The disc golf course in Ivan To Park may soon be growing. On Wednesday town council heard a proposal that would see the course double in size to 18 holes.
Curtis Buchan, who is spearheading the idea, said that the course had seen its busiest month yet last September, with an estimated 230 rounds a day. The course has seen visitors from Edmonton, Calgary, Drumheller, Hinton, Whitecourt and elsewhere. He said that the addition of nine more holes would draw more people to the community and encourage them to stay here longer.
The proposal would see the existing course expanded into the area between the Omniplex and the park. Buchan said that would require some trees to be cleared. He estimated the cost would be $29,500, however he said he was confident he could secure sponsorship that would bring the cost closer to $20,000.
The expanded course, along with the existing 18 hole course at the Pembina Nordic Ski Centre north of Town would help make this area a destination of choice for disc golfers from across the province.
“We already know it’s going to get used,” he said. “If we have two 18 hole courses it becomes more of a destination.”
Disc golf is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. It’s free to play, with the majority of courses set up in public parks or other open areas.
The idea of expanding the course appeared to be well received by council, although formal approval was not asked for at this time. Funding is likely to be discussed as part of the 2023 budget process which is currently under way.
