The Smallbone Drive Reserve will soon have a disc golf course …
A lawyer and doctor have teamed up to bring the fast-growing disc golf sport to Ashburton, and the project is supported by the Ashburton District Council and other donors.
Disc golf is played like regular golf, except there is no club or ball, just a disc (think Frisbee) that players throw and aim at a basket.
Lawyer Polly Hill, a convert to the sport, pushed the project forward last year, and Doctor Greg Marchand, an avid disc golfer who worked on a sabbatical at Moore Street Medical Center last year, helped fund it.
Polly said the project cost about $ 25,000 and contractors would begin installing the 18-hole disc golf course on October 11 on the Smallbone Drive reservation near the EA Networks Center. Discs would be rented or bought at the center.
Route plans and rules are also provided.
She plans to hold an open house later in the year to raise the profile of the new sport in Ashburton.
“It’s a great social sport and you can play it with family or friends. They can be very competitive or just enjoy the fresh air and camaraderie.
“It’s a sport that is growing in popularity. There are already several courses in Christchurch with plans for further development in the city. “
Polly worked for a local law firm in Ashburton for a year and now lives in Christchurch, but she was desperate to help promote the sport. It was supported financially by the Ashburton community, with several local organizations and individuals getting involved. These donors are recognized by permanent signage around the course and a mention in advertisements for the eventual open house.
Installation of the course involves local construction company Paveco laying small concrete slabs for tees and baskets. New Zealand Disc Sport Supplies also helped deliver the baskets and make the course design easier.
She said the course was designed to start near the EA Networks Center parking lot and the holes were placed around the Smallbone Drive reservation. Safety was important, so the direction of play is away from the nearby road.
The reserve is also used by dog walkers as a run-out area.
Players could rent a disc for a one-time game, or buy one and play whenever they wanted.
The course is intended for beginners and all holes are par 3 and range from 40m to 90m in length. Like golf, it has rules and etiquette.
“We took advantage of the par’s natural location by using the height and tree lines to force players to downplay natural tunnels to the greens.”
Steve Fabish, group manager for Council Community Services, said the course should open later in October.
“We see it as a natural complement to the EA Networks Center and hope it will encourage people to get moving and get active. It’s fun for people of all ages and abilities.
“This is a great example of the community working with the city council, local businesses and funders to offer a networking and gaming activity.”