What section of the park is going to be used? hopefully not one that interferes with the trails for walking, running or doggies off leash....honestly never heard of disc golf, but rather that than a team sport where the noise & traffic wil interfere with the pristine atmosphere....PS...does anyone know who to contact about turning on the water fountains at the pagoda??? Been years without water there...

The course design has taken your concerns into consideration and will minimalize interference with the walking trails within the wooded area as much as possible. Disc Golf is not here to overtake the park for it's intended use, but to share the park with other park activities/users.

Disc golf players are GREAT community stewards who will take excellent care of this park. Not to mention the extra money that will come to small businesses in the area that due to the players coming to the area. This will be a wonderful use of the park and i think will introduce a whole new community to this great sport!

This is great news. Right now the closest courses are in Fairmount Park near the zoo, and Vineland. In my experience disc golfers always improve the parks where they play, removing more litter than they bring in. Hopefully one of the local sporting goods shops will jump on this opportunity to sell some discs and bring new players to the sport.

I have one further comment: who decides which "sport" is worthy of spending tax dollars on...disc WHAT? was my initial reaction. Never heard of it.... I'm a walker, jogger, biker and nature enthusiast, can't they use the athletic parks in the township for more athletics???? Just saying, how about a yoga area so I can use the park for my recreation interests too??? Who made the decision AND again, why are the water fountains DRY at this park??? Beautiful refrigerated models and nobody can refresh themselves after a run.....

Julia, I'll see if I can talk to some people about the water fountain at the pavillion. I'm assuming its just a turn of a know somewhere as the restrooms have running water. If you care to gain knowledge on the sport of disc golf, visit http://www.pdga.com, It's the sports governing body. Disc Golf is similar to ball golf but instead of balls & clubs the player has specially designed flying discs they use to traverse the course. You could try this out as it has walking while playing and is a great low impact aerobic workout that stimulates had/eye coordination and decision making. It's a great recreational tool, try it, you may get hooked.

Congrats the development of your newest course. Disc Golf is a low impact lifetime sport that spans all age generations, economic relations, physical/mental impairments, as well as language barriers.

Disc golf is an all ages sport, anyone can play!

With a properly designed course it can integrate very well with existing conditions and minimally impact the area. Disc Golf courses do not require as much maintenance, costs, or work as other park features like: soccer/baseball fields, putt-putt parks, basket ball courts, or even play grounds. The equipment is not invasive and requires no special skills to replace, maintain, or repair.
Most local disc golf clubs/players/volunteers provide support to assist municipalities, etc.

As to safety concerns, there is always risks in ANY park feature: from kites, to balls, to remote controlled toys. I would not say that any Disc Golfer would pose any more of a threat than a beginning ball thrower or child kicking a ball.
As long as the public is educated and aware that there is a Disc Golf course (it takes time for some community members to look around and get used to it being there) and they are not possibly directly in the line of flight (like jogging in a fairway, picnic around a basket, sitting on a tee pad area), then the risk should always be very minimal and honestly restricted to the players own personal physical abilities.
Disc Golf is a great sport where the courses are more challenging and encouraged to be placed in low-used areas and undeveloped terrain (i.e woods, uneven ground, etc.). This allows a great partnership in the park with other local activities since it would not interfere with them.
Disc Golf is also a GREAT economic incentive. In a modern day of families always being active, disc golf courses bring an attractive monetary benefit to local residential features and parks (that equals $$). Disc Golf Tournaments are great for: raising money for parks improvements, stewardship opportunities in the community, and raising money for charities. The economic benefits are as big as you would like them to be.
Disc Golf is one of the

most popular and one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

There are many videos online, but nothing replaces the knowledge of the sport like getting out there to simply throw some discs, meet some friends, learn the sport, and have some fun!

After all, name a time that you threw a disc or a Frisbee and you were not happy doing it with friends?

, I say yea to Disk Golf now mayor Stash want to play me for 10 bucks or do you need to go bail out your buddies ......Just care , I do

Sorry GUYS (and notice it was all guys seem to be supportive) but I agree with Amy. This "open space" was purchased by the county to be preserved as a nature area. Slim's Ranch and the adjacent area have been there since I moved here over 52 yrs. ago. I just really would like to know who paid whom to pollute the pristine area with plastic flying discs and players...honestly, did the people get a chance to approve this? I know what my vote would be -- and also -- it will draw in folks who don't really live in the area....it's my back yard and it is a concern, especially hearing the nearest courses are in Fairmount Park and Vineland...since this is NOT a pay to play (you'll pardon the expression) why are we sending a ticket to non-county residents to ruin our "nature park"???
PS--Dave Myers, thank you for looking into the water fountain situation--since I walk to the park I can't always carry water with me...and are you connected with the County??

I don't see how it is ruining/polluting the park. http://www.camdencounty.com/parks/parks/timber-creek In this video they show an amphitheater, playground and indoor restrooms and pavilion (They also mention throwing a frisbee around). I don't see how these ammentities are any different than a quite recreational activity. I would say a building with restrooms is a lot more an eyesore than a few baskets in the woods. Getting families out and away from their televisions any way possible sounds like a great idea to me. I support this disc golf idea. Also, Julia, Fairmount Park isn't a pay to play course, not sure Vineland is either. Either way, my husband and all of our friends love the idea, currently we have to drive 30 minutes to an hour to play disc golf depending on traffic. It will be great to have a course much closer to home.

Well, Rosanne, I hope we can both peacefully coexist in the "preserved nature space"-- if you are at all familiar with this park --most folks take quiet walks with or without their dogs, it is one of the few parks in the township where dogs are permitted legally....I personally don't have a dog and often stop to pet them, but primarily I enjoy the beauty of the natural flowers and growth around the paved track and woods and there are no large crowds that frequent the other parks such as the one next to the police station.....whether I like it or not, looks like we'll be seeing each other at the park ... please come take a look before the course gets built...you might see my point...it is VERY different than the rest of the parks in GT (and I've been to most all) I just thought they could have used one that already houses large crowds and sports activities....
PS-- hopefully things will be good for all and one won't infringe on the tranquility of the spot, which to folks like me, far eclipses any "sport" activity....there are many choices of sport locations, not so many of open space...

Julia, thank you for commenting and voicing your opinion on the installation of a disc golf course within Timber Creek Park. As stated in my first post, your concerns on keeping the area as natural as possible have already been taken into consideration. For the most part, when you take your daily strolls, jogs or bike rides in the park you probably wont even notice a disc golf course even exists unless people are playing. It'll mimick what is currently in place already, people walking the trails and enjoying themselves. I'm assuming that you're comparing disc golf to what you see on television when viewing a ball golf round with thousands of people lining the fairways. This is not the case (unless there is a tournament that may attract a few hundred people). Troy H, pretty much hit the nail on the head explaining the safety concerns and minimal environmental impact on the park. The designer is well aware of this situation and wants to keep it as 'pristine' as possible.

Just for the record, I am not affliated with Camden County in any way, but I am a resident that resides in Gloucester Township. I too, like you have walked/biked the paved 1/2 mile loop as well as some of the trails within the woods. You may have seen me throwing some discs at a basket on a few weekends near the open field along the entrance road and pavillion. Many people stopped and asked me, "what the heck do you call that?" I explained the basic rules and they all thought it was "neat".

Part II
I invite you, your family and friends to come on out when the county has their grand opening ceremony to enjoy a new form of recreation that has many benefits including fun.
Again, thank you for posting your concerns on this endeavor, this is a first step on educating people not in the know.
P.S. Yoga in the park in the morning would be excellent, even I would join. I only knew of one Yoga place that use to be in Blackwood (Still Point Yoga I think was the named) but they moved elsewhere recently.

OK, Dave, I'm SOLD....after my broken bone heals I will rejoin the park set and hope to see the grand opening! As for the yoga, our township offers an EXCELLENT inexpensive series of classes via the Rec Center....that is how I started my yoga practice and stayed with Michele Carlino (instructor) year round for over 4 years.... Stille Pointe has moved behind Shop Rite, but my classes are at Experiencing Yoga next to Kohl's....I thought you were with the County because you had an idea on how to get the water fountain functioning....it has NEVER worked and I just didn't know who had the authority -- township or county-- and where to begin calling to ask...
Hope you and your family have many happy hours playing your sport there...

Julia, sorry to hear about your broken bone. I'll pray for a speedy recovery for you and look forward to possibly meeting you at the park someday. Are you familiar with the water fountain near the dog park entrance/children's tree house? That water fountain does work but is a ways away from the 1/2 mile loop..

Thank you, my family will have many happy hours playing disc golf at Timber Creek, so can yours and many other's. Disc Golf in my opinion is a win-win situation for both the community and recreation department that will provide an affordable, fun recreational activity for local residents with low cost maintenance for the park & rec departments. Golf discs are very affordable ranging anywhere from $8-$18. All one needs to start play is a couple of discs. I guarantee once you start playing you will get 'hooked'. If not, all the benefits of the things you like to do are within the activity (walking, enjoying nature and it's surroundings, you could even jog between throws for an extra heart pumping workout).

I know I'm sounding like a broken record when I say "I can't thank you enough", this is exactly the reaction I was hoping for from concerned residents that care about their parks but had little or no knowledge of disc golf. It will work and benefit us all.

Oh, I almost forgot. I will check on the water fountain at the pavillion as soon as possible.

Dave, LOL, my 16 yr. old knew all about disc golf and thought it was "cool" to have one so nearby! Thanx for thinking about the fountain and yes, will be looking forward to using the park end of Sept...enjoy the rest of the summer !

Well done, Dave! You have represented the sport excellently!

Can't wait to play Timber Creek!

PS Feel free to stop by Stafford Farm Disc Golf Course in Voorhees, if you're interested to see how low impact and beautiful a disc golf course can be. We are still in the process of finishing our little 9-hole course, but the baskets are in and fairways are playable. So, far we've had nothing but excitement from the locals who enjoy hiking, biking, jogging and walking their dogs out there. And the deer don't seem to mind us much either! =)

Thanks Dave for all the info. Maybe they should get you to write any future announcements or press releases regarding this ;) I think this one made it sound good for disc golf players, but not for the park regulars.

Amy, I'm a "park regular" and a "disc golf player", it sounds good to me being either one (wink).

You mentioned in your first post stating, "This is really upsetting news. I love that park, especially for the peace and quiet. I can't imagine where they could put this that wouldn't destroy it." Amy (smiling immensely), we both have something in common, I also love this park for the peace & quiet. I also love walking and biking the 1/2 mile loop as well as the trails within the woods, sitting on the fallen tree near the small pond and in general enjoying the beautiful tranquil setting. Disc Golf is not going to change this. In my opinion, it will give another oppurtunity for others to get out and enjoy the same things we both love about this park only in a different aspect. I believe this is what the 'Open Space' concept is intended for. To share for the good of the community so all can enjoy.

Julia, I am a Camden County resident in Oaklyn so I guess I will be coming to your township rather than leaving my county or my state to play disc golf. This is why I mentioned the distance I have to travel to play currently. I will also eat at local restaurants and drink afterwards at a local bar. Antoinettas is nearby, I think? I believe that is a positive development for any community.

Julia, Amy and Edythe, you should be a little more open minded and unselfish when posting your comments. "I am not in favor at all of bringing in people to our little slice of Heaven." Why not? Do you really think that this Open Space was put here just for YOUR enjoyment. It was built for all to enjoy, residents and non residents alike. There are tens of thousands of people in this county that pay taxes just as yourself. How would you feel if traveling/visiting another area and the residents have the same attitude as your comments ('why can't she stay in her own neighborhood and leave our little slice of heaven alone'). This really boggles my mind! Grown adults being selfish and unwilling to share a beautiful area that our county has given us with others. What kind of morals are we teaching our children?

Additionally, this area before it became an open space was unscathed by man to some extent. Lawn mowers, bobcats, dumptrucks, back hoes and other land gouging machinery was brought in to make this park what it is today. Would you consider this as disturbing the natural surroundings and disturbing the wildlife? Where were all of you then with your negativity when this park was being constructed? My blood is really starting to boil over these negative comments and thoughts of selfishness. I can't believe grown adults could act this way... Maybe I need some lessons in life.

Thank you for you ears, mine are beat red right now.
From a tax paying individual willing to share an area that our county was so graciuosly willing to create for us with residents & non residents alike.

Jeez, Dave, relax....you're getting your way no matter what we think...and I still agree that there are PLENTY of other parks that could and should have housed this...this reminds me of the discussions by smokers before the law was passed: one person's freedoms deny another's...that is America and we are all entitled to our opinions...SMILE, you're getting what you want!

One of the above posters is a friend and she is one of the reasons there is an open space at Slims Ranch. She worked with the Department of Fish & Game in Trenton documenting the activity of eagles on the Timber Creek, which (among other things) caused the proposed housing project to thankfully fall through. I am not in favor at all of this course - I would have been happy if it had been left the way it was.

I feel sorry for those folks that live in the neighborhoods along that stretch of road because it is a nightmare for those folks to make left hand turns out onto chewslanding road. Has anyone thought about asking those folks how they feel? What happens when they build those condos along that road?

I must apologize to you ladies for losing my cool in a moment of haste, and would also like to apologize to the editer of this 'patch' for borderline innappropriate behavior. I've since cooled down a wee bit (let me emphasize the phrase 'wee bit') and now am somewhat back to my normal level headed self.

Thanks Ginny for clearing that up....I thought I was losing my mind: that it was supposed to be preserved OPEN SPACE...my objection isn't to any particular sport, but to the original reason for the creation of the park area. I have lived in that neighborhood for 26 years and you are correct (mathforeveryone) that traffic is a problem so we locals, reroute when attempting to make a left turn...and, again, Dave, your right to play sports conflicts with my right to a quiet nature reserve (as the pols promised us it always would remain) so please try to step back and realize that your right to happiness steps on mine, but that is life. Just wish I knew WHO lobbied for this and what could the current park users could have done to influence use of one of the many other parks that already house sports areas....there should have been a public forum with signs posted at the park....

I was thinking yesterday (but was too afraid to post after Dave's posts yesterday) how perfect disc golf would have been for the woods between Gloucester Township Park and Camden County College. It is a much larger area with many trails. They probably could have had a section devoted to the disc golf course. I walk there too, yet wouldn't have had the same reaction if it was there.

Listen I hear and understand an argument that says why does or is it even fair to let another sport compromise the amount of space, and specifically hear and part of a nature reserve. That said I disagree and I'd simply state that the vast majority of people who play the sport are serious tree hugging, nature lovers who are at heart hippies in various states of disguise. This is a pretty quiet sport, and really to lump it in with all sports, which Julie stated above, makes me wonder again if anyone here who is being critical really has a clue to what Disc Golf is.

I hope that the seniors can get a lot of playing time. I can't wait for it.

Julia, The water fountain at the pavillion is now working. Enjoy quenching your thirst.

Fred, if you're serious about learning the game, I believe there will be a clinic during the grand opening ceremony. Additionally, there will be a need for some type of league also, maybe a handicap league simalar to ball golf handicapping so all levels of abilities can compete on a more equal basis.

Fred, I look forward to meeting you in the park soon to explain the rules (basically the same as ball golf) and giving you a few pointers on throwing techniques. If you would like to do a little internet research on your own try this link: http://www,pdga.com. It's the Professional Disc Golf Association which is the governing body for the sport. It will explain the rules in depth and give you all you could possibly want for information. Don't be discouraged by the word 'professional' as it governs all amateur players as well.

Additionally, If you have any grand children or youngsters in your life, try taking them to the 'Movies in the Park' this Thursday night at the park next to the Gloucester Township police station. we will have a portable disc golf target on display for kids (and adults) to take a few putts on before the movie.

Sorry Fred I typed a bogus link to the PDGA, here is the correct one: http://www.pdga.com.
I do not work for the township but they are backing this endeavor as it will bring people outside to excercise, enjoy the outdoors and to give a new recreational activity a whirl.

Not sure if anything is listed on the township site about disc golf yet but I'm sure there will be after the course is underway.

Cherry Hill resident with a sister who lives in Blackwood chiming in here. We currently use the dog park at Timber Creek and really love the park. It is a beautiful piece of land that should be kept clean and natural. For that reason I am truly excited to see this course being installed. I'll explain my reasoning for those that are just learning about this great sport.

Disc Golf carries many official rules for play. There are also many unofficial rules and etiquettes that golfers almost always follow. One of them is know as "carry in/carry out" and general litter clean up. If a disc golfer sees a piece of trash in the woods they will pick it up and place it in a proper waste location. They do that because just like you disc golfers have a true appreciation for nature and it's beauty. A properly designed disc golf course will have a very low impact on the surround area. Please take a look at the photos of the new course at Stafford Farm located here: http://www.dgcoursereview.com/media.php?id=5583&mode=media#

You will notice that the land is almost untouched and in fact it is much cleaner than before the course was put in. Disc golfers will work to make Timber Creek a cleaner and more environmentally healthy park than it currently is.

I understand that this is a foreign sport to many of you and with the unknown comes some reservations. You can think of disc golf as hiking with a little extra cardio. You will not notice anything different with township residents using the course then you would if they were just hiking, except maybe the trash from other people in their hands as they take it to a trash can.

I encourage you all to check out the course when it opens. Stop a golfer and ask what the sport is all about. Tag along for a few holes to get a feel for how this sport will positively affect Timber Creek. Dave Myers has done an excellent job representing the sport here and I can assure you that everything he says is accurate.

Videos you see may be of professionals, but absolutely anyone at any age can enjoy this low impact, environmentally friendly, healthy sport.

I also would like to share this video I found that really helps to show the spirit of the sport. A few key things to notice:

-Both younger and older players enjoying the game alongside each other.
-Very little impact to the natural land. There is almost nothing different than before the course was installed.
-Around 3:50 he explains some of the benefits to the community

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zGz8811HTb8

Enjoy!

Disc Golf is an AWESOME, up and coming sport. I lived in Florida for many years and there are many, many courses there. I have to say, as I have seen in many posts, those who play disc golf are usually very mindful of the environment and of their park. It have very little impact on the beauty of the park and it will bring a lot of people in the community together to play a wonderful sport and get people outdoors to excercise. Recently a 9-hole course opened up in Vorhees. Its called Stafford Woods Disc Golf Course. I checked it out yesterday and I was stoked that there is finally a course nearby. I have been playing disc golf for years and I am very excited to see another course coming to the area. Thank you GT!!!

here is an informative video on the sport of disc golf. Pay attention to Dave Feldbergs comments towards the end of the video, very inspiring.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc4bleBmk5Q

Sorry for the lapse in commenting....however, just wanted to say that the Head of County Parks (Frank Moran) contacted me and was willing to meet personally and explain the placement of the course etc. Very nice gesture! Since the outcome would be the same, I politely declined the offer. Would have been nice for taxpayers to have a say whether YES or NO...can't wait to get the cast off my foot and see the golfers in action...happy disc-ing !

Julia, that was a very nice gesture on Franks part and very professional to say the least. Hopefully, you will not only watch the golfers in action, I'm hoping you will participate along with them. Have you ever thrown a frisbee before? Throwing a golf disc is basically the same motion with added 'umph' ( sorry, that's my Minnesotian accent coming out). You may surprise yourself and enjoy it. Being a yoga guru you may be a natural putter. One of the putting technique's is similar to a yoga pose where you balance on one foot with an outstretched arm propelling the disc towards the target.

Dave,completely agree. Frank said that his position was a relatively new one, and I wish him the best! He also told me the fountain was working--so all in all, good things prevail at the park. Yoga balancing poses are the most challenging part of yoga (for me) so this may just help me out! Also, if my son wishes to play, does he need to buy equipment of will it be available at the park?

Julia, when the course celebrates it's grand opening (hopefully sometime in October) there should be discs for sale. For commemorative purposes, the county has purchased 100 golf discs with the county logo printed on the disc. Some sporting good stores may sell golf discs and I'm assuming after the course gets underway more stock will be available locally. I have a closet full of golf discs that I would be willing to give you & your son a few to help you get started, since you are the one that actually helped me (in an unknowingly manner) educate people about this great recreational pastime.

thanks Dave, my son and his friends might be interested (after soccer season ends in early Nov.) It has been fun having civil commentary on this posting site....that is NOT usually the case with GTPatch commmentary...I probably am more open to this idea, but in my heart wish it had been placed in a different local location...enjoy!

That's fantastic Julia. I'm more then certain your son & his friends are going to enjoy the sport (so will you, I know you are going to sneak out there & give it a try also).

Another great benefit of disc golf is the low start up costs. There really is no special equipment needed for purchase when starting out, 2 or 3 discs is all one needs which should be no more then $40 (that's towards the top end). It'll get him out of the house, off the video games and computer, away from the TV for some much needed excercise and fresh air.

Off to the park for my morning bike ride. Let me know when I can get those discs to you & your son. Maybe your son & friends could meet me at the park someday and I'll pass them on or you can just wait for the grand opening.

Update - after seeing first hand what they are doing to an OPEN SPACE, I suggest anyone who has an interest in preserving it and who has a Facebook account, please look up Save Timber Creek Park and "like" it. There are several options listed for those of us who care about keeping the park the way it was intended.

This park is supposed to be "Preserved Forever" as the sign at the entrance states.
Too many developments. County residents finally agreed to the dog park and the amphi theater, but the County promised us it would be not more that that.
What will be next, Burger King on the parking lot?

Burger King in the parking lot!? Would make for another disgruntled member of the community as 'Vinnies Mad Dog' would be ticked.
In all seriousness, this is all turned into a huge finger pointing contest on both ends and created reactions from both sides of the spectrum, for and against. This is all typical reactions of humans when under stress /scrutiny. In reality, the money has already been spent for this activity to take place within the park. Instead of reacting to the situations, we should be proactive and work together to make this park even more beautiful then it is today. It'll take time (it doesn't happen overnight), but we can do it if we work together as a community. Let's do this!