Council accepts Lumber Heritage Region award to build disc‑golf course at Penny Park

Lock Haven City Council voted to accept an award from the Lumber Heritage Region to develop a disc‑golf course at Penny Park, council members said at their meeting.

Staff said the award is funded in part by a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant administered through the Lumber Heritage Region and requires a $16,000 match that can include in‑kind contributions. A city representative told council the city and the Clinton County economic partnership submitted proposals for multiple parks and Penny Park was selected.

The Nut Graf: Council members and regional partners described the project as modest-cost recreation infrastructure that could attract visitors and be stewarded by volunteers. The course designer on the Zoom call, Gary Dropko, said a well‑designed course can be accessible to players aged 8 to 80 and that volunteer stewards and local clubs often maintain courses over time.

"I'm excited about the project," Gary Dropko said. "I think it can be designed so that it complements the ball fields that are already there, and I think there's room for an 18 hole course."

Staff and Lumber Heritage Region representatives discussed maintenance and invasive‑species work. A region representative noted that about $80,000 is available for development and that maintenance costs and invasive‑species removal (Japanese knotweed) will need attention during planning. Staff told council the required match could be met with staff time, volunteer effort and partner contributions.

Council member discussion focused on how maintenance would be handled and whether fundraising or tournaments could sustain upkeep. One council member said volunteer stewardship and tournament revenue could help pay for ongoing needs; another asked for clear contracting steps before construction.

Council moved to accept the award, the motion was seconded and passed on roll call with all recorded members voting yes. Council directed staff to proceed with the contracting steps and coordination with the Lumber Heritage Region and local partners.

Next steps include formal acceptance paperwork, assignment of a project lead in staff, and planning for invasive‑species removal where required. The council also noted outreach to Lock Haven University and local volunteer groups to establish stewardship for the course.