Disc golf added to Dundee Township's Randall Oaks park

Randall Oaks has long been a desired destination not only by local residents, but by many who travel miles to visit the petting zoo, play in the parks, picnic on the grounds or shelters, or play a round of golf right around the corner.

The folks at the Dundee Township Park District recently added another reason to spend a beautiful day among the ancient oaks - a new 10-hole disc golf course.

Disc golf is played much like "ball" golf except you use a Frisbee or flying disc and your target is a pole with a chain basket, called the pole hole. The object is to get the disc into the basket in the least amount of throws. Holes can be anywhere from 150 to 700 feet, and the hole's par is determined by that.

Mark Simon, superintendent of parks said there was a lot of thought and planning put into the disc golf course.

"It went through at least six revisions," Simon said. "We got a lot of help from a company called Midwest Disc Golf. They were able to give us some good, practical advice on safety and how it's played."

"There is a lot of use at this park and you need to be really careful that it doesn't affect other uses," he said. "There was a lot of thought and caution in laying out the holes. It pretty much skirts the perimeter, or areas that aren't highly used."

Disc golf is a fun sport that reaches across many demographics. It is not overly physically exertive, so kids, teenagers, adults and active seniors can play. You can either grab a Frisbee from your garage, or you can buy the flying discs at local sporting good stores and departments. You can get one universal disc for about $10. There are also discs especially for drives, long shots and putting.

Playing at the Randall Oaks disc golf course is free of charge, and the course is open daily.

Helen Schumate, director of marketing for the park district, said the park naturally lends itself to a disc golf course.

"This is something that we think will be well received by the community and brings another recreational activity that is not anywhere nearby," she said. "We have the space out there for it, and we have the parking."

The first hole, as well as a parking lot, is located near the community shelter. If you follow the gravel road along the south side of the park, it will lead you there.

"The park district is always trying to look for activities and new things that we can bring to our residents and this is just a real good fit for Randall Oaks," Schumate said. "There is a growing following for disc golf. I think the potential is really great."