Disc Golf Course Closed Again After ‘Blatant Disregard’ for Social Distancing

File photo of Hahamongna Park disc golf course

Pasadena city workers took down the baskets at the Hahamongna Park disc golf course and shut down the facility due to rampant violation of rules and social-distancing guidelines during a tournament over the weekend, officials said.

Signage announcing the closure at the Oak Grove Disc Golf Course was expected to be posted Tuesday, the city said via social media.

“There was a large disc golf tournament this weekend that was blatantly streamed on Facebook and photographed,” according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. “Based on this activity, which violated all the posted rules, we again shut down the disc golf course.”

Officials determined the event was a potential infection hazard.

“Because of the large number of attendees and the lack of COVID protocols, this potentially could lead to the spread of the disease,” Derderoam said.

Warning sign posted by the City at the disc golf course in Oak Grove Park. Photo courtesy City of Pasadena

The city had previously shut down the disc golf course, 4550 Oak Grove Drive, in response to the pandemic, but reopened it on June 5, along with the Alice Frost Kennedy Dog Park at Viña Vieja Park, city officials said.

But the reopenings came along with social-distancing protocols, and authorities cautioned that if they were not followed, the facilities could be shut down again.

The first closure was merely a safety precaution, Derderian said. Monday’s action was the result of “bad behavior by a group who is now punishing others due to their lack of responsibility and common sense.”

“Signage is posted at the entrance of the newly reopened recreation amenities advising visitors of these safety protocols and guidelines,” according to a city statement issued upon the June 5 reopening. “It’s vital that visitors adhere to the safety guidelines to help keep these amenities open.”

The Orange Grove Disc Golf Course issued a statement via Facebook urging players to abide by posted rules.

“Please read, understand, and follow the instructions on the sign on hole 1 and all over the disc golf course,” the statement said. “The city (called) me today, and said that they will shut us down if we can’t follow the rules. This is our warning. Next time they get a complaint, they are shutting us down.”

About two hours later, another message appeared on the page.

“Too late,” it read. “Oak Grove is shut down. Please be safe.”