A new nine-hole disc golf course is under construction at Persimmon Ridge Park in Jonesborough, nearly complete and set to open May 3.
If the course is as popular as the town’s Parks & Recreation Department expects, plans call for it to be expanded to 18 holes and, hopefully, included in local tournament tours.
“Initially it will be nine holes and if there is enough use, we plan to add nine more and make it 18,” Rachel Conger, director of Jonesborough’s Park and Recreation Department, said.
“Disc golf is very popular in Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol and there are some tournament tours. We feel it is going to grow and this (course) is going to enhance that.”
According to Conger, discussion of the disc course at Persimmon Ridge Park began about three years ago and the project enjoyed strong community support from the outset.
More than half of the $8,000 cost of its construction has come from community donations and the remainder from the Parks and Recreation Department’s regular budget.
Work to clear underbrush for several holes that run through the wooded areas adjacent to the park’s campground began about a year ago. And Conger said much of that work was done by volunteers.
All nine baskets and most of the tees are now in place. And weather permitting, concrete pads for four or five remaining tees will be poured next week.
Once the concrete work is completed, Conger said all that will remain are some signs that need to be put in place on the course before the ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, May 3.
“We have had a lot of interest from people in Jonesborough, many supporters and a bunch of volunteers,” Conger said. “It’s not age specific activity at all. People of all ages like disc golf.... And it’s not as expensive as a regular golf.
“The course cost less to build than a playground. It has less of an environmental impact. And the great thing about it is it’s free to use.”