Tree Protection at Pier Park Disc Golf Course

News Article

Urban Forestry works to protect trees in the disc golf course at Pier Park.

Disc golf is growing in popularity and offers a low-cost sport for people of all fitness levels to enjoy. The game uses the existing grades and obstacles of the terrain to create unique courses. This limits the construction needed and results in minimal impact on the landscape.

The disc golf course at Pier Park, established in 2002, is quite popular and is used heavily. In recent years it has climbed the ranks to become the third most popular disc golf course in the country out of roughly 9,500 courses. At this level of use, the usually minor impacts of disc dings on trees and soil compaction from foot traffic can eventually harm the trees and landscape. To address the bark damage and soil compaction, Park Tree Coordinator Joel Smith worked with Horticulturist Dave Blado, Arborist Kilion Haas, and other staff to develop and install minor course changes and tree protection devices in areas of most concern.

Seven trees were chosen at Pier Park to have protective structures installed, after considering their location on the course and the species of tree. This is important because some trees are hit more frequently and at higher velocities in certain locations. Likewise, some species of trees are better than others at resisting damage from the impact. The structures are designed to allow the tree to continue normal growth and functionality while they are in place. You may see the devices while out golfing.

While this is the only official course in the City of Portland, nearby courses can also be found in Gresham, Vancouver, Beaverton, Hillsboro and state parks, including at Milo McIver, Dabney, and Champoeg State Parks.

Thank you to Portland Park's & Recreation and Urban Forestry's Tree Maintenance Operations Team, for working together to keep our forested parks activated and our trees protected.