Malvern weighs 18-hole disc golf expansion

Malvern Village Council heard a proposal to expand the disc golf course at Village Park into an 18-hole course during its June 15 meeting, with supporters saying the project could attract tournaments, visitors and additional business to the village.

Scott Campbell, who helped establish the existing course, told council the sport has grown dramatically since the original nine-hole course was installed. He said there were approximately 2,000 disc golf courses nationwide when the course was first developed, compared to more than 11,000 today.

Campbell said the existing layout was designed with future expansion in mind and outlined several options ranging from upgrading baskets and signage to creating a full 18-hole course.

He said expanded courses have become destinations for players and tournaments and could help bring visitors into Malvern.

Council members expressed interest in learning more about the project and possible funding sources, including grants and donations, before making any decisions.

Council also approved renewing the village’s property and liability insurance coverage through the Ohio Plan Public Entities Pooling Insurance Program for the 2026-27 policy year.

Ron Maxwell of Whitaker-Myers Insurance Agency presented the renewal information to council and reviewed changes in coverage and pricing.

Maxwell said the annual premium totals $18,476, but a $1,615 Advantage credit reduces the village’s cost to $16,861, an increase of approximately $483 from the previous year.

He said insured property values were adjusted to account for inflation and noted the village recently added a 2023 Diamond trailer to its coverage. Maxwell also highlighted improvements to the program’s cyber insurance protection, including a reduction in the deductible for cyber-related incidents from $10,000 to $5,000.

Council later approved the renewal.

Fiscal Officer Ashley Neading reported the village will not pursue a NatureWorks grant for walking track improvements this year after learning Carroll County’s guaranteed allocation would provide only about $11,786 in funding.

Officials said the estimated cost of walking track improvements far exceeds that amount. Instead, the village plans to work with Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association to explore larger grant opportunities that could potentially include roadways, parking lots and walking track improvements as part of a broader project. Council approved the measure related to pursuing additional grant opportunities through OMEGA, with McCort voting no.

Neading also discussed investment options for oil and gas revenue generated from village-owned property.

She reported the village currently uses a sweep account that automatically transfers excess funds into an interest-bearing account and has generated approximately $5,500 in interest income in recent months. She noted that Ohio law limits local governments to conservative investment options intended to preserve principal while earning interest.

Village Administrator Derik Kaltenbaugh reported the village recently repaired three water leaks and continues addressing road repairs and maintenance projects as weather permits.

Kaltenbaugh also reported the village did not receive funding through a recent park road grant application but remains under consideration for approximately $2 million in funding for a waterline improvement project.

In other business, council:

—HEARD resident Joanne Cinson raise concerns about access to a storage building property near Wilson Street scheduled for auction. Cinson said a driveway on her property has historically been used to access the building, but she is unaware of any legal easement. She asked for council’s blessing to work with Kiko Auctions and potentially seek legal counsel to clarify access and property boundaries before the sale, and council members expressed their support.

—HEARD updates to Brown Township Board of Trustees’ efforts to establish recycling bins in the village. Councilwoman Marci Hubbard reported utility-related issues are being addressed and the project could move forward within the next several weeks.

—APPROVED allowing American Legion Post 375 to install military veteran banners on utility poles along portions of Main, Reed and Porter streets.

“These look really really nice,” said Mayor Bob DeLong. “It would be great to have those in Malvern.”

—HEARD Brown Township officials are willing to continue discussions regarding a potential regional police district.

—HEARD officials report that 18 Ohio counties, including Carroll County, did not receive bids during the state’s first round of winter road salt purchasing and are awaiting a second round of bids. Neading said the lack of bids was outside the county’s control and not uncommon.

—DISCUSSED park maintenance projects, including playground repairs, bench painting and vegetation management.

—PAID bills totaling $16,990.82 and approved payroll expenses totaling $2,707.58.