‘Effective immediately’ Bryan closes new disc golf course following concerns, debate

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – The City of Bryan announced it is closing a new disc golf course that was built along Park Hudson Trail.

The course opened in late 2023, and was the center of a debate after neighbors raised concerns about safety and environmental damage. But, those using the course daily say this was the perfect space for a first-class and competition scale disc golf course.

Lacey Lively, a spokesperson for the city, released the following statement on Monday.

“After working with the local disc golf club, City of Bryan staff opened the extension of the Park Hudson Disc Golf Course in late 2023. Before opening the extended area, the City failed to gain public input from residents and homeowner associations in the immediate area. Once opened, issues were expressed to the City about discs being thrown across the walking trail, discs going onto private property, golfers trespassing onto private property, and other concerns. To exacerbate issues, a golfer filed an injury claim against the City. Effective immediately, the City is removing all disc baskets and tee pads from new fairways within the Park Hudson Disc Golf Course allowing the course to return to a more natural state.”

Residents who voiced concerns about the course shared a statement saying they are thankful for the city’s decision and look forward to restoring the trail to its natural habitat.

But this wasn’t good news for everyone. The city closed four baskets last week in response to safety concerns and said they are working with interested parties to find a solution.

Nick Willis, co-owner of Armory Disc Golf says that was the last update they heard about any decisions about the course and the immediate closure was a shock.

“It was surprising for us to hear that they were considering removing the course in the first place. We were fairly confident because there are such easy compromises to make out here to adjust the course and make it good for the general public and perfectly safe Beyond A Reasonable Doubt for local parkgoers or local homeowners. And so the fact that there were none of those compromises were considered before this decision was made is disheartening,” he said.