Riverfest Park Disc Golf Course

Disc Golf shares similarities with traditional golf. Instead of hitting a ball into a hole, players throw a disc (frisbee) into a suspended metal basket. The objective remains the same: to complete the course using the fewest possible throws. Each golf disc is thrown from a designated tee area toward a basket, which serves as the "hole." As players move along the fairway, they continue making shots from the spot where the previous throw landed. The presence of trees, shrubs, and changes in terrain within and around the fairways introduces challenging obstacles for the golfer. The completion of the hole is achieved when the "putt" successfully lands in the basket.

Disc golf is a highly inclusive sport, welcoming participants of all ages and skill levels. Virtually anyone can play disc golf, from children to seniors, and from beginners to experienced players. The simplicity of the game, the minimal equipment required, and the adaptable rules make it accessible to a diverse range of individuals. 

Whether you're looking for a casual and social activity or a competitive and challenging sport, disc golf provides an enjoyable experience for everyone. The versatility and low barrier to entry make it a recreational option that encourages community engagement and fosters a sense of camaraderie among players of different backgrounds and abilities.

While some private and public facilities charge a daily fee ranging from $5 to $10 or earn revenue through annual passes and park entry fees, the Riverfest Park course would be free to play. 

The equipment needed to play disc golf is remarkably affordable. Discs designed for disc golf typically cost between $10 and $20 each, with only one required to start playing. While local and regional sports stores carry these discs, many players prefer online purchases to obtain a disc with specific features like brand, weight, and color. Additionally, used discs are often available for free or at a nominal cost. 

First and foremost, it's important to us to keep the natural beauty of the park, while also making the course safe. You will see some tree and foliage removal, however, for the most part, we're focusing on removing dead trees and invasive honeysuckle.

Completing an 18-hole disc golf course will also include the installation of… 

• 20- to 25-foot stairways for easy accessibility on two or three areas with steep inclines
• Limestone greens in 6-8 locations using large limestone rock or similar materials
• 18 concrete tee pads
• Tee signs (showing flight path, obstacles, and sponsorships)
• 38 baskets (two at each hole and two practice baskets)
• An information board and disc-return box

• The presence of two disc golf courses enhances the area's appeal, potentially drawing in disc golf enthusiasts from neighboring regions. This influx can positively impact local businesses, accommodations, and the community's overall economic vitality.
• Each disc golf course has its unique layout and challenges. Riverfest Park offers a distinct terrain and River setting, providing players with a different experience compared to Lexington Lake Park. The diversity caters to a wide range of player preferences and skill levels.
• By owning the course, we can strategically shape its image, promote community engagement, and ensure that tournaments align with our vision for both recreational enjoyment and economic growth.

The establishment of the Riverfest Disc Golf Course goes beyond its role as a recreational facility, bringing forth numerous benefits that positively impact the De Soto community. 

The community benefit encompasses:

• Health and Wellness: The disc golf course provides a welcoming environment for residents of all ages to engage in physical activity. Disc golf is a low-impact sport that promotes cardiovascular health, improves coordination, and encourages an active lifestyle. 
• Social Cohesion: The course serves as a hub for social interaction, creating a shared space where community members can come together, forge new connections, and strengthen existing relationships. Disc golf fosters a sense of camaraderie among players and spectators alike, contributing to the development of a tight-knit community fabric.
• Family-Friendly Recreation: With its accessibility and family-friendly nature, the disc golf course becomes a go-to destination for families seeking outdoor activities. Parents, children, and grandparents can all participate in or enjoy the game, promoting family bonding and creating lasting memories.
• Environmental Appreciation: The course design will highlight the natural beauty of Riverfest Park, encouraging players to appreciate the local environment. 
• Community Events and Tournaments: The course will serve as a venue for community events and disc golf tournaments, attracting participants from both De Soto and surrounding communities. These events contribute to the vibrancy of the community, provide entertainment options, and potentially generate revenue that can be reinvested in local initiatives.
• Inclusive Recreation: Disc golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by individuals of varying skill levels and physical abilities. Our specific course signage will incorporate instructions and guidance in multiple languages, ensuring an inclusive and accessible space for everyone in the community to enjoy.

The Riverfest Park disc golf course is not merely a sports facility; it is a catalyst for community well-being, social interaction, environmental appreciation, and overall quality of life for the residents of De Soto. The positive ripple effects extend far beyond the bounds of the course itself, making it a pivotal investment in the vitality and resilience of the local community.

The establishment of the Riverfest Disc Golf Course is not just an investment in recreation; it's a strategic move that holds the potential to drive economic development in De Soto. The economic impact of this project extends across various sectors, contributing to the overall prosperity and sustainability of the community.

• Tourism and Visitor Spending: Disc golf has gained popularity as a recreational sport, attracting enthusiasts from neighboring cities and even states. The Riverfest Park disc golf course, designed to be a regional draw, has the potential to bring in visitors seeking a unique disc golf experience. As these visitors explore the course, they are likely to engage with local businesses, contributing to increased spending on accommodations, dining, and retail.
• Tourism Synergy: With the recent opening of the Johnson County disc golf course at Lexington Lake Park, the collaborative presence of two high-quality courses enhances De Soto's appeal as a disc golf destination. The synergistic effect draws in players from neighboring cities and states, creating a disc golf tourism network that benefits local businesses, accommodations, and recreational amenities.
• Brand Building and Marketing: A well-designed and strategically located disc golf course can serve as a marketing tool for De Soto. The positive image associated with a vibrant recreational community can attract businesses, residents, and potential investors. This, in turn, strengthens the City's brand and contributes to long-term economic development.

As part of the design and construction process, we need to clear some of the wooded areas of Riverfest Park. 

This process involves removing underbrush, dead material, hazardous limbs, some tall trees, and invasive species like honeysuckle and ivy. While the cleared area may look stark, it's important to understand that many of the removed trees were dead, diseased, or being choked by invasive species. By thinning out the area, we're promoting a healthier ecosystem and allowing more sunlight to reach the remaining trees. Our goal is to preserve the health of the forest and ensure the safety of our community members enjoying the park.