THUNDER BAY — A city woman wants something done to prevent a repetition of a frightening incident she and her family experienced at Chapples Golf Course.
Katrina O'Brien's eight-year-old son was knocked off his bike Monday afternoon when a stray golf ball struck him in the chest as he was riding on the recreational trail.
"He was pretty hurt in the moment. He couldn't breathe, and he was yelling. I didn't know what happened at first. I didn't see the ball. It was pretty scary."
O'Brien said the boy received an instant welt on his chest.
"I also had my two-year-old and my five-year-old. I was just in shock, and very angry, because what if it hit my baby? What if it hit my kid in the head? I was very upset."
O'Brien and her children were all on the designated recreational trail that loops around Chapples Park in close proximity to a number of fairways.
She said the incident happened near the 10th hole, just before the clubhouse.
"This golf course is owned by the City of Thunder Bay, and hundreds of kids and families walk, bike, rollerblade around Chapples on a daily basis. Something can be done and something needs to be done. I don't want a child to get hit in the head next time or struck in the heart."
O'Brien would like the city to set up warning signs and protective netting in areas where passers-by are at risk, and possibly relocate the recreational trail to the other side of the road.
She's reported the incident, and was pleased to receive a call Tuesday from Pat Berezowski, director of golf operations, confirming the city is looking into the situation.
When contacted by TBnewswatch, he declined to discuss what sorts of options might be considered, explaining that the investigation into the incident has just started.
O'Brien said she's been using the recreational trail on a regular basis for years, but will not take her children on it again until its safety is improved.
