Part three of three

The accompanying art work shows the location of Hole Eight in the proposed 18 hole disc golf course at the Portage Lakes State Park off...

Still, to build a course there's more money involved than just architect fees. The entire course will cost somewhere in he neighborhood of $10,000. None of that money will be tax subsidized. A great majority of that will come from private donations in the form of advertising. The remainder from community minded citizens who just wish to help.

According to a press release, this will be an 18 hole championship Frisbee® disc golf course. The course will be played by park visitors, the local disc golf community and will be capable of hosting Professional Disc Golf Association sanctioned tournaments. The park hopes to have it opened by this summer. The course will provide a new, low cost, recreational opportunity for people of all ages who visit the park as well as organizations such as scouts, church groups, and local clubs. All that's needed to start is a Frisbee® or, if you really get hooked, a bag of discs.

To handle the establishment of the disc golf course, the "Portage Lakes Disc Golf Association" has been created. This is simply an umbrella organization founded by Steve Godar under the auspices of "Friends of the Portage Lakes State Park."

The FPLSP was established less than a year ago and, under the leadership of Rick Wilson, have already been instrumental in improving the Manor Barn with a ramp, the rowing club with boat storage and in conjunction with the Manikiki Nation, have built 17 birdhouses for the walking trails at the park. In addition to the disc golf course, they also have been approached by the Astronomy Club to help refurbish their Planet Walk. Godar is also a member of FPLSP.

As for helping to finance the disc golf course, here's how the sponsorship drive has been proposed. There are 18 holes to sponsor. You personally, or your company, agree to sponsor a hole. Your company's name and/or logo will be placed on the individual tee sign (see illustration below) at that hole and on the main course directory. This exposure is good for five full years.

For all that exposure, the sponsorship fee is just $475. At the end of five years, you may renew it for another five years for only $200. This second five year fee helps pay for the upkeep and other expenses caused by average wear and tear and for course improvements. Besides the casual play, the disc golf course could support different types of programs similar to "ball" golf courses. In some cases clubs form to host leagues, scrambles, tournaments and clinics. These clubs even sponsor local events, nationally sanctioned PDGA events, charity events and, in the spirit of promoting the game, assist with outings and instructional clinics for various groups.

The proposed location of the course will be an unused area just west of the beach and main parking lot. There will also be multiple tees to accommodate different skill levels. Disc Golf courses have been added to many other Ohio State Parks and have a good record of success.

"To make this work, we need volunteers," Godar said, "to join the organization and help with the projects. It's more fun than it is work," he emphasized, "a lot more fun." If you're interested in joining FPLSP or sponsoring a hole, don't wait. Call Steve Godar at 330-644-0544 today or e-mail him at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . As of this writing, five holes have already been snapped up. Only 13 holes are currently available.