Carlton Unveils Area’s First Disc Golf Course

Wes Vork-NSO

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July 15

Wes Vork-NSO

CARLTON – Local sports enthusiasts now have a
completely new option for competition and exercise with the unveiling of a disc golf course in Carlton.

With a ribbon cutting ceremony, the Carlton Disc Golf Sanctuary officially opened to the public on Thursday. The .9 mile long, championship caliber, par 35 course is located on 40 plus acres of wooded property directly behind the Carlton football field at 530 Stine Drive in Carlton. It is available for all to use at no charge.

Spearheading the effort was Carlton city councilor Kirk Johnson. Noticing the popularity of the sport and realizing the lack of a facility in the area, Johnson approached the Carlton Area Development Corporation with the idea. CADC president Denny Randelin also thought it was a good fit and would be a great draw for the area. “We’re always looking for good ideas, and we were more than happy to help,” Randelin mentioned to NSO.

The California based Disc Golf Association, a pioneer in the field, was enlisted to help design the course. As a starting point, the group used a walking trail which was installed several years ago with a grant from the Coastal Waters grant program.

With a plan and design in hand, the CADC began construction on the $10,000 project, all of which was covered by donations. “The thing about this group is every single person on the committee did something, I can’t say enough about the way this group works together,” Randelin stated.

Johnson explained that Bob Olean and the Wood City Riders snowmobile club brought in their ASV vehicle equipped with a brush cutting machine to widen the trail to
a more suitable
width. Carlton Fire Department personnel poured the concrete pads for the tee boxes while others helped with signage and installing the baskets.

For first timers looking to try their hand at the sport, discs can be rented at Hobo Junction in Carlton for $2.00 for the day or they can be purchased for around $25.00 for a complete set. “It is a relatively inexpensive sport that is a lot of fun and good exercise,” explained Hobo Junction owner Jolene Steffens.

Johnson believes the newly completed course is a great addition to the city stating, “This [course] was designed by a gentleman who designs disc golf courses for a living. It is a nice layout in a very scenic setting.” Carlton Mayor Leola Rodd, who was on hand for the ceremony, agreed by commenting, “The Disc Golf Sanctuary is a nice addition to the Carlton community. It is our hope that all community residents, families, and area youth will utilize the course and enjoy the 40 acres of beautifully wooded property.”

Mayor Rodd also noted the project could not have happened if it were not for everyone involved. “I would like to thank the Carlton Area Development Corporation for their dedication and work to complete this project and also to the sponsors for their contributions and support.”

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com