Chico Outsiders News

DiscGolfer magazine covers the Outsiders

The summer issue of DiscGolfer magazine has an article on the Outsiders, and Chico's disc golf happenings. We asked Joe Fiedt, the author, if we could share the article with newsletter readers and he sent me a copy.

Here's a pdf file of the article from Discgolfer magazine.

Copies of the magazine DiscGolfer may be purchased at the Professional Disc Golf Association web site. Here's a quick link to the page.

June 2009 A Word from the Park Director
As reported in the last newsletter, the City has removed benches in three locations and will be removing more in the future. The reason is to start actually managing the site as I believe we have all wanted to do for years. We would not allow the installation of any improvements in the rest of Bidwell Park without review and consideration of the consequences. Bench placement in Upper Bidwell Park has been of point of conflicting views. As a result, I am asking for the disc golf community to help and have patience until we can install permanent benches and other improvements with the new course alignment.

I am sure others will report on how they feel the process of finalizing the agreement/MOU and improvement plans are proceeding. This is a high priority for the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission and the General Services Department. We would like to get started on the courses as soon as possible. At this point, what role the Chico Area Recreation and Park District will have in the course development and management is not known; however, we are going to proceed on all fronts which include the agreements, coordination with Caltrans regarding access, funding opportunities and clearer communication. A key issue will be how the courses are to be used during the wet winter months. The Commission will be discussing this and other interim management issues at the monthly meetings which are held on the last Monday of each month. Two temporary kiosks have been installed and are available for information relevant to disc golf and/or related to Bidwell Park. The Park Division will routinely remove dated material and periodically post updates and information you might find of interest.

Finally, your assistance in keeping the site clean and debris is very much appreciated and has not gone unnoticed. The pack it in - pack it out approach works for everyone. I would urge you to contact me if you have any questions, comments or suggestions - 896-7801; dbeardsl@ci.chico.ca.us

More Later and Thanks
Dennis Beardsley

April 2009, Fundraising Discs Available Now

The Outsiders have produced a run of custom fundraising discs. We're selling these discs at $20/each and proceeds are being used to fund the startup of the disc golf 501(c)(3) Public Charity that will build the highway 32 disc golf course (see disc golf stamp here). Please donate today. Email us to reserve/purchase a fundraiser disc(get me that disc!). And please consider joining our effort by becoming an Outsider(follow this link).

May 2009 Highway 32 Short Course Restored - sort of...

On a 5-2 vote the City Council restored the short course to highway 32 on May 19th. Councilors Walker, Wahl, Nickell, Gruendl, and Holcombe voted to allow a 12 hole beginner course to be built and maintained for at least 5 years at highway 32. Councilors Flynn and Schwab voted against allowing the short course to stay. The 18-hole long course was approved on January 6th on a 7-0 vote.

At the end of the 5 year period the short course could be removed or allowed to stay. During this time frame we will continue looking for a new site for an 18 hole beginner course. In order for construction to begin a contract between the Outsiders and the City of Chico needs to be fleshed out defining responsibilities at the course site. Then funds will need to be raised for construction of the courses. The regular maintenance of the site and application of mitigation measures to reduce impact will be ongoing.