Origins of a disc golfer: Courses
As a new-ish sport, disc golf has a passionate following, but its not the easiest sport to discover. Many start playing because a friend brings them into the sport (sometimes reluctantly). Not everyone knows a disc golfer so for those players, its all about course access.
This past month, I spoke with 15 disc golfers across the US about how they started their disc golf lives.
Over half of those I spoke with found disc golf because they lived near a course — which is also my story. (I miss you Grand Woods).
Most courses are built into existing public parks. These are supported financially by a city or county, and most always mixed-use. Meaning disc golf is just one of many activities such as a playground, picnic area, basketball courts, ect. While there are stories of conflicts between disc golfers and other park goers (I will share those stories next time) there are many more of how disc golfers helped transform an unused park into a treasured space in the community.
Let me tell you about Vance park.
Vance park is located within the Rockwood neighborhood, and before 2006, it was known as a haven for illegal and/or dangerous activities and a build-up of trash. It was built to be a natural space to enjoy the areas beautiful, large Douglas firs, but without more people enjoying the park, it became a place that seemed unsafe to visit.
The Rockwood Winter Series, a long running disc golf event, used the park as a temporary course starting in 2004. In 2006, Ty Baker began working with the city to put in a permanent disc golf course. In 2007, the city gave the ok for a permanent course at Vance. Many disc golfers, including Ty Baker, Jason Hardin, Murray Proctor, George Yeager and others dedicated hours of time to put the course in — within 1 weeks time.
The neighbors and the city were skeptical about putting in a disc golf course. How could people throwing plastic into baskets be a great thing for their park? There were worries about extra trash, erosion, and increased noise. The park now had walking paths through-out, some walkers worried about getting in the way of the course.
Now, if you are a disc golfer, Vance is a great 9 hole course with a mix of shots and a nice flow. It’s easy to play twice for a full 18, and there is a field nearby to throw practice drives. But to the neighbors of Vance, that’s were things get interesting. Since the disc golf course was put in, there has been a very noticeable decrease in illegal activity and trash and an increase in people enjoying the park. While there are three fairways that require throws over a walking path, negative interactions between golfers and park walkers are low.
Today, Vance disc golf park holds many disc golf related events, including tournaments, fundraisers and work parties. It also has a futsal field, a play area, and space for picnics. People visit for disc golf, but also to read books, play music and enjoy other sports.
Do you visit Vance Park?
Multnomah county is planning to develop the quarry next to Vance and reworking the park plan over the next two years. Make sure to keep updated, and be vocal about improving the park and growing the course at Vance. Learn more here:
