Bomber Disc Golf at Griffiss Park should be ready to play this weekend, with the final six concrete tees being poured at the end of the week.
The 18-hole course runs along Route 825 where the roundabout crosses Ellsworth Road. It meanders through the sculpture park. The first hole is next to the public parking lot on Ellsworth Road, as is an exercise basket. The course runs along Route 825 until it is opposite the Rome Free Academy and then heads back to the parking lot.
The course was designed by LARCH Landscape Architecture and Engineering of Saratoga Springs.
“The top nine are more family-friendly,” noted Christian Mercurio, vice president of planning and development at Mohawk Valley EDGE. The back nine is more wooded, more demanding. “All in all, I’m pretty happy with what we did – given all the obstacles, trails, etc. These things make it more interesting both physically and aesthetically.” The course meanders through the other park facilities and players never have to cross the path in one fell swoop.
At the beginning of each hole is the concrete slab on which golfers make their first shot. Six were poured last week. Six more were added earlier this week.
The last six are slated to be watered by the end of this week if the weather holds up.
The baskets – which correspond to the holes in golf in disc golf – are all there. The yellow metal baskets have chains that hang down so the discs can hit them and fall into the basket. The course uses Innova DISCatcher Pro 28 baskets.
Wood chips are also distributed and compacted on the paths to show golfers the way to the baskets.
Another addition will be the overhead map of each hole posted from each tee.
The course was sponsored by the Griffiss Park Landowners Association and the Griffiss Local Development Corp.
“We have some top talent in the park that we want to keep and grow,” said Jennifer Waters, EDGE vice president of business development and communications.
The President of the Landowners Association, Dr. John Costello said this use of the group’s maintenance fees for the common area is a good investment in the park’s long-term plan. “The statues and works of art that we have around the park are meant to attract people to the park. Now disc golf will be a further improvement. “
He added, “The more people we bring in from the outside and the people from Rome in the community who enjoy what the park has to offer, the more successful the park will be.” This in turn can help attract more tenants. “It’s a win-win situation.”
Dr. Commented Costello, “Those who work in the park may want to live in the park.” And for those who want activities nearby, the course is within walking distance.
You can find more information about the course at www.griffissbusinesspark.com/at-griffiss/bomber-disc-golf-at-griffiss-park.