PARKS STAFF ARE CONSIDERING THE ADDITION OF AN 18 HOLE DISC GOLF COURSE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF SHIVELY PARK'S LOOP ROAD.
In order to obtain community feedback on this idea, staff will hold a public meeting on August 19th at 6pm at Shively Hall.
Below are maps of the proposed course:
Over the past three years, Parks staff have presented the Parks Advisory Board with different opportunities they've evaluated in order to introduce disc golf amenities within Astoria. Initial conversations began in 2023 after Parks staff received feedback regarding the lack of disc golf opportunities within the city. In 2024, the Department installed temporary practice baskets at Evergreen Fields to gauge community interest and monitor potential impacts. The Evergreen "9 hole" course has received regular use and has demonstrated sustained local interest in the sport. Earlier this year, the Parks Advisory Board reviewed a conceptual layout for a full course at Shively Park and expressed general support while encouraging additional publicoutreach before moving forward. Parks staff have further investigated the possibility of a course at Shively Park and have a draft layout that the Parks Advisory Board can review. Parks staff evaluated the feasibility of constructing a technical wooded disc golf course utilizing existing City-owned property around the exterior perimeter of Shively Park and connecting the course to nearby Evergreen Fields. Staff believe the site provides an opportunity to create a unique recreational amenity while preserving the existing character and primary uses at both sites. To gather additional community input, Parks staff will host a public open house and site walk on Wednesday, August 19, at 6:00 p.m. at Shively Park. Community members will learn about the proposed course, be able to walk the preliminary layout with staff, ask questions, and provide feedback before any implementation activities begin.Several factors make the project particularly attractive: Ten disc golf baskets have already been donated to the City from the former Clatsop County Fairgrounds course, eliminating one of the project's primary capital expenses. Parks staff anticipate that local disc golf players and volunteers will assist with fairway clearing, basket installation, and other construction activities, significantly reducing implementation costs. Following initial construction, staff anticipate only minimal ongoing maintenance beyond routine trail clearing and vegetation management. No significant capital expenditures are anticipated beyond existing staff time and minor materials needed for signage and installation. The proposal directly supports recommendations contained within the recently adopted Parks Master Plan Update. Throughout the public engagement process, community members consistently expressed interest in adding new recreational amenities and expanding recreation opportunities throughout Astoria while focusing on improving existing sites. A disc golf course represents a relatively low-cost way to respond to those priorities while making use of a park site that is already in use and has capacity to expand its utility. The Master Plan also identified requests for additional park amenities and recreation opportunities beyond traditional sports facilities. Importantly, the proposed course has been designed to avoid conflicts with existing park uses. Existing picnic areas, Shively Hall, parking, and trails will remain available and unchanged within the park. Players would primarily utilize wooded areas surrounding the perimeter road of the park. The course would also fill an important recreational niche within Clatsop County. Unlike the more open coastal setting at Columbia Shore Disc Golf Course in Fort Stevens State Park, the proposed Shively course provides a locally accessible, no-cost technical wooded courseemphasizing shot placement and precision. It would complement other regional destinations including:Columbia Shore Disc Golf Course – Fort Stevens State ParkLucky Mud Disc Golf Course – SkamokawaSkyline Disc Golf Course – CathlametBuxton Woods / LL Stub Stewart State Park coursesRoy Morse Park – LongviewTogether, these courses create a regional network of playing opportunities that attracts players traveling throughout northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. While the Shively course is intended primarily as a community recreation amenity rather than a tourism project, disc golf has demonstrated measurable economic benefits in communities that invest in quality courses. Even smaller tournaments generate spending on restaurants, lodging, fuel, and retail purchases, while larger tournaments have produced millions of dollars in regional economic activity. Communities with multiple quality courses are increasingly becoming destination locations for recreational tourism, with visitors frequently planning weekend trips around disc golf opportunities. Staff believe this project represents an opportunity to expand recreational offerings in Astoria with very limited financial investment while leveraging donated equipment, volunteer support, and existing public land.
1530 Shively Park Road A spacious, wooded park holding a community hall, trails, a grass area, a small play structure, and picnic shelters.Park and hall rentals are available. Please call (503) 325-7027 or parksinfo@astoria.gov for more information. Amenities/ Activities:
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