Courses

Abby Hoover
Managing Editor

The Missouri Active Outdoors Foundation and Elmwood Cemetery invited families to join them for the first annual Elmwood Bike Rodeo on Saturday at the cemetery, 4900 Truman Rd.

The event promoted bicycle safety and education for children and families. The rodeo offered a variety of activities such as bike inspections, helmet fittings, and obstacle courses designed to teach kids how to properly handle and maintain their bicycles. There were also speakers on bike laws and safe riding practices.

The goal of the Elmwood Bike Rodeo was to promote cycling as a fun and healthy mode of transportation while also educating participants on how to ride safely. It offered them a chance to learn about, and connect with, community organizations and services like the Kansas City Public Library and health department, Aim4Peace and others.

The Missouri Active Outdoors Foundation, most commonly known as MoBikeFed, is a non-profit advocacy organization focused on introducing the joys of outdoor activity as a means of creating healthy families and engaged communities in our state. MoBikeFed has advocated for years to improve the walkability of both urban and rural communities while simultaneously assisting in the implementation of complete street plans, trail creation, bicycling education in schools and active transportation legislation in Missouri.

To kick off National Bike Month, MoBikeFed teamed up with the historic Elmwood Cemetery and Revolve KC to give away 150 bikes and helmets to children ages 6-12.

Held at the historic Elmwood Cemetery, the gently curving roadways make for the perfect route for young and old, alike. Families enjoyed a scenic ride on a closed, paved road with no vehicle traffic.

Elmwood stands as one of the oldest cemeteries in Kansas City and has made it a mission of theirs to create a well cultivated green space for its community. Children and families attending the event had the opportunity to visit a variety of vendor booths focused on health, wellness, interactive learning, and children’s recreation. The first 150 children ages 6-12 were personally fit for their new bike and helmet, introduced to bicycling safety, and led on a closed-circuit bike ride in Elmwood.

Attendees were also encouraged to participate in educational activities and health screenings…

The Jacksonville City Council heard about the rising popularity of disc golf last night.

Local citizen Sean Meek who is a part of the local Jacksonville Disc Golf Club says that the sport is growing in popularity. According to Udisc.com, nearly 5 courses were installed per day last year, with over 14,000 courses worldwide. Over 1.2 million people signed on for an official round of competition last year, according to the report.

Meek says Central Illinois is one of the areas where the popularity is growing, with courses now in Pittsfield and Springfield. Meek says that the unique thing about the growing number of disc golf courses is that many are being placed onto traditional golf courses.

Meek has proposed to the city to place a world-class, competition ready course on the currently dormant city golf course in Nichols Park. He says that by using the current traditional golf course’s amenities like carts and the concession stand, the proposed course would be yet another attraction for the growing sport and to bring in people to the city for athletic tourism. The city currently has a 9-hole disc golf course at Foreman Grove on East College Avenue. Meek says it’s a great starter course for people new to the sport, but offers little challenge to the more seasoned player who is involved in club competition in the area.

Jacksonville City Council Parks & Lakes Committee Chair Lori Large-Oldenettel says that her committee and the full council are going to take a close look at Meek’s proposal: “I think he made a good presentation. Honestly, it will be up to the Parks & Lakes Committee to vet his proposal and have some conversations with some of the department heads and get their input. Depending upon the outcome of that meeting, we will make a recommendation to the city council as to whether we should move forward with it or not.”

The municipal golf course has long fallen under criticism from both citizens and past and present city council members alike for being a money pit that costs thousands of dollars in annual maintenance, upkeep, and most recently renovations.

Oldenettel says that one of the things the parks & lakes committee will look at are the hard numbers that Meek presented to the city in his presentation. Meek has offered to fully fund and fund raise for the installation of all 18 holes.

Oldenettel says the disc golf course is a possibility to help the golf…

There is something magical, says Mikkel Hong, about the flight of a perfectly thrown disc.

The fun, healthy, and technical nature of disc golf — an outdoor game that trades balls and clubs for Frisbees and baskets — has made it extremely popular across the country. In Whatcom County, many disc golf activities fall under the purview of the Whatcom Disc Golf Club, which has more than 500 active members.

Hong, a Bellingham resident and Skagit County middle school teacher, is the club’s new board president. He says that although several county courses exist — at Blaine’s Lincoln Park, Ferndale’s VanderYacht Park, Bellingham’s Cornwall Park, and Sudden Valley’s Mossy Roc — the sport’s popularity has made some a bit too crowded at times.

“Cornwall and Mossy Roc, in particular, are extremely busy,” says Hong.

The desire for a public 18-hole course within Bellingham’s city limits (Cornwall is nine holes and Mossy Roc is private and outside city boundaries) has led to the construction of Bellis Fairways, an 18-hole disc golf course situated on 20 acres of unused land bordering Bellis Fair Mall.

Formally opened on May 7, Bellis Fairways is free to the public at all times. Its creation also intends to beautify land that had, until recently, been used as a homeless encampment and garbage dump.

“As it goes on, I think [the course] will have a much bigger improving effect on the area,” Hong says. “It’s really a win-win-win for everybody.”

Path to the Pin

About three years ago, Hong created a Change.org petition asking the City of Bellingham to expand Cornwall to 18 holes. Alan Schwartz, who designed Cornwall’s course, contacted Hong and helped him dialogue with the city’s parks and recreation department.

Despite ideas ranging from re-designing existing holes to adding another three, an adequate plan couldn’t be reached. Alternate sites were suggested: the undeveloped Van Wyck Park site, and the Lake Padden site.

Van Wyck was considered too swampy, and Schwartz is working on a permanent, professional-level 18-hole course at the latter, though it’s not yet ready for recreational play. And while the…

Hit a grand slam at Home Run Dugout 

After its success at Dell Diamond in Austin, founders Nick Hermandorfer and Tyelr Bambrick decided to bring Home Run Dugout to the baseball-loving fans in Houston. The duo wants everyone to experience the most incredible feeling in baseball: hitting a home run. 

The 46,0000-square-foot venue has 12 indoor Batting Bays, similar to batting cages (without the cage) that use state-of-the-art soft-toss pitching technology to safely toss pitches over the strike zone. Combined with augmented reality that allows players to simulate hitting in any MLB stadium, including Minute Maid Park, players of all skill levels can digitally track their hitting stats. 

Home Run Dugout offers a menu featuring elevated ballpark food including hot dogs, burgers, tacos, wings, sliders, flatbreads and more. Guests can also enjoy a first come, first served outdoor area for league play, or a pick-up game of Wiffle ball or kickball. A fun activity for families in Katy, the venue also has a concert stage, three bars, a wrap-around porch, fire pits and comfortable seating for up to 500 people. 

Find it: Home Run Dugout, 1220 Grand W. Blvd., Katy, TX 77449; 833-384-6881

Operate real construction equipment at Dig World 

Ever wondered what it would be like to saddle up and take a spin on full-size construction equipment? Dig World is a unique amusement park in Katy where visitors of all ages line up for their chance to operate a Skid Steer Loader or dig to their heart’s content with a full-size Caterpillar Mini-Excavator. 

Located on 3.5 acres adjacent to Katy Mills Mall, most of the attractions at Dig World are available with a height requirement of between 42 and 48 inches. Operators under 42 inches can still join the fun as lap riders with an adult. At Dig…

May 07, 2023

Wednesday morning a new 18-hole disc golf course opened at Fisher River Park in Dobson, the location of which is technically on Clearwater Lane next to the county recycling center.

Surry County Parks and Recreation Director Daniel White said that although the course was having its grand opening ceremony, “I do believe there has been some clandestine playing happening. From what I understand the only way you can lay out a disc golf course is to play it clandestinely.”

“I have a lot of excitement,” Adam Santucci of the Surry County Disc Golf club said, calling the opening of the Fisher River Park disc golf course, “A momentous occasion to our community.”

His club is trying to grow the sport locally and they offer training and support to aspiring players. The new course will be a draw to new players and the skilled alike, “With the help of George (Sappenfield), our new course has been designed with the upmost care and attention to detail, taking into account the natural beauty and topography. It will definitely test your skills no matter how good you think you are.”

“This is exciting, and something new,” Dobson Mayor Ricky Draughn said. He recalled playing Frisbee as a child, “but I had no idea there was so much involved and that many courses. This has piqued my interest and maybe this is something I can do – even at my age.”

“This will be a whole new addition and will bring more people to the park and the park is already a pivotal part of the community. This will draw new people into the area and when they are here maybe we can encourage them to enjoy our area. Once people get here maybe they will enjoy it and see how great place it is to live.”

White took a moment to brag on Fisher River Park itself which the county purchased in 1870, “and has been taking care of the hearts, minds, and souls of individuals; and we’re still feeding the soul today. It is a blessing to be a steward of something as important as Fisher River Park.”

“Fisher River Park brings in a lot of folks from around the county and everyone benefits from it,” Surry County Commissioner Mark Marion said. “This is just another addition to everything we already furnish for everyone: schools, cross country races, bikes races, and all the baseball and softball.”

“You look around and see all the hard work going on around here, so a big shout out to Daniel White,…

As Michigan continues its thaw from the long winter, and spring temperatures — though slow to arrive — seem to be here to stay, there will be no shortage of hiking trails, flower festivals, farmers markets and other ways to enjoy the outdoors this season. But for those looking to do something active outside that’s a little more off the beaten path, these unique activities can help accomplish just that.

Go mushroom hunting

A great way to get out and explore the wild areas of Michigan is mushroom foraging. Both amateur and experienced hunters can meet to commune with nature and connect with others who share a common interest.

But mushroom foraging can be tricky. Lenny Tomaszewski, president of the Michigan Mushroom Hunters Club, said it is important to have a good identification book and possibly a good in-person guide if you are new to the activity.

“There are a lot of look-a-likes – especially foraging for morel mushrooms. We suggest you join a club, start with an organized event or go with someone experienced in foraging,” he said.

Over time, he said, you get a knack for what to seek out and where to look.

“You develop an eye,” he said. “You look at the base of dead elms, large oak trees, under the trees, and in large stands of poplar.”

The Michigan Mushroom Hunters Club schedules public hunts with about 30-50 participants on most Saturday events and everyone is welcome to sign up for upcoming activities. They also have a Kids Corner page on the website with helpful tips and information.

Tomaszewski said it is a great family activity.

My grandmother showed me my first morel and used to send me and my cousins out to hunt for them.” he said.

Rachel Coale, communications representative for Michigan DNR, Forest Resources Division, agrees that it is a family-focused activity.

“It’s like a woodland treasure hunt, and it also teaches children how to enjoy nature but also be respectful of it,” she said.

But safety is key.

“Foraging is a wonderful way to get children interested in nature, as long as you are safe and informed. There are poisonous mushrooms in Michigan, so it’s important for a child to have guidance from an experienced companion,” said Coale.

A good place to find out about DNR learning opportunities is through the…

If you are interested in exploring the amazing things that you can do in bunker hill regional park, then follow this article.

1. In which city is Bunker Hill Regional Park located?

Bunker Hill regional park is located in Coon Rapids and Andover.

550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW
Andover, MN 55304

Some of the features of bunker hills regional park are:

1. Archery
2. Camping
3. Compost Site
4. Cross Country Skiing
5. Disc Golf
6. Dog Park
7. Golf
8. Meeting Rooms
9. Pavilion
10. Stables

2. Things to do in Bunker Hill Regional Park

2.1 Bunker Hills Stables

Bunker Hills Regional Park provides 1,600-acre area and various types of leisure activities, such as swimming and water rides at Bunker Beach Water Park, riding a horse at Bunker Hills Stable, hiking, biking, golfing, an archery range, camping, and cross-country skiing. Anoka County Veterans Memorial is also located at the bunker hill’s campground park in Bunker Hill.

The Bunker Hills Regional Park is a popular location for lovers of motorcycling and trekking. It has 3.5 miles of rough hiking-only track and more than 20 miles of picturesque asphalt paths that are great for bike riding and hiking.

The park also provides miles of unique equestrian riding trails. With enough hills and flat portions to satisfy any rider or hiker, the trails traverse through a range of ecosystems, from oak woodlands to grassy fields and wetlands.

2.2 Beach and Water Park in Bunker Hill Regional Park

2.2.1 The Wave Pool

3-foot waves will be generated at night by heating the water park and wave pool to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The entrance pool of this water park is only five feet deep.

2.2.2 The Lagoon

This negligible-depth entrance pool has seven various fun elements and an average depth of one foot.

2.2.3 Adventure Pool

Children of any age are going to love this zero-depth swimming pool, which has a maximum level of two feet.

This community swimming pool is suitable for kids and those who like enjoying time out because of its nearby places and modest water level.

2.2.4 Lazy River

A steady river that is 900 feet long surrounds the Big Island. At the Lazy River’s entrance, single and double tubes are offered to utilize on a first-come, first-served approach.

2.2.5 Rocky Bay

Rocky Bay is situated in the Big Island, which holds two 10-foot Aqua Climb walls and two water basketball hoop areas, it is a great place to chill out and play hoops.

2.2.6 Family Restrooms/Lactation Room

Wednesday morning a new 18-hole disc golf course opened at Fisher River Park in Dobson, the location of which is technically on Clearwater Lane next to the county recycling center.

Surry County Parks and Recreation Director Daniel White said that although the course was having its grand opening ceremony, “I do believe there has been some clandestine playing happening. From what I understand the only way you can lay out a disc golf course is to play it clandestinely.”

“I have a lot of excitement,” Adam Santucci of the Surry County Disc Golf club said, calling the opening of the Fisher River Park disc golf course, “A momentous occasion to our community.”

His club is trying to grow the sport locally and they offer training and support to aspiring players. The new course will be a draw to new players and the skilled alike, “With the help of George (Sappenfield), our new course has been designed with the upmost care and attention to detail, taking into account the natural beauty and topography. It will definitely test your skills no matter how good you think you are.”

“This is exciting, and something new,” Dobson Mayor Ricky Draughn said. He recalled playing Frisbee as a child, “but I had no idea there was so much involved and that many courses. This has piqued my interest and maybe this is something I can do – even at my age.”

“This will be a whole new addition and will bring more people to the park and the park is already a pivotal part of the community. This will draw new people into the area and when they are here maybe we can encourage them to enjoy our area. Once people get here maybe they will enjoy it and see how great place it is to live.”

White took a moment to brag on Fisher River Park itself which the county purchased in 1870, “and has been taking care of the hearts, minds, and souls of individuals; and we’re still feeding the soul today. It is a blessing to be a steward of something as important as Fisher River Park.”

“Fisher River Park brings in a lot of folks from around the county and everyone benefits from it,” Surry County Commissioner Mark Marion said. “This is just another addition to everything we already furnish for everyone: schools, cross country races, bikes races, and all the baseball and softball.”

“You look around and see all the hard work going on around here, so a big shout out to Daniel White, Bradley Key,…