Part two of three

The Friends of the Portage Lakes is a local group of homeowners who have been meeting for less than a year. The purpose of their organization is to help...

Larry Hunter and his Purple Martin Club are a part of the group.  Many of them are also members of the Portage Lakes Advisory Council. Collectively, they see their mission as helping to better the community in which they live and to get the most out of the natural surroundings, including the lakes.

One of the projects they've completed was building a ramp to the Manor barn in order for the rowing club to store their boats. In conjunction with the Manikiki Nation, they've also helped build 17 birdhouses for the walking trail at the Portage Lakes State Park. Once the weather breaks they'll start helping to clean and set up the Dog Park, Kids Zone, Skate Board Park and Beach Area.

Recently, they've been asked by the Astronomy Club to help refurbish their Planet Walk. As of this writing that issue is currently being discussed. But their biggest project to date has circulated around this fast growing, outdoor, family activity called Disc Golf.

Approaching New Franklin resident and architect, Bill Griffith, Godar ask if he'd design an 18 "hole" Disc Golf course to be set in the Portage Lakes State Park located off Manchester Road. Griffith agreed and in doing so, because it's a project that benefits the community, waived his design fee.

Next Godar, who himself is a Disc, as well as a regular golfer, approached the park manager, Bruce Carpenter, with the design layout and a proposal to construct the course. Carpenter loved it and agreed. Then he met with FPLSP president Rick Wilson. Now with plans moving forward, albeit slowly, the group has hopes of finishing the course by July first, but Godar assured me, "…that date depends on everything falling into place."

According to the materials needed, the estimated cost would be in the neighborhood of $10,000. That money would have to be raised locally from businesses and individuals. So far the group has five pledges for almost 24 percent of the total estimated cost, or $2,375 of the $10,000. A campaign will soon begin to sign up additional pledges.

Each contributor who pledges $475 will have their name displayed at one of the 18 tees. It will remain in place for five years. At the end of that time they may renew their pledge for an additional $200.

Godar acknowledged they need sponsors to get this project launched, but more importantly they need volunteers. If you'd like to help, call Steve Godar at 330-644-0544, E-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or attend a meeting held the third Thursday of each month at 7 PM in the Portage Lakes State Park Office.

A new organization, the Portage Lakes Disc Golf Association has been officially established and is headed by Steve Godar as its president. Any donations should be made in that name. In time the PLDG Association hopes to establish rules, regulations and eventually form Disc Golf leagues.

Next week: The location of the course in the Portage Lakes State Park.