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R R <br /> development and <br /> equipment. In almost every case, course stewards felt the disc golf course improved the greater community <br /> • through increasing <br /> community activity with relatively low resource impacts. However, the suggestions that a disc golf course can <br /> improve safety, <br /> bring in money and play a role in school curricula are not universally supported by survey takers. <br /> Though all polled somewhat agreed with these community benefits, the large variation in responses suggests <br /> these factors need <br /> to be taken in context to the greater community. That is, if there is little crime in an area, a course will not have <br /> much effect in <br /> reducing what isn't there. If there is poor marketing of events or a course has no associated tournaments, it will <br /> not generate <br /> as much economic stimulus to the community. Lastly, the sample of disc golf courses in this study may not have <br /> included many <br /> that are in or near schools, and therefore less likely to play an active part of curricula. <br /> Suggestions for Communities <br /> If a recreation manager is considering creating a disc golf course. there are several steps he or she should take. <br /> First, consult <br /> the PDGA. The PDGA Web site (www.pdga.com)contains a consortium of information valuable to any manager. <br /> They can offer <br /> guidance on course design, principals of environmental ethics, and contacts to nearby professionals to aid you in <br /> the process <br /> of course creation. <br /> Despite the low cost of disc golf, there are still some costs including pole holes, tees and signs for course layout <br /> and orientation. <br /> • These can be offset by applying for grants, such as the Innovation Grant Program or federal or state grants <br /> promoting public health <br /> or recreation. In applying for grants, letters of support from the community, environmental impact statements, <br /> management plans <br /> and budget should be included. A number of sources can help with this, including the PDGA, Innova Discs <br /> (www.i n novad i scs.com) <br /> and DiscLife (www.disclife.com), which contain sample proposals and estimated costs. <br /> Establish a local disc golf club and seek out organizations that are willing to spend their time, talent and even <br /> money to improve <br /> the quality of the course while maintaining its local character. Locals can include interested disc golf players, <br /> businesses, non-profit <br /> organizations and schools, among others. Involve them early in the planning process and include their <br /> knowledge and ideas in the <br /> planning process. Local partners can help make the course a success for years to come by organizing events <br /> and promotions. <br /> Consider the benefits people seek while playing disc golf. They play to be in nature, with friends and family, and <br /> as a source of <br /> exercise and challenge. This means adopting a sustainable management plan to maintain the naturalness of the <br /> park while <br /> promoting its local character. Try to involve interesting park features, such as waterways and scenic vistas that <br /> make your course <br /> stand out from the rest. <br /> Lastly, remember to have fun. The first rule of disc golf is to encourage good spirit and fellowship among all who <br /> play disc golf while <br /> sustaining the environment. Disc golf is a fun, challenging and affordable sport that can be played by people of all <br /> ages and skill <br /> levels while fostering a sense of place and community. Many communities are experiencing its growth and <br /> benefits- maybe yours <br /> will too. <br /> 3/14/2005 <br />