The Seymour Indiana cross country athletes, along with other running organizations and schools that participate, are being adversely impacted by the recent addition of a disc golf course on/within the cross country course.

In 2021 the city placed a 9 hole disc golf course within the cross country course. While preparing the site for the disc golf course, the city cut down many trees that provided shade and aesthetic value to the runners that participated on the course. The city did replant some trees in the area, but seemly without concern for the impact on the cross country course drainage and route.

Since the original 9 holes were installed, the athletes that participate on the course have reported disruptions when utilizing the course. These disruptions have negatively impacted cross country athletes while participating in the sport. These disruptions have included discs nearly impacting players while running causing runners to have to change focus from the sport to the concern of being struck when sharing the course.

In addition, runners have concerns over their safety and welfare of co-mingling with unknown and unvetted participants while participating in a school sanctioned sport in a remote and unmonitored area. As cited by the city, the disc golf course "was played 807 times and drew people from nine states ... in 2022." Furthermore the city cited, "26 players visited from more than 30 miles away, 10 came from 150 miles away and five traveled 300-plus miles." The city continues by stating these visitors are coming from nine various states. 

The sport of cross country, and use of the course at freeman field, draws athletes and competition almost year-round. This course is used by Seymour schools and several other local organizations and private clubs in grades K through 12 and beyond. Many events are hosted at the course throughout the week and weekends. Practices take place daily after school until 6:30pm or later. Sanctioned events occur throughout the week in the evening hours and on weekends. A shared time was mentioned by other citizens for the use of the disc course. We are opposed to this idea due to the high likely hood that will also limit the time the course is available for its original intended use of cross country. In addition, given the times used by the cross country course, this would severely limit, if not completely debilitate, the effective use during peak hours for the disc golf course.  

The city recently expanded the 9 hole disc golf course to 18 holes. It is believed this will increase the use of the disc golf course, therefore increasing the amount of players on the course and discs being thrown around the cross country athletes. 

We are asking that the city either relocate the disc golf course or relocate the cross country course by building a course and facility for sole use of the sport of cross country and its sanctioned/approved organizations. In the event the city chooses to relocate the cross country course, they should include local coaches and organizations in the approvals for the location and design of the course.