Save the Pleasure Island Disc Golf course!

Tejas Kajun · Member

RE: Save the Pleasure Island Disc Golf course!

Date: Mon Mar 31 10:36 PM, 2008

I don't know about all that but i wish somebody would control all the feista at the two park and the graffitti.

BeaumontEnterprise.com · Moderator

test

Date: Fri Jan 4 9:41 PM, 2008

why dont we put the motorcross track back where the disc golf coarse is and you can play frisbee inbetween races.i bet more people would get use of the land

Home Brewed · Member

It was cancelled due to the details not being worked out. Be assured that it will be back in front of the city council soon and this time with the details written out. Then the fight will be on to convince at least five members of the council to deny the contract/permit/license.

Tejas Kajun · Member

Thanks for the work guys, we won Round 1! Let's hope it is just a 2 Round fight, and win by unanimous decision!
Let them build elsewhere in Port Arthur, there are MANY areas of the City that could use the developement...in the "Flip this House" style. It would better that community, have a longer duration of housing, and actually encourage those migrate workers to STAY and LIVE in Southeast Texas because they would have property. Imagine that...improving someone's lifestyle with responsibility and pride of ownership.
Thanks again
GTDG Club

P.S.
~City Council/Developers/News Agencies~
It's DISC GOLF ... not Frisbee Golf (thats an old term)... Frisbee you play on the beach, tossing it to one another ... DISC GOLF is more technical than that.
But at least you know about it now...more exposure for the:

World's Most Popular Unknown Sport!

Date: Tue Jul 3 10:36 PM, 2007

PORT ARTHUR CITY COUNCIL CANCELED THE RV PARK AT THE DISC GOLF COURSE

we won the battle but the fight is not over

Date: Mon Jul 2 8:57 AM, 2007

Port Arthur needs to retain areas which promote recreation and family fun. The refineries do not need to add more ugliness to the city by distroying a park and putting up an place for RVs.

Tejas Kajun · Member

oops...server delay on the last 2 comments? Its not my fault...the computer must done what I TOLD IT TO DO, NOT WHAT I WANTED IT TO DO!
aww

Tejas Kajun · Member

Here is the link to that comment:

http://www.kfdm.com/news/island_21058___article.html/pleasure_park.html

Everyone make a good show at the council meeting. Sorry I can't be there, my life in the Texas Hill Country is EXTREMELY WET. We are experiencing the 500 yr rainfall event.
On a personal note, I saw that Deloris Princes won the Mayoral Runoff; that is good. I was worried. My family reports that her opponent Willie, was a former MOTIVA employee with heavy contacts, while Deloris has been with City projects and agencies for a while in various capacities.
I understand MOTIVA will always be there, but they hopefully will be wiser when it comes to communities opinion on expansions, projects, etc. (i.e. our current situation)
Lets' hope the new mayor will reflect the best interest of saving the parks, promoting Disc Golf, and listening to our voices without the bullying.

Thanks again.

And remember.....

"Sure I am this day we are masters of our fate, that the task which has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond our endurance. As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us."
-Sir Winston Churchill

Date: Sat Jun 30 9:49 PM, 2007

Here is the link to that comment:

http://www.kfdm.com/news/island_21058___article.html/pleasure_park.html

Everyone make a good show at the council meeting. Sorry I can't be there, my life in the Texas Hill Country is EXTREMELY WET. We are experiencing the 500 yr rainfall event.
On a personal note, I saw that Deloris Princes won the Mayoral Runoff; that is good. I was worried. My family reports that her opponent Willie, was a former MOTIVA employee with heavy contacts, while Deloris has been with City projects and agencies for a while in various capacities.
I understand MOTIVA will always be there, but they hopefully will be wiser when it comes to communities opinion on expansions, projects, etc. (i.e. our current situation)
Lets' hope the new mayor will reflect the best interest of saving the parks, promoting Disc Golf, and listening to our voices without the bullying.

Thanks again.

And remember.....

"Sure I am this day we are masters of our fate, that the task which has been set before us is not above our strength; that its pangs and toils are not beyond our endurance. As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will to win, victory will not be denied us."
-Sir Winston Churchill

Date: Thu Jun 28 11:17 PM, 2007

did anyone catch the last news article concerning the RV park???

Chirafis, who is one of the few big proponents of the RV park replacing the public discgolf park, and is against using a smaller tract of land owned by a private individual. His reasoning is he doesn't want to see stuff crammed into a small lot. Could it be that the private individual would make the rent money, instead of the Pleasure Island Commission, which Chirafis practically runs?

But you gotta love his statement to Ch. 6... "I hate to see little places just crammed together. Somebody wants to make a quick buck to house constructions workers," said Chirafis.

Which RV project is he talking about? Seems his statement applies to both! Making a quick buck to house construction workers is what all of this is about.

Practice what you preach Chirafis!

Tejas Kajun · Member

Beaumont Enterprise Article:

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18516981&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=512589&rfi=6

Tejas Kajun · Member

Has anyone tried to contact the NEXT MAYORAL CANDIDATES, and get their opinion. They are now in the news ALOT with the run-off coming this weekend. What perfect airtime would it be to ask them questions while the cameras are rolling, plus, the winner will inherit this issue!

http://www.kbmt12.com/news/local/8195997.html

http://www.kfdm.com/news/says_21014___article.html/early_guidry.html

Just trying to keep the ideas out there...

Tejas Kajun · Member

It looks like I won't be able to make it to the uprising at City Council on July 3rd. GOOD LUCK! My work has been compounded lately here in the Hill Country with the massive floods, bridges out, roads gone, etc.
In the mean time I am providing some further contact information about procedures etc. for those wishing to let their voice be heard.
Here is a link to the Port Arthur Council Agenda page(s) describing HOW YOU ADDRESS THE COUNCIL:

http://24.73.252.74/scripts/LFWebLink.exe/weblink/browser.html?doc=21062&type=image&page=8&scale=fit&size=610,1220&c=0,0&wrap=off&cid=871598971

That link is on Page 9 of the agenda minutes, if you look on Page 4 of that same series of minutes...at the bottom you can see the PleasureIsland agenda topic:

http://24.73.252.74/scripts/LFWebLink.exe/weblink/browser.html?doc=21062&type=image&page=4&scale=fit&size=610,1220&c=0,0&wrap=off&cid=871598971

Furthermore, I noticed in a previous city council meeting's minutes they listed the "specifics" for a land aquisition protest.

http://24.73.252.74/scripts/LFWebLink.exe/weblink/browser.html?doc=21101&ID=&NAME=PUBLIC%20HEARING%20-%20DISANNEXATION&TOTAL=&cid=2146282484

I will not imply that this is the way we are required to do it, but they specifically state that the protestor must have: NAME, ADDRESS, AGE listed in the protest to the coucil.
So use that as FOOD FOR THOUGHT, on all of you aspiring persons of protest. If we get more prepared than they expect; surprise and strength will overcome their naivity of us.
Keep the fight forward, grip it and rip it, I am going for the ACE on a PAR 5! (or so it seems...lol)

~~~~

A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof was to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools. Douglas Adams

WillRoan · Newbie

It has come to my attention that one of the PI comissioners who stood against the RV Park with us has used the most unethical of reasons to turn against us on the issue. Mr. Danny Williams was sent the following letter - one of many:

---------------------------------------
All,

Let me start by saying I am not from your community, however, that does not change the feelings that should be portrayed in regards to this redevelopment plan.

I am a 26 year old disc golfer from Pittsburgh who has flown, with a friend born and raised in Dallas, to Texas solely to play the sport of disc golf at multiple courses, Pleasure Island being one of those. I do not think that anyone outside the disc golf community understands the gem they have in their backyard. I know for a fact that there are approximately 3,000 some odd acres on the island. Im certain with some thoughtful planning that undeveloped areas of the island could serve the same purpose that the current disc golf area does. Disc Golf is one of, if not the, fastest growing recreational sports in the US (stats can be found at pdga.com). There were 4 courses on the island at one time, now there is only one. As I can remember, it is the only course in the immediate area as well. With that said, the course, by simply being located inside a recreational park and requiring the same amount of maintenance that the grounds would require if it was not there, brings in guests and revenue to the area from people who would otherwise not use the land or visit the island. This is all above and beyond the community members that use the facilities on a regular basis and have put blood, sweat, and tears into its design, upkeep, and progression.

I dont want to go on forever, believe me I could

I will end this with the thought that I sincerely hope this RV Park location would be reconsidered with the entire community in mind. Community strength is gained through avenues for neighbors to communicate in a friendly manner and bond over a common enjoyment. Recreation facilities are one of the easiest ways for this to take place. Taking this course away is just one more step in the wrong direction for an entire country that needs a real sense of community.

Sincerely,

Joshua Charlton
-----------------------------------------

Mr. Charlton was met with the following response from Mr. Williams:

-----------------------------------------
I, Danny Williams, am a Pleasure Island Commissioner and in the beginning I was against the R V park being on the location of what is now the Disc golf course. However, since I have been bombarded by E mails such as this I have changed my mind. I will now support the R V issue. Also I promise not to come to Pittsburgh and try to run your business.
------------------------------------------------

Does his reaction make sense to anyone? What competent politician would turn his back on one side of an issue because too many people agreed with his stance? Is this some sort of delayed adolescent rebellious faze Mr Williams is experiencing? Has he thrown his hat in with the black garbed Goth kids, who value nonconformity above all else? I sent Mr. Williams an email myself on the matter:

----------------------------------------
Mr. Williams,

I am a Golden Triangle native. I was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Port Arthur Texas, and have lived my entire life between there and Beaumont. It has come to my attention that yoiu have been flooded with emails concerning the proposed development of the Berry's Treasure disc golf course on Pleasure Island, and that you are upset about it.

I want to apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. I authored a petition protesting the development here: www.petitiononline.com/cetb175g/petition.html
While I do not think that this petition led directly to the influx of emails you have been bombarded with, I do believe it has been instrumental in motivating the people to move against the development plan. Again, I apologize for any inconvenience you may be experiencing as a result.

However, it has also come to my attention that you have used this inconvenience as a reason to flip flop your stance on the issue. Where once you stood with us against the development, now, because you have been bombarded with email from protestors, you stand against us. Would you explain to me the logic of that move? Though you have been inconvenienced, I would remind you that it is your DUTY as a public servant to receive feedback on the issues at hand. And where is the logic in a public servant who turns his back on the people because they stand on the same side of an issue as him? If you truly would change your mind on this issue, just to SPITE supporters of the disc golf course because you have received a few emails, then you are not fit for office.

I would assume the issue here is that you have received feedback from out of town sources? May I remind you, Mr. Williams, that the ULTIMATE goal with development of Pleasure Island, of any sort, is to increase it's lure as a tourist destination. That means the opinions of those out of towners you would turn against in spite are ACTUALLY of the utmost importance on this issue. You would alienate potential tourists to the area for no better reason than you don't like being told how to "run your business"? I'll remind you again, Mr. Williams - you are a PUBLIC SERVANT. It is not your place to decide how to run things, it is your duty to serve as a proxy for the will of the people.

I urge you to calm yourself down, Mr. Williams, and think logically on the matter: What good are you as a public servant if you turn your back on the public, because the public sent you too many emails on a certain issue? Those are the actions of a child, not of an adult. Certainly not actions becoming of an ethical, responsible comissioner.

Take a moment to look through my petition sir. Since friday it has garnered over 1200 signatures and almost as many comments. The support for our course is overwhelming, as you've discovered, not only in the golden triangle, but throughout this nation and beyond, with responses from places as distant as Canada, Japan, Finland, and Norway.

Don't betray us on account of an inconvenience, Mr. Williams.

William Roan
-----------------------------------------------

Now, i certainly didn't intend to cause such an inconvenient situation as a full mailbox for the honorable comissioner, and I regret if my petition has contributed to his aches and pains - but UNLIKE him, I stand FIRM on my side of this issue. Are we living in a place and time where our public servants hold themselves above being bothered by the public, where they believe themselves to be above reproach? There is still a need for accountability among our public officials, and we have to remind them of that somehow. Just don't email them though, evidently that's a sore spot. evileye

-- Edited by WillRoan at 14:47, 2007-06-26

Tejas Kajun · Member

Here is a copy of the letter Councilman John Beard submitted:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All,

Hope this finds each of you well,in good spirits considering the recent events.

I am sending a copy of the email I requested be read at the Tuesday 6/19 meeting regarding the proposed RV Park. The mayor,in his infinite wisdom,had it read AFTER the vote was taken, precluding my comments from consideration by the members or the audience.

The issues I spoke to are just a sample; it has come to my attention that there are more troubling things surrounding this debacle,worst of all being that the Council,nor its attorney, have seen the contract agreement, or financial specifics, and that when this info was sought by the attorney,he was told by the Island 's executive director that the mayor had the material. This action violated the city's procedures regarding the sale or use of public property,and the council did not exercise due diligence in its decision,i.e., acted with all the facts.

Please know this; that I am opposed to,and will stand and fight with you to undo this terrible, error filled act, and am working on ways to attack and possibly remove or nullify the Council's action on P.R. # 14090.

As always,feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

John Beard,Jr.

Councilman,District 5

409-626-1179

June 19,2007

To the Mayor, Council and City ManagerGood Morning !Due to illness' and the death of a family relative, I will be unable to attend today's Council meeting. However, I respectfully request that the Mayor and Council allow me the opportunity to express my opinion on the following item.Item P.R. # 14090 : Proposed Pleasure Island RV ParkThere are several issues of concern in considering approval of this item. The City Charter specifies that the sale of park land (which the island, technically, is a park) requires an election to approve the sale of park property. City policy also requires the posting of advertisements for bids and request for proposals when seeking parties to develop projects on city owned property. I asked staff for information on the date when notice for bids or RFP's for this project were posted,and they stated that none have been made.Mr. Sokolow, is it legal for the city or the Pleasure Island Commission make this type of agreement without complying with this policy? Can agreements be entered into without public approval of the selling of city park property? Having read the executive summary, I found there was no financial or specific contractual information regarding the lease agreement and sale of the proposed 19 acres. If there is a contract, has it been reviewed by the staff or the Manager? What was/is their opinion?At the June 5th meeting,Council stated its desire to have a joint meeting with the PIC, to discuss ongoing Island issues, and to build consensus on the direction and working relationship between both parties. To date, there has been no meeting ,planned or scheduled. The City Manager also sent a memo to the Council in response to its request to work with the PIC in studying the sale of revenue bonds to finance Island projects. His memo stated that it would not be cost effective for the PIC to issue revenue bonds. He pointed out that before any future projects involving the Island's land assets be initiated, a land use study be undertaken. He further expressed his concern that development could place the City in a position of liability for providing city services, and the associated personnel,facility and equipment cost, estimated in the millions of dollars. It is no secret that the Council and citizens greatly desire to see the Island become a sustainable asset for the recreational use of our citizens ,and others who so desire. Yet what impact would this proposed RV park have on the quality of life and future development? The proposed location of the RV park is currently the location of the Frisbee Golf Course, which has been home to local and national tournaments, and is recognized as one of the top Frisbee golf venues in the country. This location is also adjacent to the site set aside by the PIC for a future amusement/water park.While it is appropriate that we try to assist industry in housing workers on projects in the short term, we must use this opportunity to improve our housing stock, and as a means of providing infrastructure for future neighborhoods. Industry has paid a premium, "turn-key bid", to house these workers, and they should work with the city to meet the housing and growth needs of both, in areas where it is beneficial, feasible and makes the highest, best use of available land. This proposed RV Park project leaves much to be considered, many questions unanswered.I respectfully request that we table this item until we have more complete financial information; a review of contract specifics; engage in a joint land use study with the PIC, and resolve legal issues surrounding the proper disposition of park property for sale. Respectfully submitted for the record,John Beard,Jr. Councilman,District 5~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tejas Kajun · Member

Here is a recent post/link from the news:

http://www.panews.com/local/local_story_176184944.html

http://www.panews.com/local/local_story_176184944.html?start:int=15

Jeff thanks for stating the obvious that we are not a "very, very small group..."

Tejas Kajun · Member

Contact all that you can to help, many minds that think alike will have the same conclusion!

BeaumontEnterprise Letter to the editor (ttaschinger@hearstnp.com )
http://beaumontenterprise.com/site/news.cfm?notn=1&ncdr=1&newsid=14003181&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=512562&rfi=6
Port Arthur News Editor
Roger Cowles, editor, at 721-2431
KBMT-Channel 12 (ABC Local News)
To email Good Morning Southeast Texas live -
talkback@kbmt-tv.com
To contact GMSET producers -
gmset@kbmt-tv.com
To contact KBMT evening news producers -
12News@kbmt-tv.com
Interoffice Memorandum about the request (from June 19, 2007 Meeting):
http://24.73.252.74/scripts/LFWebLink.exe/weblink/browser.html?doc=21041&ID=&NAME=PR%2014090:RV%20PARK%20LICENSE&TOTAL=&cid=-921584313
Port ArthurCity Contacts
City Council Page: http://www.portarthur.net/view_administration.cfm?aid=1

John Beard Jr (The man that WANTS TO KEEP Disc Golf there)

District 5
jbeardjr@portarthur.net
Phone: (409) 983-8267
Fax: (409) 983-8128

Steve Fitzgibbons

City Manager
benji@portarthur.net
Phone: (409) 983-8101
Fax: (409) 982-6743

Evangeline Van Green(To get on the City Agendaspeak your mind)

City Secretary
egreen@portarthur.net
Phone: (409) 983-8115
Fax: (409) 983-8128
Terri Hanks
AssistantCity Secretary (To get on the City Agendaspeak your mind)
thanks@pa.net
MOTIVA Enterprises
Rick Strouse (Project Leader for the companys expansion)
Office Switchboard (get a transfer) Phone# 409-982-5711
Rick Strouse Article about development:
http://www.downstreamtoday.com/News/Articles/200706/Motiva_Ready_for_Expansion_at_Port_Arthu_4210.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Community Coordinator as posted on their MOTIVA safety flyer: If you have a concern, complaint, or question call our Community Environmental Coordinator @ 409-284-8060 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tejas Kajun · Member

There are some legal arguments unanswered.

1. They want to build this as a temporary housing area. Currently, the Port Arthur ordinances list that as 3 months +/-, then it is a permanent structure. Common sense knows they will be there longer. Why does this matter? Because after the Hurricanes, that area is a FLOOD PLAIN, and FEMA will not allow new permanent structures in a flood plain. Imagine living there, losing everything, and learning you WONT be able to get a FEMA check for assistance. Then the City of Port Arthur will get amazing lawsuits, I imagine, because they allowed the construction of the area.

2. What about the new population requesting EMS/FD/PD support; reportedly the city is already concerned AND stressed about getting protection and response there nowjust add the 119 units (times) its tenants that (equals) a bad situation.

3. Obvious environmental impact studies have not been performed.

A BIG ONE: When this property was letted to the Pleasure Island Commission or other entities some time back; did it, OR did it not have the course classified as a PARK? This key fact is VITAL right now. The lawyers for the city, etc are looking into this. IF THIS WAS declared as a PARK, then it CANNOT be removed/destroyed according to the PUBLIC CONTRACT. Then our case is won! If it was listed as such, then the fight to define it as a PARK is needed. Currently members of the Pleasure Island Commission (who are in FAVOR of its removal) were quoted in the media calling it a park. They have admitted it! A next question for that definition is: can it be recognized as a common law marriage is? Afterall, ask persons in Port Arthur where the DiscGolfPARK is, they will tell you; thereby, common law admittance that the public recognizes this place as park.

Tejas Kajun · Member

Here is an update:
I spoke with John Beard today on his personal cell phone; he is currently in Houston on some medical matters with his family, God Speed to all of them. He is excited about the reactions from all Disc Golfers. He and his wife have played Frisbee itself since 1963!
He wants to make sure that everyone follows up with their emotion and acts proactively towards the protest. There are actually some things we CAN do that wont necessarily get him in hot water, plus, we ARE THE VOTING CITIZENS!
He suggests that we contact anyone and everyone involved in the possible expansion, right now the ones FOR the development; after all, the ones against are most likely reading this now and taking action. By putting the stress on them, they will see that this will not go easy!
For that stress, let me tell you the inside scoop and cliff notes for the city council. There are 9 board members. It will take at least 5 members to shoot down the proposal. Currently, including John Beard, there are 3 that are against it (names with held for now). They need 2 more of course. Currently the City Council has 2-3 members of the undecided vote that are the likes of freshman and have not served very long on the council, and appear to have been bullied by Mayor Ortiz of Port Arthur. Those minds are being swooned hopefully as the MANY voices are speaking out.
The next City Council meeting is on July 3rd, 2007. And Disc Golfers need to SPEAK OUT. To speak out YOU MUST CONTACT the City Secretary and REQUEST TO BE HEARD. If enough show up and flood them with clear and concise 5 minute speeches (thats the time limit), it will HAVE TO BE RECORDED.
This deal also appears to be dirty. Currently, the details of the City contract are not released and being held back until the day of the hearings. Councilman Beard reports that is not normal, and the Mayors Office is stonewalling him avoiding the requests. Payoffs? Kickbacks? Commissions? Many odd things are being rumored of someone stuffing cash in anothers back pocket. I dont have the factsyet.

Ashlynn Ivy · Newbie

I have been recently informed that Motiva plans to replace the disc golf course in Pleasure island with "labor" housing for its workers. If this is true, why is it that locals are not hearing about it until now--when it is already too late to do anything about it? The disc golf course is one of the few scenic areas we have left to enjoy in Southeast Texas. People come from all over the United States to play at this particular course. I'm sure there are other places to create temporary housing for Motiva's laborers. By taking away the course, Motiva is trampling on a tradition and demolishing a place where we share time with our families and friends. Unlike the people who plan on undertaking this project, we live here; we grew up here; and we are not going to sit back and accept this. I am going to do all that I can within my community to stop this from happening. There are already over 600 signatures at gtdiscgolf.com from people who share my feelings regarding this situation.

Ashlynn Ivy

Though he is nothing more than a pawn for big business and won't do Jack about it, I just sent this letter to Rick Perry.

Eljefe · Newbie

just in case you are not following the petition, we are approaching 500 signatures in what basically amounts to a day. About 10 days to go before the city council meeting.

Eljefe · Newbie

336 signatures.....wait untill after 5 oclock and the #s should really start rolling in.i hope the pleasure island commission and city council are monitering this as well as Motiva and Bechtel. This is making them look bad and has gone national.

Date: Fri Jun 22 12:27 PM, 2007

200 signatures and growing

Eljefe · Newbie

wow, the petition is getting about 1-2 signatures per minute. Thanks to everyone who supports disc golf.

Date: Fri Jun 22 7:41 AM, 2007

Where are the self-proclaimed conservationists on this issue ??? John Chirafis is on the PI commission...is he in support of this destruction ?? I hope he & the other residents of the Island like having a bunch of third worlders living just down the street from their mansions.

Date: Fri Jun 22 12:42 AM, 2007

What's after the RV Park? Tear down the playground to build a company store for the locals to shop at?

Date: Thu Jun 21 10:13 PM, 2007

A petition has been started. Show your support and click here: http://www.petitiononline.com/cetb175g/petition.html

Date: Thu Jun 21 10:00 PM, 2007

This is truly a sad day. I thought it was just a rumour, but it's becoming increasingly evident that this is the direction the city is planning to go. You know, I've seen a lot of courses pulled up for various reasons, but this is truly the most devastating. Of all the suitable locations for housing in the area, it's baffling that the city would choose a public park with such a rich, vibrant, storied history. I'm native to Bridge City, TX but have lived in Austin for the past 5 years. In that time I've had the opportunity to play some of the best courses the sport has to offer. But when someone asks me what my home course is, I proudly reply "Barry's Treasure Island." How quickly the city has forgotten the prestige they received by hosting the World Championships years back, or the tremendous boost to tourism the events brought. Port Arthur truly is a company town, completely bound to the success and exploitations of the industry. Ill tell you what, I love where I'm from and I'm proud to be native to the area, but when does it stop? This undying patronage to big business has been and always will be the undoing of the integrity of the city. Save the Island!

Date: Thu Jun 21 8:42 PM, 2007

I tell you what - if the Pleasure Island comission thinks that leveling the prettiest part of the Island to stick in a trailer park is the way to "develop" the place, then maybe they have the wrong people in office there. While they're at it, maybe there's another nice park they can destroy to put up some housing projects?

Eljefe · Newbie

Why the island? Why not downtown Port Arthur? If these thousands of workers were housed downtown, restaurants would spring up, maybe market basket would come back, business would prosper. Port Arthur is a dying city, some would say it is already dead but the only light shines from the island. There are no parks that could hold a torch to our surrounding cities parks in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas except for the island. That is where the youth from this area flock as soon as they can escape the grasps of southeast Texas. The quality of life here is terrible compared to those cities. I have played Disc Golf since I moved away and went to college in San Marcos back in 91. I was blown away to hear Port Arthur was hosting the Worlds Championships in 1994 and then they hosted it a second year which is unheard of from a city. I moved back from the hill country and started playing the island and Tyrrell Park(which was destroyed by hurricane Rita) in 1996 and have been a regular at the island ever since. Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports in North America, western Europe and Japan. We are going to throw away a world class course for one of the fastest growing sports for temporary housing of big oil company workers? With the profits these oil companies are showing they could build housing for their workers much like companies did at the turn of the century. Whole cities were built by companies to support their need for workers. Please do not destroy the beauty of the island by filling it with trailers. Revitalize the mainland where it is needed most and maybe Port Arthur will get a spark of life again and be able to become a thriving city again. I remember the pictures of the palm lined streets and busy commerce district. Or maybe they will continue to make the wrong decisions and the island will be a place for out of town workers and not for the citizens of the Golden Triangle and will be written off much like Port Arthur is today. The school district.....well I'll save that one for another day.

Date: Thu Jun 21 2:43 PM, 2007

I just really dont know what to say. Pleasure Island is the first course I ever played. I have spent many years and alot of my own blood, sweat and tears on playing, promoting and maintaining this course. It is my 7 year old daughters favorite course to play and I have every intention on making sure I get to see her play on it for years to come.

I was assured many times by the Commission that the Park would be there forever. What happened to that promise? When did Money become more important then having a place for family to engage in recreational activity together? Why destroy a beautiful peice of disc golf history and a great place for people of all ages around the community, and country for that matter, for a Temporary Trailor park?

Whether you are a Disc Golfer or not, you should stand up and help us fight to keep our Parks! If they get this Park who knows what Park they are going to Take from the community next time. Let's stop this cycle before it starts.

BigDizave · Newbie

Oooops, here's a better link for the Google Map satellite image of Pleasure Island:

Image of the island course, be sure to zoom out.

BigDizave · Newbie

Pleasure Island is 3,500 acres in size. Why place an RV park on land that happens to be on top of the island's only disc golf course?!

Here's a satelite image of the island's disc golf course (boardered by TB Ellison Pkwy and the gravel road):

Now zoom out. Look at all that untapped, undeveloped land! Place the RV park elsewhere!http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=pleasure+island,+tx&sll=37.0625,-95.677071&sspn=70.315091,111.445313&ie=UTF8&ll=29.858352,-93.936367&spn=0.004829,0.006802&t=h&z=17&om=1

Date: Thu Jun 21 11:36 AM, 2007

SAVE THE ISLAND! I thought I would never hear that phrase. Disc Golfers work around the world promoting the sport and building new courses. This is the first time I have heard that we are trying to save one from destruction. And the salvation is needed to keep it from becoming a "Man Camp", of all things, needed for industrial expansion. Do they know that this is not just any disc golf park, but freaking Pleasure Island?!? A course known across the world! Designed by one of the best and used in tournaments for the world's best! I am from Houston and work here at one of the expansion projects. After work, I play at this course. I am aware of the housing requirements that will befall the Golden Triangle area during the construction efforts. I understand that this temporary problem needs to be addressed. But why would we permanently destroy history and beauty to solve a temporary problem? Once developed, it can never go back to what it was. Make no mistake about it, that it will not remain an "RV Park" after the expansion is complete, unless the Island needs an EMPTY RV park. Lovely! Last time I checked, there is land everywhere around here, that is for sale, which is already flat and ready for electric poles and sewer sumps needed for "Man Camps". Lets not destroy the only nice area to look at in the whole of Port Arthur. LETS SAVE THE ISLAND!

RustyG · Newbie

I hated to hear that the city of Port Arthur palns to do away with the disc golf course. I've been a regular there for the last 15 years. 35 years ago I used to race motocross on the site, so needless to say the property holds alot of good memories for me. This particular piece of land in my opinion is the nicest undeveloped land on the island. It will be a crying shame to drive there in the near future and se a trailer park sitting there. I like how the city is calling it an "RV park" to try and put a little lipstick on this pig. Take a ride through the current "RV park" and tell me what the ratio of RV's to trailers is.

I understand that the disc golf course is not a revenue generator for the city. As far as that goes what park is? Is there no other location in the city of Port Arthur with 20 acres of land where they can put a trailer park?

Date: Thu Jun 21 9:15 AM, 2007

I think the city of Port Arthur, where I have lived for 35 years, is making a decision based on making a "quick buck" and to help an industry that is already making a fortune. Don't trash the Pleasure Island because city leaders can't handle the finances. Pleasure Island is a nice place for the people to go with there families and enjoy themselves. The island is not for temporary housing! cry Who would want to bring they family to picnic or throw a birthday party near a bunch of trailers. I have no problem with people who live in trailers but we are talking about temporary housing. The workers have no intention of staying here and no stake how the park will look for the future.
Why is the city choosing this particular spot? confused

It is full of hills, while the other parts of Pleasure Island are flat.
It already is occupied by a disc golf course, other areas have nothing on them.
It is right near the music pavillion, fishing areas, and other high traffic areas - put it on the other side of the bridge that is less traveled.

I think Pleasure Island is a great place to visit - Let's keep it that way!! smile
Russell Roy Tritico II

Date: Thu Jun 21 12:11 AM, 2007

Of the four great courses of the 1994 and 1995 PDGA World Disc Golf Championships hosted on Port Arthur's Pleasure Island, only the original stands today - Berry's Treasure. The course remains just as it has for over 15 years. The course is literally a putter's throw away from the ship channel which adds to this scenic course. You'll often see large ships and tugboats pass by as you enjoy a round on this course. The course was designed by disc golf legend, John Houck in 1991. People from all around the country have played the legendary Berry's Treasure on Pleasure Island.

Disc golf serves as a means of healthful outdoor activity and physical fitness, its FREE to the public and provides for a recreational outlet for youth and older players alike. The Golden Triangle Disc Golf club promotes disc golf in the Golden Triangle area and the Pleasure Island course will be greatly missed by both club members and the much larger group of casual players.

With other other sites available on Pleasure Island to build an RV park, why not choose an undeveloped area as opposed to taking away one of the last public activities left on Pleasure Island?

John Beard Jr (The man that WANTS TO KEEP Disc Golf there)

District 5jbeardjr@portarthur.netPhone: (409) 983-8267Fax: (409) 983-8128

Steve Fitzgibbons

Evangeline Van Green(To get on the City Agendaspeak your mind)

District 5
jbeardjr@portarthur.net
Phone: (409) 983-8267
Fax: (409) 983-8128