A Twist On Frisbee At Fairfield Hills?

By Kendra Bobobwick

Frisbee golf. It is the new phrase, popping up first at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting earlier this year and most recently at the Fairfield Hills Authority meeting Wednesday, December 19.

What is it? Players toss a Frisbee at a target, rather than driving a Titleist at the first hole in the center of a golfing green. Newtown residents Ed Miklaszewski and Jason Hsu spoke with recreation members while looking for a place to play, expressing interest in a meadow at Fairfield Hills. The recreation members advised them to speak with the authority first.

This week, as the prior weekend’s snow hardened to a crust along sidewalks and forecasts warned of more snow to come, Mr Miklaszewski headed into Town Hall South as a misty evening turned to light rain. He soon made his appeal to authority members.

Standing as he spoke, he said, “I request that the [authority] consider a Frisbee golf course at Fairfield Hills and I ask for use of property for a trial of one year at little or not cost to Fairfield Hills.” State Representative Julia Wasserman who was sitting with the authority that night had asked the first question. “What is Frisbee golf?”

“It’s just like golf,” Mr Miklaszewski said. Anyone can play. He said, “It can be played by older people or little people; instead of [golf] holes you throw a Frisbee into a marker.” Although he could not attend the authority meeting, Mr Hsu in a later interview described his reasons for supporting the sport. “It’s meaningful to the town and good for the kids; they need a place to use up their energy.” Mr Hsu also believes that the Frisbee golf opens a door to free play, unlike the regimented school days or other activities sensitive to time and rules. “These days things are very structured but with free play they can be creative — it’s good intellectually.” Children can pick up the game and play as they want, he said.

“How much land?” asked Ms Wasserman. Mr Miklaszewski’s answer caused a few laughs. He said, “Five acres is good. Forty would be wonderful.” Further describing his playing field requirements, he said, “You do no damage, just put flags up.” The game is good exercise in the fresh air, he continued.

Noting one last highlight, he said, “It costs just $10 for the Frisbee.” As a member of the Newtown Lions Club, he also noted that in the future the sport could become a community golf tournament. Lions President Tom Evagash said that independently Mr Hsu and Mr Miklaszewski had pursued this activity, but the club would welcome it as a fundraiser “if it turned into something.” He then added, “Our projects usually do.” The two promoting the Frisbee golf were working on their own, however.

Is Parks and  Rec on board? Yes. Also attending the meeting was recreation Chairman Ed Marks who said, “We thought it was a worthwhile project.” His only concern was the requested location — along the meadow at Fairfield Hills. He said, “We’re not sure if it’s possible or not.” He inquired whether anyone used the hay in the field, for example, and did not want to create a conflict. He also noted that his department could mow the Frisbee course.

Concerns aside, Mr Marks added, “We feel it’s a nice venture to try.” Authority Vice Chairman Andrew Willie said, “I’d like time to think about it and would like Parks and Rec to talk with us about it.” Member Amy Dent raised the issue of deer ticks, saying that high grass and the deer herds often grazing in the meadow could mean problems. “I think you need to consider that,” she said.

Mr Willie ended with an encouraging remark. “We like suggestions like this. I never would have thought of it.” Mr Miklaszewski answered, “It’s great for kids who get out of school. It gets them away from video games, electronics.”