Queens Community Board 5, which serves the neighborhoods of Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, Fresh Pond and Liberty Park, held its monthly meeting and public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The meeting addressed several pressing issues raised by residents, including ongoing concerns about Highland Park and Evergreen Park.
Both parks have become focal points of controversy, with residents voicing frustrations about specific activities impacting their quality of life.
During the public forum, Highland Park’s disc golf course took center stage, as multiple speakers criticized the activity for disrupting the park’s serene atmosphere. The course, introduced earlier this year, has reportedly caused tensions between disc golfers and other parkgoers.
Steven Laxton, another local resident, echoed her concerns, highlighting conflicts arising from the proximity of the disc golf course to other park users. “Disc golfers treat the area like a dedicated golf course, and anyone in their way becomes an inconvenience. Park-goers just trying to enjoy nature are being harassed and told to move,” Laxton said.
Jasmine Chino, a mother and teacher from the neighborhood, lamented the loss of a peaceful retreat. “Once the disc golf course came, it became uncomfortable to sit there. There’s these flying projectiles around you. Where do you sit? It’s very interfering. People have been asked to move, people have been hit. The community and Highland Park needs this green space,” she said.