Brunswick Residents Oppose Proposed Disc Golf Course at Pumpkin Ridge Park

Neighbors voice concerns over increased traffic and loss of passive park space

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:54pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of children playing in a park, with soft, blurred edges and warm, hazy colors, conveying the peaceful, community-focused atmosphere of the space.The proposed disc golf course at Pumpkin Ridge Park aims to balance recreational use with preserving the park's passive character for the local community.Brunswick Today

Residents living near Pumpkin Ridge Park in Brunswick, Ohio attended a city council meeting to voice their opposition to a proposed 9-hole disc golf course at the park. The plan, presented by the Northeast Ohio Disc Golf Alliance, aims to create a free, recreational course that would use the park's perimeter while leaving the center open for passive use. However, neighbors expressed concerns over increased traffic, the potential for organized sports being denied access, and the overall character of the community park.

Why it matters

Pumpkin Ridge Park has historically been designated as a 'passive park' by the city, meaning it is intended for casual, unstructured use by the local community. The proposed disc golf course represents a shift in the park's purpose that has raised concerns from nearby residents about preserving the park's character and access for neighborhood children.

The details

The Northeast Ohio Disc Golf Alliance has proposed a 9-hole disc golf course at Pumpkin Ridge Park in Brunswick, Ohio. The course would be installed for free and maintained through regular mowing by the city. While the course would use the park's perimeter, leaving the center open for other activities, residents are worried about an influx of outside disc golfers, increased traffic, and the potential for organized sports to be denied access to the park as has happened in the past.

  • The March 30 Brunswick City Council parks and recreation committee meeting was held at the site of the proposed disc golf course.
  • In past years, residents have complained about league play and parking issues at Pumpkin Ridge Park.

The players

PK Deanery

Competition director for the Northeast Ohio Disc Golf Alliance, who proposed the disc golf course plan.

Manfred Boewe

A former Brunswick resident and disc golf advocate, whom the proposed course would honor.

Michael Abella, Jr.

Ward 1 Councilman who represents residents living near Pumpkin Ridge Park.

Dave Hesketh

A resident who expressed concerns about the potential number of disc golfers using the course.

Jason Petrakos

A resident who lives near the proposed course location and is worried about 'outside people coming into the community for golf.'

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What they’re saying

“'But if you guys don't want it, we can move [in that direction],'”

— Michael Abella, Jr., Ward 1 Councilman

“'You say it will only be five people, but it could be 35,'”

— Dave Hesketh, Resident

“'When outsiders start coming in, I get a little triggered. And right behind my backyard is not cool.'”

— Jason Petrakos, Resident

What’s next

The Brunswick City Council will need to decide whether to approve the proposed disc golf course at Pumpkin Ridge Park, taking into account the concerns raised by nearby residents.

The takeaway

The debate over the disc golf course at Pumpkin Ridge Park highlights the challenge of balancing the needs and desires of a local community with the potential benefits of a new recreational amenity. The city will have to carefully weigh the interests of residents who want to preserve the park's passive character against the potential draw of a new disc golf course.