Discs cause 'distressing' damage to old trees at Adelaide Parklands

Discs have caused damage to several old trees at Adelaide Parklands, prompting the local council to investigate their threat to the trees' health.

Disc golf enthusiasts use the free and open grounds for their sport and had a nine-hole course installed at King Rodney Park in May 2020.

But the flying discs, which often miss and go off course, have caused cut marks on trees around the park.

READ MORE: Girls charged after woman allegedly threatened with scissors, assaulted

Adelaide Parklands Association president Shane Sody was shocked to see the damage.

"It is distressing to see so much damage on so many large trees, decades-old trees," he said.

Sody is hoping the Adelaide City Council can find a middle ground that both protects the trees and allows disc golfers to continue playing their sport.

"I would expect it to be a no-brainer to just put some guards around the trees or to change the layout [of the course] so there's less risk of it happening," he said.

READ MORE: The other major issue on the ballot in 10 US states

The Adelaide City Council is investigating the issue.

"Preliminary investigations have shown superficial damage to some trees primarily around the tee and basket locations on the Disc Golf course," a spokesperson said.

"City of Adelaide is working with SA Disc Golf to adjust basket and tee locations to reduce future impacts to trees."

The South Australian Disc Golf Club said they were working to ensure their sport could coexist with the environment.

READ MORE: Residents evacuated from bushfire swelter in 42C without power

"Recently we have been made aware of concerns regarding the health of some of the trees located on the course," the club said in a statement.

"We are in discussions with the council to come up with solutions that prioritise both recreational access and environmental stewardship."

The South Australian Disc Golf Club has consequently removed a basket on hole 6 / 15 to mitigate risks and asked users not to throw discs at that location under further notice.