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Members of the multi-city Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission seemed to support an idea for Chisago Lakes Community Education to use wastewater treatment plant land for a disc golf course, when the concept was presented at this week’s monthly meeting.  

The CLJSTC owns hundreds of acres north of Chisago City and has been considering how to put some it to public use, as expansion needs for  facility operations seem to be met for the foreseeable future.

Community Education representative Brandi Peterson told the commission the plan is three-phased.  Community Education would lease 30 acres to develop an 18-hole disc golfing course, with parking for 10 vehicles. Avid disc golfers Tyler Stettler and John Santee were also on hand to answer questions.

Chisago City Administrator John Pechman said CLJSTC member cities like the idea because it keeps the land in tact.  Routes between disc golf “holes” get cleared but most trees and terrain are untouched.

Commission member Marlys Dunne said this is “a fantastic option” and she thinks the property is well suited.

Peterson added that the Lakeside Elementary School basic course can be used for beginner programs, through Community Ed, and this location could be a course for competitive leagues.  Disc golf fits into Community Ed’s mission as an intergenerational activity and a community builder.  Plus, along the perimeter of the course there’s space for snowshoe trails, hiking and just plain getting outdoors.

Stettler said he would like to get a disc golf club organized at Chisago Lakes High School.

The goal is to start off with rubber T-off mats for the 18-holes and if after the first year the property use is growing in popularity,  Community Ed would install cement T-pads and more permanent amenities.

The program asks that the gate be relocated to allow the general public to get to where the gravel parking lot would be built, so as to not lockout golfers but also to keep a gate erected into the treatment plant area itself.

Stettler was confident that student organizations and Scouts, etc. will be able to keep on top of litter and small maintenance chores needed for the course. 

 The CLJSTC will not have any responsibility for the disc golf program.

Peterson explained that  available grants will be utilized for funding and fundraisers could also take place for other fiscal needs. There could be local sponsors to host a hole, or benches.  Tournaments could be held there later.

CLJSTC Chair Lisa Iverson, Wyoming Mayor, wanted some clarification on insurance and how a lease could be written and said legal issues should be addressed at the June CLJSTC meeting.  The other members agreed and the action allowing the concept to advance was tabled until June’s commission meeting.

The CLJSTC is comprised of Stacy, Wyoming, Chisago City, Lindstrom and Center City representatives and Dunne, as county commissioner, attends for the county.

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