PATH … Covered in colored fall leaves is the cleared path which will soon be Archbold’s Disc Golf Course in the wooded area at the south end of Woodland Park. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Lindsay Phillips
A very fast-growing sport today is disc golf, which is a sport much like golf.
Although invented in the early 1900’s, disc golf began being a popular sport around 2007.
Players throw a flying disc at a metal target with chains. Just like golf, players can play nine to eighteen holes.
As the sport is spreading across the United States like wildfire, it has made its way to Fulton County in Archbold.
The future course will be located at Woodland Park on the south end of town in the wooded area.
With a beautiful location comes with lots of hard work, such as clearing paths and areas large enough to hold the baskets and tee pads used for disc golf.
Although the course is not completed, Archbold Director of Parks and Recreation Jennifer Kidder projects it will be ready come spring.
Work on the course began this spring after receiving support of the Park Board.
When asked what the deciding factor was in creating the course, Kidder shared, “The disc golf course here in Archbold happened for one reason and one reason only, passion. ”
“A group of individuals came to the park board and were passionate about seeing a disc golf course happen in Archbold.”
“Support was given from the park board, but at the time, our budget for the year had been done and money had not been allocated for the project.”
Kidder shared, “Kevin Bechtel & John Ryan have been instrumental in making this project come to life.”
“They have solicited donations from the community. This project wouldn’t be what it is today without these two individuals and the numerous people who have donated money, time, and resources to bring it to life.”
She went on to add, “If it weren’t for the passion, time, planning and diligence of both of them, this project would not happen.”
“They didn’t just come to us with an idea. They came to us with a legitimate plan. And that plan has been executed.”
“They took part in every step of the way, soliciting donations, researching equipment, seeking in kind donations, clearing brush, digging holes, and more.”
“We are lucky to have people passionate about something and willing to give their time.”
Although still being built, the course has cost about $20,000.00, but not a single bit of that came from tax dollars.
Baskets were purchased through a disc golf company in Georgia, but all other materials have been and will continue to be sourced locally.
Kidder stated, “Although I do not have a lot of experience with disc golf as a whole, I think our course is unique and will be challenging as well.”
“Most courses are in open parks but ours is actually in the thick of the woods. It will be a beautiful setting, but it definitely won’t be easy.”
As for future goals, Kidder shared, “It is the hope that the course will be used by the residents of Archbold, as well as people from surrounding areas.”
“I would love to see tournaments happen in the future, thus bring more people to Archbold to visit our businesses and contribute to our local economy.”
Lindsay can be reached at lindsay@thevillagereporter.com
