Disc News

The young Texan keeps getting better.

March 14, 2022 by Anthony Mikos and Charlie Eisenhood in News, Recap with comments

With a Texas-sized final round performance, Valerie Mandujano came from behind to win the 2022 Waco Annual Charity Open in her home state. Through big swings in the weather and on the leaderboard, Mandujano stayed true to her well-rounded game and claimed her first-ever Elite Series victory.

“I feel a lot of emotions and like I am going to tear up,” she said. “I want to dedicate this win to my grandfather who passed away on New Years. He was like my father and he raised me so close to him. He never got to see me win, so I told myself that I had to win this year. So this is for you, Dad.”

Mandujano ramped up her game over the course of the weekend, improving by four strokes each day en route to a 9-under par finish, four strokes better than Kristin Tattar in second place. Although Catrina Allen made a tremendous run from way down the leaderboard, her double bogey on hole 12 ended her chances of making a push for the win, though she still finished the tournament in third place after shooting the best round of the tournament, an 8-under par 59.

By the time the lead card made the turn, it was a two-horse race between Mandujano and Tattar. The Texan had built a one-stroke lead with a three-birdie run to close out the front nine before extending it to three on hole 14 when Mandujano put her tee shot within 20 feet and Tattar bogeyed. Back-to-back birdies for Tattar cut the lead back to one before entering the pivotal hole 17.

After Tattar laid up on her second shot, Mandujano had a decision to make. Play it safe — or try to put it on the green while testing a tough crosswind and OB water left. Despite having the one-stroke lead, she didn’t hesitate:

Valerie Mandujano Shot on 17

It was the shot of the tournament and a reversal of her mistake on hole 17 in the final round of the Throw Pink Women’s Disc Golf Championship that knocked her out of the lead last October. Perhaps rattled by Mandujano’s perfect upshot, Tattar badly misfired with her forehand approach, advancing only a few feet. She left herself a tester putt after her next shot and didn’t can the putt, dropping her to a double bogey and a three stroke swing.

Las Vegas Challenge champion Catrina Allen rounded out the podium at 2-under par. That marks back-to-back podium finishes for Allen, who looks fully comfortable with her new plastic. Mandujano, too, was playing with a new bag after moving to a Dynamic Discs sponsorship this offseason.

Eveliina Salonen, the frontrunner for most the weekend, couldn’t keep it going in the final round. She opened up going 5-over through the first four holes with four missed Circle 1 putts, a continuation of her major struggles on the putting green throughout the weekend. She didn’t card a birdie until hole 11. Ultimately, it was a Jekyll and Hyde weekend for Salonen, who finished 1st at the tournament in strokes gained from tee-to-green (23.39) and dead last in strokes gained from putting (-13.99). She finished ninth at 1-over par after entering the final round at 4-under with a two stroke lead.

On the chase card, nothing ever got going for Paige Pierce. Opening a round with a triple bogey is never a fun way to start. She shot her worst round of the tournament at 1-over, finishing at even par on the weekend. Her putting was solid, but she continued to struggle with taking extra strokes by going out-of-bounds. She had 10 OB strokes on the weekend, the most of any player in the top 25. Six of those OB strokes came in the final round.

The state of Vermont is one of the most forested in the entire USA and is home to seemingly endless serene sites amongst its lush green woods, glistening lakes, and nature-laden mountains. With such luscious landscapes riddled with Mother Nature’s design, the repertoire of Vermont’s camping scene is even celebrated far beyond its borders by outdoorsy Americans from far and wide.

As camping gets more “glam,” campsites in Vermont have transformed even further – much to the delight of those who enjoy lashings of luxury when sleeping under the stars. And with plenty of picturesque places for enjoying the state’s New England charm and its stunning natural surroundings, glamping in Vermont just feels so right.

Glamping across the state entails countless options, so there’s no excuse for adventurers not to pack a few bags and book a spot at any of its serene sites. From well-equipped tents and luxury yurts to vintage campers, treehouses, and beautiful cabins in the woods, glamping in Vermont is one of the most authentic ways to experience American nature and escape from the stresses of the modern world. Stress not, for ample havens for glamping abound in the Green Mountain State, and these are some of the top contenders worthy of one’s desperate retreat back to nature.

Related: The 10 Most Exotic Glamping Locations in America

8 Moose Meadow Lodge & Treehouse

Moose Meadow Lodge in Waterbury is set in the tranquil midst of the Green Mountains and is a prime spot for campers and glampers alike. When waking up to the sounds of trout in the pond from the comfort of the enchanting treehouse in the woods, guests know they’re in for a truly sublime day. A famous favorite of the site’s guests and staff, Moose Meadow’s treehouse is separate from the main lodge but is only a couple hundred feet away, which is close enough to the site’s amenities, but far enough to remain tucked out of the way in peace and quiet.

The New England treehouse really is a glamper’s dream where nature and luxury come together in harmony. Those who love isolation in an untouched environment need look no further, for everything they’ll ever need is right in one serene space; a living and dining area on the first floor with an expansive wrap-around deck, a second-story bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a beautiful circular staircase wrapped around a maple tree, and of course, awe-inspiring woodland views from every angle.

7 Greenwood Lodge & Campsites

By the side of the glorious Green Mountains in Woodford, Greenwood Lodge and Campsites entails over a hundred acres of tranquil nature-riddled sights and sounds calling the names of discerning outdoorsy folk. Featuring many trails for hiking and biking along with three ponds prime for swimming, fishing, boating, and canoeing, guests have a whole host of watery and dry activities to burn the time away.

To add, when it comes to accommodation, Greenwood Lodge doesn’t let its visitors down. Guests can choose between 40 wooded campsites and even a hostel right next to the Green Mountain National Forest. And their hospitality is just as well-rounded with ample amenities for enjoying a comfortable stay; picnic tables, complimentary hot showers, modern bathrooms, and fire rings. What’s more, there’s also a recreation room, as well as tetherball, volleyball, basketball, and horseshoes available.

Related: The 10 Most Exotic Glamping Locations In The World

6 Sterling Ridge

For a fun outdoorsy sample of the Green Mountain lifestyle softened by a dose of glitz and glamor, Sterling Ridge in the Jeffersonville area is the one and only choice, and is undoubtedly amongst the best nature retreats for escaping from the world. Once a modest eight-room inn, the property now boasts 24 log cabins and two larger luxury houses across 362 impressive acres. Guests can choose from a range of cabin options, most with king-size or queen-size beds, kitchens, full bathrooms, WiFi, and plenty of other modern comforts – including fancy whirlpools in some.

If sleeping in rustic cabins, roasting marshmallows by a campfire, being at one with Mother Nature, and losing oneself in a robust roster of memorable outdoor activities sounds like the dream, then this place is one for the bucket list. There’s also even more to tempt would-be intrepid guests; an outdoor heated pool, and plenty of lovely walking trails on the premises with more hiking paths nearby in Smugglers’ Notch. Plus, a large pond on the grounds is the cherry on top as it invites for paddling and fishing, which are ideal family-friendly pastimes in between the biking and kayaking opportunities nearby.

Related: The Complete Guide To A Winter Vacation In Vermont (Whether You’re A Skier Or Not)

5 Button Bay State Park

253 acres of lush land encompassed at Button Bay State Park beckons glamping addicts from around the state. Nestled along the 130-mile Lake Champlain on a bluff close to Ferrisburgh, the park’s camping grounds consist of a vast, wide-open, green grassy area with sweeping views over the lake against a dramatic backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains.

As a camping and glamping haven, Button Bay State Park is as well-furnished as it is picturesque; the property offers guests four cabins, over a dozen lean-to sites, and more impressively, over fifty campsites for tents and RVs. Aside from generous accommodation options and breathtaking scenery, the site also boasts a pool, pretty picnic areas, restroom and shower facilities, and better yet; a fascinating nature center offering various fun and educational programs that are always popular with families.

4 Half Moon Pond State Park

Lying on the forest-filled grounds of the massive 3,500-acre Bomoseen State Park, Half Moon Pond is peaceful, quiet, and serene thanks to its perfect location. It’s tucked away from the world in a sheltered, small basin in the middle of a densely wooded area, which naturally means postcard-perfect glamping galore.

The site’s campgrounds are pure bliss and boast options for all kinds of campers. From its five fully-furnished cabins to lean-tos and scenic waterfront campsites, there’s a matched place for everyone at Half Moon Pond. And that’s not all; for further indulgence and a waterfront glamping getaway fit for a king complete with its own private dock, the site also rents out its premier Tall Timbers Cottage – an unchallenged choice for the most discerning of glampers in Vermont.

Related: New Hampshire Vs Vermont: Which Is The Best New England Holiday?

3 Tyler Place Family Resort

Tyler’s is often said to be one of the best family resorts in Vermont, offering today’s smartphone-and-video-game addicted youths a chance to disconnect and discover the natural world beyond teens and screens. It’s also a place for parents to reconnect whilst the kids go wild outdoors with tons of activities and fun things to do.

For decades, the resort has been wholeheartedly focused on families and providing them with an unforgettable escapade away from reality. Delivering family-oriented and tailored entertainment, facilities, sports, fun activities, kids and teenage programs, meals, and more for guests of all ages, Tyler Place is an incomparable candidate for families looking for the most perfect vacation in the Green Mountains.

2 Craftsbury Farmhouse

Fancy a boutique glamping retreat? Then pencil in a date for an adventure at the Craftsbury Farmhouse parked right in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The property serves guests well with breakfast and dinner with a view at the Blackbird Bistro, along with idyllic gardens and walking trails on-site, a deck overlooking Whetstone Brook, a porch with a tempting hot tub, and even an infrared sauna if none of that before was blissful enough.

The stars of the show, however, are Craftbury’s stunning canvas glamping tents. Completely weatherproof and designed especially for stargazing, these tents (which truly don’t feel like tents) complete with full-size beds and cozy comforts are the ultimate way to sleep under the stars – quite literally. Guests may even forget they’re essentially camping altogether with the exceptional amenities available; think broadband internet, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, a microwave, an outdoor fire pit, air conditioning, sound machines, ample lounging, and working space, and also a hot tub for an extra hit of luxe.

Related: 10 Glamping Sites To Consider For Romantic Getaways

1 Crofter’s Green

Crofter’s Green in the town of Montgomery Center boasts a number of cute, quirky, and quaint glamping cottages across its 25-acre grounds. Each oh-so Instagrammable mini-home comes with all the comforts glampers hope for, such as queen-sized beds, a kitchenette with cooking and refrigerating amenities, and also WiFi.

The site bodes well for nature-lovers and the more sporty types alike, with stunning walking trails, welcoming fire pits, and even sumptuous hot tubs – the latter of which make the place’s magnificent sunset vistas just that bit more glamorous. There are also numerous other outdoor activities in the local area to be tried as well, including an eighteen-hole disc golf course.

Finally, when guests have finished taking in the scenery of Crofter’s Green’s beautiful property and enjoying all the activities around the area, they’ll realize they’re perfectly placed for exploring plenty more of the famous Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

Next: Fancy Glamping Destinations For Fabulous Outdoor(ish) Adventures

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About The Author

Round Two Recap

March 13, 2022 by Cameron Guidry in News, Recap with comments

The weather took a turn for the better on Saturday in Waco, and scoring improved across the board. Despite the influx of birdies, no one could knock Paul McBeth off the top of the leaderboard after two rounds. To start the day, it looked like McBeth was chasing another perfect round out at Waco, pouring in five birdies to start his day, including a stellar recovery out of the woods to find the green in regulation on hole 4. He proceeded to go cold with three straight pars and carded two bogeys on the day, but on the whole it was a typical McBethian day. Great accuracy, great putting, and great golf, save for an OB stroke hunting the birdie on 18 and a bogey on the immensely challenging 15th. He truly had some incredible highs in his round — his upshot on 17 was a thing of beauty and his putt on 14 was money.

It was a game of inches on his lost strokes: slightly flubbing an upshot and airballing a steep uphill jumper or leaving the iconic 18 water carry short are easy mistakes to correct, and McBeth likely has a better round in him before the weekend is over. It remains to be seen whether he can keep the competition at arms length to take the title, but I wouldn’t hold my breath with how accurate McBeth has looked through the large majority of the most treacherous holes at the bEast.

Contenders

Directly trailing McBeth is Luke Humphries, who stuck to his strategy of “throw stuff at stuff” from Day 1. While it may seem like a diluted way to describe the skill of great disc golf, Humphries really does make the game look that easy. His accuracy, both forehand and backhand, is a joy to watch, and he doesn’t lack for power either, hanging in on the toughest distance holes Waco has to offer. He also made several long C1X putts through the round that kept him right in the hunt, carding 93% on the day.

Chris Dickerson again finds himself on a lead card following a superb 11-under round that was two strokes better than anyone else on Saturday. He made 14/18 greens in regulation and never went out-of-bounds en route to a bogey-free day. He is surely is hoping that the follow-up round goes better this time around. After the dust settled on Day 2 in Vegas, we saw Dickerson drop 11 spots in the standings while shooting five strokes worse than his strong prior round. For a player whose game is predicated on incredible consistency, it seemed out of character. The flashes have been there early for Discraft-era Dickerson, but cementing himself as a Player of the Year contender his first year fully touring is next on the docket for the Tennessee pro.

A host of players sit outside of the top 3’s tight race at 11-under, including 2021 WACO podium placers Cale Leiviska and Bradley Williams, spin-putt sniper Matt Bell, and tour veteran Isaac Robinson. Clawing back at least seven strokes on a player of McBeth’s caliber is a tall task, but the woods of Waco provide a variable that will keep these hopefuls in the hunt for more than a top five finish.

Shot of the Day

Paul McBeth’s scramble on hole 17 is one of the best shots you’ll see all season:

McBeth Scramble

Waco Friendly Toward Returners?

With all of the preseason discussion on the return of the international players to the field, the bEast does not seem to be treating them well. The highest place an international player holds is T17, split between Linus Carlsson and Mikael Häme. In contrast, two of the players from the final card from WACO 2021 return to the final four on Sunday, with former champions Paul McBeth and Nikko Locastro also in the hunt. Having a familiarity with the tight hallways and blind shots required in the mid-stretch of the course is paramount, and it’s paying off for those who have both succeeded before and those who have the extra year of play to master the bEast. Both Carlsson and Häme are specifically struggling on the wooded holes at WACO this weekend (only 4/12 birdies for Häme have come from the middle stretch through two rounds; 6/16 for Carlsson.), and that extra dose of familiarity may be helping the American pros gain an edge on their counterparts.

Statline

There were 589 holes played under par from the field in Round 1. On Saturday, 846 holes were played under par, a 43% increase that shows just how much better conditions were for round 2.

Round Two Highlights

Round Two Waco Highlights

Overheard

“Those are ones I feel like you should be getting, so it doesn’t really change much. I know once I get to the woods, I know I got 4 and 5 there, which are good holes to get, but those woods don’t let up through there. I got into some trouble on 6 or somewhere in there, I just wasn’t hitting my lines, and you can tell there’s really no chance for birdie once you’re off the fairway a little bit. This year it does look a little more open, but the thorns are ridiculous out there. I got to experience them over there at hole 9.” – Paul McBeth on his hot start and how he breaks the course up in his mind

“I’m just reacting to the shots that are placed in front of me. I don’t want to have a plan or anything, I’m just gonna go out there and golf tomorrow, and enjoy the day. Cale Leiviska jumped up to lead card, and I’m stoked to play with him, Dickerson, and Paul tomorrow.” – Luke Humphries, when asked what he wants to change ahead of his final round

1. Cameron Guidry
   

   

   Cameron Guidry started playing disc golf in Norman, Oklahoma, as a way to pass the time until ultimate season came back. Little did he know he’d spend way too much time to be just OK in yet another disc-related sport. He lives in Lynchburg, Virginia, and is a social media manager by day and a journalism student by night. He is currently on the Liberty Disc Golf Team and plans to keep splitting his time between both disc sports.

TAGGED: DGPT Elite Series MPO, Bradley Williams, Cale Leiviska, Chris Dickerson, Isaac Robinson, Linus Carlsson, Luke Humphries, Matt Bell, Mikael Häme, Paul McBeth,

EVENTS: 2022 Waco Annual Charity Open

It’s a Tuesday afternoon, and the Disc Golf course at Low Gap Park is filled with players battling the afternoon winds and engaging in friendly competition. Disc Golf is one of the world’s fastest growing sports, and locally, the scene is thriving, according to Joseph Haggard, member of the Basket Beaters Disc Golf Club of Mendocino County.

Haggard is participating and co-coordinating the 2022 NorCal Winter Charity Series (NWCS), a series of 11 Disc Golf fundraising events that commenced in December 2021 and will conclude in April.

Each event is a contest in which competitor fees are donated to a local organization in Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma or Humboldt Counties. The events rotate between disc golf courses throughout the four-county area and typically raise between $1,000-$2,000 for each agency.

The first event of this series was a fundraiser for Ukiah’s Toys for Tots. The Lake County recipients for this year’s NWCS were the Animal Refugee Response and the Clear Lake Gleaners. Along with Toys for Tots, Ukiah-area beneficiaries included the Redwood Coast Recreational Center in Gualala, the Pacific Environmental Education Center in Fort Bragg and the Anderson Valley Firefighter Association. Sonoma County’s Social Advocates for Youth was also a beneficiary this season.

The next event takes place on March 19th at the Low Gap Park Disc Golf Course, and the public is invited. It will include 2 rounds of 18 holes with trophies awarded to the top finishers in each division. The funds raised from this event will support the Waldorf School of Mendocino County.

The next event in the series takes place on Mar 26-27 in Little River, benefitting the Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund, with the series finale scheduled for April 9-10 at Brooktrails, in support of the Brooktrails Fire Department.

“Everyone buys in to the event at different levels,” Haggard explains. “Generally, between 50 to 90 people compete. Once the cost of trophies, course rentals and other expenses are covered, the balance is donated to local organizations, as opposed to a competitive event where participants win a cash prize.”

The NWCS was created in 2014 by Point Arena resident Derrick Robbings, as a way to have more competitive winter disc golf events in the Mendocino/Lake County region. In 2008, Robbings was introduced to “Icebowls,” a smaller, winter iteration of the Charity Series. With the help of Lou Rethelford, he birthed a Fort Bragg Icebowl.

“I ran the Fort Bragg Icebowl since 2010 and thought a series would be a good way to inspire people to go to all the other regional Icebowls,” says Robbings. The NWCS has evolved to create a more competitive atmosphere and encourage more players.

“Today, the NWCS, players earn points, which incentivizes people to enter the entire series,” notes Haggard. “Then we have a final competition and an awards event at Brooktrails for the top finishers.”

Willits resident Levi Fagundes joined Robbings in 2015 and has been the event co-organizer and point keeper.

“We both run several separate events each year and both help others get comfortable running their own events. We quickly saw what an impact these events have, as players got into their series points and started travelled to the events. Everyone began to take pride in the large donations,” Robbings continues.

“These types of events provide goodwill in the community and allow us to have more courses. The last several years, we’ve have had 11-12 events annually in Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake and Humboldt Counties,” says Robbings. As of 2020, the competition had raised over $100,000 for local organizations. “The local scene around here is strong,” he emphasizes.

The event is a coming together of many disc golf organizations in the four-county region.

“Shayne Dillahunty and the Lake County Basket Cases are amazing and have been a part of the series from the beginning. Tristan Smith and the United Flyers of Sonoma have made the largest donations for three years running. Par Infinity of Humboldt County has joined with us for the last several years.”

Touted as “golf with a Frisbee,” the allure of disc golf has continued to grow, with the majority of the event organizers competing at the professional level as members of the Professional Disc Golf Association. Haggard has been playing for eight years, and recently competed in Las Vegas at the Disc Golf Pro Tour, where he played against some of the top competitors in the world.

“I first started playing at UC Santa Cruz. My brother River introduced the game to me. I started out putting together circles of rocks with sticks in the ground, trying to get the disc into the circle of rocks. Then I evolved to playing the game with baskets,” Haggard smiles.

“What I personally love is that anyone can be involved, from kids to senior citizens. It costs about $20 to get your first set of discs, and many courses are free. You can do it with anyone, and you’re outdoors. I’m still learning every time I come out. Every day is a little different- the weather, the course- it keeps you in the moment. Especially in our world these days, it’s so nice to have an activity where you can take a deep breath and do the best you can do in the present moment. Everything else goes to the wayside. It’s just you, the basket and your friends.”

At the courses, there is a collegial feeling amongst folks coming out to play, and it’s not unusual for strangers to team up and share skills.

With disc golf, you can be teaching, learning or competing. Everyone has opportunity to be in all three of those roles,” says Haggard.

With opportunities like the NWCS allows Haggard to use his skills to help others.

“Being able to raise money for the community is the dream come true- doing what we love while having fun,” he concludes.

Disc Golf courses can be found at the North and South portions of Lake Mendocino, Low Gap Park, the Ukiah and Fort Bragg campuses of Mendocino College, Brooktrails, KOA Willits, Mendocino High School, in Gualala, Westport, and in Boonville at the Anderson Valley Brewing Company, along with many private courses. In Lake County, there is a course at Highland Springs.

Those interested in competing in the Low Gap event may register here. For information on upcoming events or to learn about the Basket Beaters Disc Golf Club, visit them on their Facebook page.

On March 3, 2022, we lost our son, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, John Page, age 40 of Des Moines, Iowa. John was born on September 17, 1981. He grew up in the outskirts of Beaverdale along with his older brother, Graham and older sister, Gwen. He described his childhood home as having a great yard with woods and a creek. John attended Des Moines public schools and earned an Associate’s Degree at D.M.A.C.C. He worked for UPS and Hy Vee distribution centers.
As John grew up, his family went on many fishing, camping and skiing trips with both extended family and close family friends. Adventures included fishing at Lake of the Woods, camping trips to Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone National Parks and skiing in Colorado. A love for the outdoors was always part of John’s life.
John was father to Owen Robert Page, born May 7, 2012 and Abigail Grace Page born July 2, 2014. He described the time with his children as the happiest time of his life. A proud Dad, he was full of love for his kids and enjoyed taking them on outdoor adventures. Wanting to share the experience of camping with his son, John took Owen on his first camping trip before he was 2 years old. The children gave John a renewed focus on life and the decisions and things he did, which made all of us proud, were always centered around a desire to be the best Dad that John could be for Owen and Abigail.
In high school, his life-long love for music began. According to his Journal, he attended 123 Phish shows. He was a very early “Scamper” having attended 18 Summer Camps, an annual music festival in Illinois. John was also one of the few in his generation who saw the original Grateful Dead live.
John was blessed with creativity and his doodling was spectacular. He wrote his first 42- page graphic novel called The Birds vs. the Monsters and Cloud Men while he was in elementary school. He continued to draw throughout his life and his caricatures were always amusing.
John enjoyed computer games and his parents and siblings nicknamed him “Game Boy”. He took pride in being at the cutting edge of new gaming technology and always enjoyed a good game of “tendo” with the kids. Owen says “He was a really nice person and super fun.” John played disc golf in City parks and erected his own disc golf basket at home. He also played golf and swam at Hyperion Field Club and participated in youth sports.
An Iowa native, John was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, could gobble an entire dozen ears of Iowa Sweet Corn and would eat his way through the Iowa State Fair. He also enjoyed trips to the Dahlberg family farm.
John was immediately likeable. He was a friend to many and always ready to help, even at his own expense. He was kind, quick-witted and hilarious. He was a kid at heart and loved taking on an adventure with passion you don’t often see.
Our family asks that you understand that no one is immune to the struggles of addiction and the epidemic of the opioid crisis in our culture today. The day John died, we all lost a piece of our lives that will never be able to be replaced, but we find solace that he is now at peace and the wounds caused by alcohol and drug addiction can begin to heal.
John is preceded in death by his Grandparents: Gwen and Robert Dahlberg; Elizabeth and Robert Page; and Margery Surbaugh.
He is survived by his children Owen and Abigail Page, his father Greg (Christine) Page and birth mother Juliann Dahlberg and siblings Gwen Page (Sean Stratton) and Graham (Tammy) Page. Uncles and Aunts: Bob Dahlberg; Jean Spikes (Steve); Barbara (Jeff) Engelmann; Marta Walker(Joseph);Mary Donovan (Kirk); and; Gil Page (Kate) and all of their respective children as cousins. John was also Uncle to 3 nephews and 2 nieces.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for the Owen and Abigail Page Fund may be sent to Juliann Dahlberg, 1445 W 73rd Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64114.
A private family ceremony will be held at Dunn’s Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.IlesCares.com. John will be inurned at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines. A public celebration of life for John is anticipated later this Spring.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of John Page, please visit our Tribute Store.

Published by Legacy on Mar. 13, 2022.

Posted on Mar 12, 2022

By Tom Travis

“It just takes one person to have that vision or to have that love for their community. And that one person must be brave to step out and take the bull by the horns. It just takes one person and then they’ll gravitate and get other people involved. Even in a bad neighborhood, it takes just one person,” said Mott Park Neighborhood resident, Gennois Wiggins.

“And I would add that it starts with one person,” added another Mott Park resident, Chad Schlosser and works in campus ministry at UM-Flint.

Mott Park Recreation Area (MPRA) residents are aiming for a Saturday, June 25 grand opening of the freshly painted and renovated Mott Park club house, located at 2701 Nolen Dr. Flint.

Schlosser, who’s been leading the renovation effort over the last year, said the grand opening will include live music, food trucks and lots of festivities.

The MPRA is a registered non-profit governed by a board which includes: President Tom Saxton, Treasurer Bob Knox, and members Cal Chase, Denny Gardner, Paul Grasso, Chris Monk, Schlosser and Jack Stock.

Mott Park neighborhood residents have worked on the historic golf course since 2010. Since the course’s closing in 2009, residents have been tending, mowing and caring for the former 9-hole, 70-acre parkland. According to the MPRA members, more than 200 hours of volunteer hours annually provide for the maintenance and upkeep of the property.

Mott Park Recreation Area located at 2701 Nolan Drive, Flint. (Photo by Tom Travis)

“Something that’s been amazing to me in the last year is how many people and organizations want to play a role once we had an idea and a plan towards doing something like this,”  Schlosser said. “The Mayor’s office, the Parks and Recreation Department, Keep Genesee County Beautiful, Communities First, The Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Habitat for Humanity, Kettering University — so many different organizations have contributed.”

EVM sat down with a group of MPRA members to listen to their story of renovating the Mott Park club house.

MPRA President Tom Saxton (left), Gennois Wiggins (center) and Chad Schlosser (right) inside the recently renovated Mott Park club house. (Photo by Tom Travis)

Neighborhood projects “need to be driven by locals” – Schlosser

About a year ago, locals began thinking seriously about bringing the club house back to life.  It had sat vacant and boarded up since 2009, according to Schlosser.

He suggested that projects like the Mott Park Recreation Association (MPRA) and the club house renovation “need to be driven by locals.”

Describing himself  as a “community organizer,” Schlosser said he sees himself as connecting different organizations with the MPRA.

“These organizations want to know what neighbors want to do.  They’re not going to come in and just do something. So when residents and neighbors want to do something,  there is a lot of support out there.

MPRA and Mott Park neighborhood member Chad Schlosser. (Photo by Tom Travis)

That’s where people, I think, feel alone and these are insurmountable challenges. I can’t fund this and do this by myself. But we figured out who can help, who can play a role. It takes one person to start and be inspired,” Schlosser said.

Club house renovation means “crime prevention”

Schlosser said he sees the MPRA and the club house activities as “crime prevention.” “We can’t go out and stop people from committing crimes. But we can help to create a healthier environment for all residents in our neighborhood and that helps to prevent people from making bad choices. You give them opportunities to do things that are constructive,” he explained.

The MPRA listed top crime concerns for Mott Park as break-ins, shootings, traffic and speeding issues.

“Once you have programs for children, in a building, they take ownership. So once a child believes this is theirs, they’ll look out for you, they’ll call the police,” Wiggins added.

“Hey, we can’t let this go.” – MPRA member Tom Saxton

MPRA President Tom Saxton, a retired Women’s soccer coach at Michigan State University, recalled when the golf course closed and the the club house was abandoned in 2009.  He said the golf course lawn had gone to seed and it would have been a million dollar project to restore the grounds.

President of the MPRA and Mott Park neighborhood resident Tom Saxton. (Photo by Tom Travis)

Saxton recalled a neighborhood meeting soon after the golf course closed. The city was under emergency management at the time. “We were all standing around here like, hey we can’t let this place go.

That moment, Saxton said, planted the seed for folks to start meeting and form the non-profit Mott Park Recreation Association (MPRA).

“Not a lot of attention was given, initially, to the club house building. Some work was done to keep it from falling in disrepair. Chad and other residents have really been the catalyst in trying to getting something bigger going over the last year,” Saxton said,

Break-ins, vandalism and arson motivate residents

A few things coincided that, “made it seem like it was just the right time. One of the things was the club house at Pierce Park burning down, another incident was a bunch of kids breaking into this building and breaking a bunch of windows. Those kinds of events help me to realize the building was either going to go downhill or be improved. It wasn’t going to just stay neutral,” Schlosser said.

Wiggins said she came forward about that time and suggested it be made into a community center and offered her help.” A former program coordinator/director of the former Pierce Center, Wiggins has years of experience in working with senior citizens and youth.

Mott Park neighborhood resident Gennois Wiggins. (Photo by Tom Travis)

She said she dreams of the club house becoming a place for the community to enjoy the atmosphere and relax — especially for inner-city children to be able to take advantage of the facility.

“I don’t want it to become a wasteland,” she said.

Wiggins recalled Forest Park [now called Max Brandon Park], in Flint, that used to have “a craft house.” It was a place for children to come year-round to learn and do crafts including potter with the kiln that was located in the craft house. Wiggins said she hopes this club house in Mott Park can be the same thing for children in this neighborhood.

Schlosser said one of the first things he worked on was outside lighting. He worked with fellow Mott Park resident Denny Gardner to get the lighting surrounding the building and the grounds up and running. “We needed to brighten things up.”

Saxton noted the group has been in “crisis mode the last year because we were afraid once the heat’s gone the pipes will freeze.”

The group has made many improvements in just the last year. A $25,000 grant from the The Community Foundation of Greater Flint paid for a new roof, two new furnaces and two new air conditioners. Kettering University donated $1,300 for a new garage door.

From inside the club house the windows over look the beautiful 70-acres of parkland. (Photo by Tom Travis)

An anonymous donor gave $2,600 to replace 11 broken windows. Saxton added that about seven years ago the CFGF gave the MPRA a grant to for all new windows.

Schlosser estimated about $30,000 has been invested in the MPRA club house “and a whole lot of sweat equity by volunteers.” Not all the volunteers are Mott Park residents or even Flint residents. While EVM talked with the MPRA group a Grand Blanc resident, Jayne West was volunteering her time to paint a small utility room.

Volunteer Jayne West. (Photo by Tom Travis)

Schlosser, Wiggins and Saxton listed more than 20 residents, by name,  from Mott Park and Glendale Hills  who have volunteered doing work around the facility including plumbing, painting, clean-up, including Kettering students and local fraternities have helped out.

Volunteers also maintain the maintenance building, the bridges, fencing, trash disposal and security system for the property, according to Saxton.

Saxton has been on the MPRA for the last decade. “Our mission is attached to the whole property and we see this [the club house renovation] as a great addition,” he said.

“Our mission is to maintain and enhance this space from a golf course to a multi-use recreation space for community use.” Saxton said the annual flotilla ends in Mott Park each year noting that the group members are “tied into the Flint River Watershed as well.”

Some of the “multi-uses” for the property and club house are the disc-golf course that goes on all-year round, the designated Monarch Butterfly Waystation by the Monarch Joint Venture Association, bird identification classes for kids, sledding, residents walking their dogs, walkers and runners, trails in the woods. One neighbor wants to teach a Judo class,

The MPRA annually hosts the Turkey Trot, the oldest continuously run foot race in Michigan. “It’s not exclusively a disc-golf course, it’s more,” Saxton added.

“We plan on positive, construction activities where neighbors can meet each other and we can figure out how to work together to solve problems,” Schlosser said. “Having a physical space to do that will make a lot of difference. And maybe resolve some issues like when people only communicate through social media this will be a place and an opportunity for people to communicate face to face.”

Future neighborhood tool shed planned

In partnership with the Neighborhood Engagement Hub, a neighborhood tool shed is planned to be opened out of the basement.  Neighbors will be able to borrow lawn mowers, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, things they need to take care of their yards. “We’re trying to lower any barriers that people might have to being able to taking care of their property. We want it to flourish,” said Schlosser.

Mott Park Recreation Area. (Photo by Tom Travis)

A big goal this year is to address a problem water flow issue, Schlosser said. The MPRA needs to get water flowing away from the club house and towards the creek, he explained.

Schlosser said while the building is close to being ready to open,  the MPRA is waiting for City Council to approve a lease with the city. The resolution to approve that lease was on the council’s agenda in recent weeks. Last week the council voted to move the resolution back to committee where it’s now stalled until it can be moved back to a council meeting.

According to Schlosser the lease agreement will call for the MPRA to maintain and care for the former golf course property and club house.  A rental facility fee schedule is in the works and the MPRA hopes to be able to rent the club house and the property for neighborhood meetings, open houses, weddings and other events.

EVM Managing Editor Tom Travis can be reached at [email protected].

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