A Novel Idea.

Something struck Kim Heyde while driving her car on Boulevard Street one cool November morning.

It wasn’t a speck of dirt or even an errant pebble, but something larger.

As she glanced across the meandering pools of grass that is Klutho Park, Kim was struck by an idea.

Well, a memory really. Of another green expanse in another Florida city. Tom Brown Park, in Tallahassee. Spending time with friends. Laughing. Enjoying the day. Having fun. Watching disc golf.

! ! !

“. . . . and I thought, wouldn’t that be cool?”

The Six Basics of Springfield Disc Golf

What: An 18 hole disc golf course is being installed in Klutho Park, complete with Innova DISCathcer Pro Targets, course map and Welcome sign at 2^nd & Boulevard, sponsored holes and the potential for leagues and local tournaments. Discs with the official Springfield Disc Golf logo will be available for purchase as well.

“Some people thought it should be called Klutho Disc Golf or Hogan Creek Disc Golf, but I thought it was important to name it Springfield Disc Golf. We want people to know exactly where it is, and get the Springfield name out there in a positive light to help dispel the old stereotypes. So that’s what it is: The Springfield Disc Golf Course.”

Where: The course will span the length of Klutho Park with holes sprinkled throughout, but will take care to avoid the bandstand and fountain areas as well as the baseball field.

“Look around us, here we are in the heart of city. We have a great open green space with views of Downtown and beautiful unique houses. It’s a one-of-a-kind venue. There’s nothing like it anywhere else.  It’s really the perfect spot.”

Why: Good ideas are hard to keep shuttered.

“I just started talking to other people about the idea and it kind of snowballed. The more people I talked to, the more positive feedback I received and the more excited everyone became. I think sometimes we Springfielders sort of live in our little bubble and forget about the rest of the city, but our plans have received so much interest from outside businesses, groups, and individuals, it’s really unbelievable. For example, out of the blue I received an email from Zen Cog Bicycles in Riverside about selling disc golf merchandise. Nemours is our title sponsor. I could keep going.  It’s been great”.

“And this is something that anybody can play, young or old, by yourself or with a big group. Recreation and quality public spaces are an important part of quality-of-life in any neighborhood, so this is just one more ‘plus’ for the Springfield Historic District and Downtown in general. The best part is that it doesn’t cost millions dollars to do, or take years of work. It’s happening now!”

When: The Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday, November 19^th from 2pm to 4pm, in the Klutho Park parking lot (2^nd & Boulevard).  Food and drinks, prizes and raffles, and  20 minute disc golf clinics for beginners will be available, as well as the official SPR discs for sale.

“I had the idea in November 2010 and I naively thought the course would be finished by February 2011. Here we are 1 year later. Boy was I wrong!”

How:  One portion frustration, two portions patience, half a cup of community support, and a pinch of inspiration.

“I haven’t led the process, the process has led me. This has been a project that virtually everyone in the community has supported, which has been wonderful. Everyone has pitched in. It’s also been a learning experience navigating city and political channels. Thankfully we’ve finished the necessary fundraising and are ready to go.”

Who: As the old parable says, it takes a village to raise a disc golf course.

“It hasn’t been just me – no not at all. I’ve received so much support from all over. All the community organizations have given their support and a host of businesses and individuals have donated money to the cause. There’s a list of contributors on our website, but I’d like to thank Nemours for being our title sponsor, River City Disc Golf for their expertise, all the neighborhood groups for their support and contributions, Al Bond for actually designing the course and putting many, many ours into the project, and my partner Leslei for being so supportive.  I know I’m leaving people out, but there’s just too many to name! “

For more information about Springfield Disc Golf visit www.springfieldiscgolf.com or “Like” them on Facebook.