From The World Of Parks & Recreation
By Doug Comer
The PDGA probably is an association that most probably is not aware. It could possibly be one of the fastest rising sports throughout the world. With the top three sports in America being baseball, basketball and football, this particular activity has no limits on the length of time you can play in relation to age. And the cost of playing this sport is pennies on the dollar as compared to other life-long sports like golf.
Played in approximately 40 countries, Disc Golf, or referred to as Frisbee Golf, Frolf or Folf is a flying disc game where the rules are similar to golf. However, one major difference between the two sports is the attire you have to wear. Fortunately, plaid pants and a hard-collared shirt with a pocket is not required to be allowed on the course. Just like Nirvana says, “come as you are,” as Disc Golf attire can be whatever you want.
And Parks and Recreation here in Harrison County wanted to claim its stake in the development of the sport. Early last week, Director Mike Book and staff threw the first discs at the Recreation Complex’s newest disc golf course.
“We are really excited with having this activity here at our facility,” said Book. “The staff and I went around the property to find locations for each hole and making sure that there was a good flow to the layout. And we think we have accomplished that.”
And just like golf, players use different types of discs for the shot they are trying to perform. Discs normally costs on average $12 dollars and there are different styles and weights for all types of throwing conditions. If you want the disc to go far, one would use a driver disc and for shorter but more accurate discs one would chose a mid-range and finally, just like in golf, there is a putter disc for those looking for the highest in accuracy.
While the layout would be considered more of an “Executive Course” as the distance of the holes are not as long as some of the courses, but the challenge is still there. There will still be trees to dodge and you will have to be strategic in your approach of the course as Book explains.
“We wanted this layout to be enjoyable for kids and parents of all ages but, at the same token, be a little bit of a challenge to those that have been bitten by the disc golf bug. We were able to get approval by the Commission to order the best targets out there and the pricing was perfect. The overall result is a great little course where people can come and enjoy a good walk and play a fun sport.”
While the HCPR is on the ground floor of this project, there are still some additives needed in order to complete this project. Plans for signage on each hole detailing the look of the hole, the distance and the target location is in development and tee markers for the course will be in play by next week. As of right now, those who have played the course have started from various places in order to give the course a different look if they decide to play the layout more than one time.
“On paper we have a good idea where we want each hole to start. And we will offer a couple different set of tees in order for those who want to play 18 holes can have a different look as they start on the back nine,” said Book. “For each hole that we played, we have accessed the teeing areas and found that we did a good job on deciding where the tee areas will be located. The biggest consideration in determining where to place the tee markers was the flow of the course and to avoid risk of injury with errant throws.”
Again, the course is located at the Harrison County Recreation Complex on route 19 south of Clarksburg across from Sunny Croft golf course. For those wanting a layout of the holes, there will be copies available at the complex to pick up. The cost to play is free and it is a great opportunity for families to share a day of fun and exercise playing a sport.
