Longford Park - Proposal for a Disc Golf course as a replacement for the Pitch and Put course.
Background This is an emerging sport from the United States where it has a large following. It is established in the UK with a governing body, the British Disc Golf Association with courses in the south and midlands, the East coast and southern Scotland. There are currently no courses in the North West. http://www.bdga.org.uk/. The game is playable by all ages from child to adult.
The Friends of Longford Park invited the Didsbury Ultimate Frisbee for Amateurs Group, (DUFFA), to present their idea for a Disc Golf course as they are looking for a site in the Manchester area. The Friends group are enthusiastic about the concept for the former Pitch and Put within Longford Park and can see the advantage of an emergent sport that would have a youth audience and the opportunity of working in partnership with DUFFA (http://www.duffa.org/). The estimated set up costs for a permanent course would be around £8000, within the remit of small grants such as Awards for All or BIFFA Trust. DUFFA also have experience; since 2007; of organising a large annual ultimate Frisbee competition in Fog Lane Park, with teams from across the UK entering. DUFFA would also use volunteer support to maintain the course.
Benefits for Longford Park and Trafford Partnership between DUFFA and Friends Group could provide an interesting dimension that would boost the Friends Group and bring a wider diversity of people and interests to the group. Better legitimate and safe use of existing Pitch and Put space supporting other regeneration works in the south of the park. Can coexist with other users without the need for exclusive use of the space. Annual tournaments on the course adding another potentially prestigious sporting event to Longford Park and Trafford Borough. Would also be able to capitalise on being the first course in the NW. Increased business opportunities both within the park ie through supporting the café and more widely as participants travel nationally to play. Teams from DUFFA travelled quarterly to Leamington Spa to play disc Golf. Good travel links to the park would assist in encouraging a course to be used at a national level. Mowing regimes could be reduced and the area would benefit from becoming a more naturalised landscape for visitors. The nature of the game gets individuals out walking in a natural environment participating in a low impact sport that can be enjoyed at all times of the year by a wide range of ages. Description Of Disc Golf Equipment and Game
A course consists of a number, between 9- 18, of Tee off points and target baskets. There may be two Tee off points to each basket to allow beginner courses and more advanced play. Ideally tees will be approximately a 1.2m x 3m area, marked by 1 or 2 posts and a sign with hole number, par, distance and preferably a schematic of the hole. Tees should have an even surface and be as level as possible. Astro-turf or concrete tee pads can be installed to prevent erosion, dependant on the level of usage. Allow some space for follow through in front of tee.
Baskets are approximately 4ft high with an upper metal hoop over a similar metal basket below hanging from the upper hoop and into the basket below are a number of chains designed to absorb the speed of the disc and direct it into the basket below. The whole design is very robust and should withstand all but the most determined attack. Unlike Golf, Disc Golf does not require a clear fairway or a manicured green to be maintained. Obstacles such as trees and bushes are included as part of the enjoyment and skill required for each hole. It is understood therefore that the level of maintenance required for a disc Golf course would be no more than currently delivered and potentially could be substantially less if out of bounds areas are allowed to scrub up and additional wooded areas planted to add to the skill required.
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