New disc golf course in the works

ISHPEMING — A new development is on the horizon that should get the attention of disc golf enthusiasts.

Plans are currently in the works to create a new eighteen-hole disc golf course at Ishpeming’s Al Quaal Recreation Area. The current nine-hole course uses some popular shared space, and the game has evolved since that course was built.

“The disc golfers are very interested in seeing a course that is challenging using the topography that we have available out here and allowing them to access the natural beauty of the park,” said Jon Kangas, Director of the Ishpeming Department of Public Works.

A local engineer with experience in disc golf course design is currently working on plans for the new course.

“We’re hoping to see additional use of current underutilized areas of the park during the summertime — areas of the ski bowl right behind us that are used heavily in the winter for the tube slide and what used to be used for skiing would become portions of the course,” Kangas added. “Whether it’s two, three, or four disc golf holes, we don’t know, but that’s part of the design process.”

Officials hope to have the design complete by winter so they can apply for spring grant funding. If all goes according to plan, the course could be built as early as next summer.