A disk golf course has been approved for Wasaga Beach.
Council members have approved a six-hole disk golf course on a trial basis at Pridham Park.
Disk golf is a flying disc sport that involves players throwing a disc at a target in the form of a basket to catch the disc. Players follow similar rules as golf.
Disk golf is one of Canada’s fastest growing out door recreation options during the COVID-19 pandemic, with no signs of slowing down in the near future. This sport is being developed by passionate players who are keen to share the natural preserves that have welcomed disk golfers around the province, country and the world.
There are many benefits to playing disk golf that are generally overlooked when courses are being developed or in the initial planning phase. Here are a few things players or visitors gain from their disk golf experiences:
- Building an appreciation of nature
A course’s natural setting, forces the player to work around trees, bushes, hills, etc. They actually interact with nature rather than simply look at it as on a walk or hike. - Providing another exercise outlet
Studies show that people are more apt to stick with exercise if it is fun. Disc golf is so much fun for some people that they never think of it as “exercise.” A round of disc golf can burn between 400-600 calories. - Allowing the player to be part of a like-minded community
It’s always fun to be around others who share an interest or passion for an activity. Players from across Canada spend time reviewing courses and discussing strategies. It produces a sense of camaraderie. - Helping the player understand and get in touch with his or her body
The game requires the player to become aware of body alignment and position in order to make the shot. This requirement can ground individuals who have a tendency to drift mentally. - Developing confidence
Learning and honing new skills builds self-esteem with each level of success. There’s no better feeling than throwing a long drive or sinking a long putt. - Developing patience
Disk golf is full of ups and downs. Courses may present challenges that take time and patience to master. Patience on the course often helps build confidence. - Building independence
The only person you can rely on to win at disk golf is yourself. As your confidence builds, the more confident you are as an individual. - Providing a break from the daily routine
If you are able to play disk golf daily, bravo! For the rest of us, it’s a nice break from routine as is any pass time activity. - Seeing practice put to work
The joy of seeing practice making perfect is undeniable! - Providing a positive stress reliever
Heavy use of technology, oddly enough increases our stress levels. Disc golf provides a healthy outlet for reducing stress and working out those kinks in the neck, arms, and shoulders, unplug. - Providing a crash course on physics
Whether you know it or not, as you figure out how to adjust your throw for a windy day, you are applying physics principles. - Building problem solving skills
Figuring out how to adjust your throw on a windy day builds those problem-solving skills. - Providing a sense of achievement
Successfully throwing a disc on a windy day and making the hole, gives the player a real sense of achievement!
Town staff evaluated alternate park locations with suitable land area, topography and natural elements conducive for a disk golf course, including Arnill Park, the Sports Park and Pridham Park.
Since that assessment, staff have been working to come up with a community friendly approach to incorporate a disk golf feature at the Town owned and operated Pridham Park – which was deemed the most suitable location given its open space, existing tree canopy and related features that could be incorporated into the hole design.
For more details on the staff report, please click here.
