MONROE - The city is looking to upgrade the popular disc golf course at Twining Park, either by improving the existing nine-hole course or expanding to an 18-hole course.
The Parks and Rec Committee discussed enhancements to the disc golf course earlier this week.
"There's a possibility of adding nine holes," said member Brian Saugstad.
John Lehan, recreation supervisor, said he met recently for a consultation with course designer Pat Blake and Glide Disc Golf's Mike Batka, both of Madison.
They looked into questions, such as if there is room for another nine; how an expansion would affect the soccer field and shelter; and possible safety issues.
Blake and Batka provided the assessment free of charge to the city, Lehan said. He expects a final recommendation before fall.
"There's room for seven more holes for sure. The ideal plan would be to have nine more," Lehan said. If that's not feasible, he wants to improve the existing nine holes by installing concrete tee pads and by giving players options to make the course more challenging.
The current disc golf course was installed in the summer of 2010 with a $5,000 gift from the Kiwanis Club of Monroe. Before that, the closest options for disc golf were in Madison or in Krape Park in Freeport.
"It's been a really nice addition to the park," said Paul Klinzing, park director. "It's obviously being used very heavily because the tee boxes are worn."
Disc golf players at Twining Park range in age from middle-schoolers to adults older than 55, according to Lehan. He's organized several tournaments and got a "great turn out." Even when there isn't a tournament going on, "there's always someone on the course."
Now the question becomes how to keep them coming back.
"People want an 18-hole. Freeport has an 18-hole. Ideally we'd like to have them stay in Monroe and have it be more convenient for them," Lehan said.
The Parks and Rec Committee discussed enhancements to the disc golf course earlier this week.
"There's a possibility of adding nine holes," said member Brian Saugstad.
John Lehan, recreation supervisor, said he met recently for a consultation with course designer Pat Blake and Glide Disc Golf's Mike Batka, both of Madison.
They looked into questions, such as if there is room for another nine; how an expansion would affect the soccer field and shelter; and possible safety issues.
Blake and Batka provided the assessment free of charge to the city, Lehan said. He expects a final recommendation before fall.
"There's room for seven more holes for sure. The ideal plan would be to have nine more," Lehan said. If that's not feasible, he wants to improve the existing nine holes by installing concrete tee pads and by giving players options to make the course more challenging.
The current disc golf course was installed in the summer of 2010 with a $5,000 gift from the Kiwanis Club of Monroe. Before that, the closest options for disc golf were in Madison or in Krape Park in Freeport.
"It's been a really nice addition to the park," said Paul Klinzing, park director. "It's obviously being used very heavily because the tee boxes are worn."
Disc golf players at Twining Park range in age from middle-schoolers to adults older than 55, according to Lehan. He's organized several tournaments and got a "great turn out." Even when there isn't a tournament going on, "there's always someone on the course."
Now the question becomes how to keep them coming back.
"People want an 18-hole. Freeport has an 18-hole. Ideally we'd like to have them stay in Monroe and have it be more convenient for them," Lehan said.