of a moderately sized area south of the fenced area which dog walkers and their pets have used for years. There are established trails through the fields and a well-used road beside the yard and parking lot that runs south to and through the disputed area.

The City says that the field of which I am speaking has never been part of the dog park. There is no signage or fences anywhere to indicate this and, anecdotally, there never has been. The City claims that people have only used the field since 2020 when they “cleaned it up.” This is not true as people speak of walking there for years; one owner says as many as 15.

Peenaquim Park has been a place of solitude, beauty, friendship, and activity for dog walkers for a long time. Sounds of nature abound and, even noise from the gun range does not disturb. It is a joy to watch our dogs run through the fields chasing balls, meeting new friends, and getting the exercise that walking around the block or lake on a leash does not provide.

We appreciate the limestone trail, the yard, and the space north of the yard which is dotted with groups of trees and an electrical tower. However, the southern field is the place in which our dogs can really be free.

Disc golf club members say that we can co-exist. How? As the well-used area is eliminated, the new neighbours will move in with their large group activities. Traffic on the small road will increase. They say that we are welcome to pass by as long as our dogs are on a leash.

What else is in their plans for this boring disc golf course? How long before they realize that this area really is not compatible with their sport?

Why not find a more suitable location now? One that has a more challenging topography. One that is more protected from the wind.

Unfortunately, it seems that the decision has been made. Surveyors are already out doing their job. How disappointing that the decision to destroy this special spot was made behind the scenes.

Cindy Combs

Lethbridge