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…