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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Peter Guida
President
Bethesda Bungalows
5126 Fairglen Lane
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
www.bethesdabungalows.com
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A Bold Green Vision for the Future of Sligo Creek Golf Course
A championship-level disc golf course is being proposed to replace Sligo Creek Golf Course. Tentatively named Sligo Creek Disc Golf Course, the facility would be the first of its kind developed by Montgomery County Department of Parks. Disc golf, also known as “Frisbee golf”, is similar to ball golf, with baskets as targets. Disc golf appeals to all ages, men and women, regardless of economic status.
The proposal seeks to address all of the local community’s environmental concerns, while providing the county an inexpensive alternative to other competing proposals. The sport is naturally low-impact, with a dramatically reduced mowing schedule, no irrigation, and reduced application of fertilizers or pesticides. There would be no removal of mature trees, no compaction of soil during development, and reduced stormwater runoff into Sligo Creek. The overall health of the existing green space would be improved, while allowing up to 75 players to compete at one time.
Disc golf is perhaps the fastest growing sport in America. The number of courses nationwide has doubled in the past eight years to over 2500. Membership in the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has grown from just over 6000 in 2000 to over 13,000 in 2008.
The course would provide passive recreation for the whole family, drawing participants from around the region. The facility could also be actively programmed through leagues, casual weekly tournaments, and PDGA-sanctioned tournaments. Disc golf is played year round in all weather conditions.
Revenue would be generated by sales of discs, disc golf accessories such as carrying bags, and clothing. Tournament and league fees will also generate revenue. A dozen manufacturers offer a choice of discs and accessory equipment, including Gateway, Innova and Discraft.
Bethesda Bungalows, a local custom home builder specializing in green building, has pledged support of the effort, offering to sponsor installation of at least two of the eighteen holes. Bethesda Bungalows will also donate 20 saplings to be planted on the property. Brad Beeson, Vice President of Bethesda Bungalows says, “It’s a perfect fit. Disc golf is a super green sport undergoing a dramatic increase in popularity. The county needs to get on the bandwagon. The foundation is already in place to make Sligo Creek Disc Golf course a championship-level facility. The rolling hills and mature trees are an ideal backdrop. It would draw professionals and amateurs from across the country, while giving the local community a great low-cost recreation alternative. As a disc golf enthusiast, it’s an exciting proposal. “
The change-over from the existing course to the disc golf course could be completed in as little as two weeks, with no heavy construction period. The development period consists of installing tee pads (possibly pervious concrete), baskets and signage. Development would be so unobtrusive that county building permits or sediment control permits would likely not be necessary. Total cost for developing the eighteen-hole course, including course design, is expected to be under $30,000.
Maintenance of a disc course is greatly reduced compared to a traditional golf course. Generally, mowing is reduced to approximately 15 times a year, with no requirement for manicured turf. Nationwide, disc golf is supported by enthusiastic volunteers who dramatically reduce maintenance costs on their courses. A local club, tentatively named Sligo Creek Disc Golf Club, will be established as the volunteer organization charged with upkeep and monitoring of the facility, alongside Montgomery County and other community organizations such as Friends of Sligo Creek.
A major reason for the growth of the sport is the low upfront costs to the beginning player. A single disc costing $10 can be used to play an entire course. A professional may carry dozens of various discs, each with slightly different flight characteristics.
Other amenities proposed are a disc golf putting range, and a SkillShot course, based on design parameters from EDGE Disc Golf, an educational non-profit developed to provide schools and other youth programs with a sound program of teaching disc golf fundamentals and allied skills. Other lawn sports such as croquet, horseshoes, and quoits could also be considered for the existing manicured areas near the pro shop, and add to revenue thru equipment rental.
The public has an opportunity to witness a PDGA-sanctioned professional disc golf tournament June 6th and 7th at the 18th Annual Seneca Soiree, Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, MD. Play starts at 9am, but feel free to stop by anytime. Park entrance fee is $2 per person. Several renowned disc golf professionals will participate including local favorites, Craig Gangloff and John Gregory.
Contact:
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Office: 301-652-7299
Related Links:
www.pdga.com
www.edgediscgolf.org
http://www.discgolfassoc.com/discgolf-course-design/course-development.html
www.innovadiscs.com |
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