It has been proven through Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation in Virginia that creating buy-in from local disc-golf enthusiasts can enhance the game’s presence in our community parks. A well-maintained course not only attracts more play, but a respectful and diverse group of individuals who enjoy playing the game and taking care of the park where the game is played.
In 2000, local disc golfers approached the department’s director and asked about the potential for placing disc-golf baskets on an already established course made up of trees in the park. After surveying the proposed layout, the department and the disc-golf group formed an agreement whereby the group agreed to handle all labor associated with digging anchors for disc- golf basket placement, and the parks department agreed to purchase 19 baskets for 18 holes and a practice putting area.
Within a few months of the Westover course being established, the local disc-golf community formed the Harrisonburg Disc Golf Club, today known as the Rocktown Disc Golf Club. The club began hosting a fundraiser—the annual Ice Bowl Tournament—to benefit the community as well as a local food bank. This event helped bring together a diverse group of people with similar interests who steered the Rocktown Disc Golf Club into a successful 501(c)3 organization. Since achieving this status, the group continues to assist with course maintenance as well as hosting weekly singles and doubles events, regional tournaments, and fundraisers.