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The new 18-hole disc golf course at Lions Grove Park officially opened on August 14th.
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The course proposal was first made in 2019 but has been put on hold until re-proposed in 2020.
The idea offered a free outdoor activity for all ages during these uncertain times, Mayor Jennifer Handley writes in a statement.
“The course will benefit individuals, families and our schools and, being an officially regulated course, it will attract tourism and support our business community.”
The city agreed to move the project forward and pledged to pay the up-front cost of up to $ 30,000 to install the disc golf course.
Handley writes: “The council agreed to include the project in our 2021 capital plan, but was very clear that we would not use taxpayers’ money to fund it and that we would seek sponsorship for each of the baskets.”
The aim was to fully cover the costs by sponsoring individuals, service groups or companies. They would be named on a plaque in recognition of their gifts.
The Boosters and The Promoters have agreed to fund the baskets and signage in full, said Jordan Glas, director of parks and recreation for the city of Nanton.
The cost fell by the $ 20,000 mark, $ 10,000 cheaper than expected.
Brad Berger of the Nanton Boosters said she and the promoters each paid half. He said the boosters thought it was a great opportunity to get everyone outside and into the sport this summer.
Glas said it was an easy decision.
“We really haven’t spent a lot of money on programs since everything closed with COVID,” said Glas.
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“It’s a great recreational sport that you can do outside, that anyone can do at any time.”
Glas said they are also considering proximity to JT Foster High School for physical education classes.
The baskets can be removed for the winter around October and put back up at the first signs of spring, but they still find out that, Glas said.
As it goes, Berger hopes the course will help drive traffic to Nanton’s shops and give visitors a reason to spend the day.
“We are infinitely grateful and humble for their support and for everything our service groups do to continually build our city,” Handley writes.
The city is now looking for sponsors for the long-term maintenance and replacement of the baskets. If you are interested in sponsoring a hole, contact the city.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this addition to our city and how many people have come together to make this possible.”