New Disc Golf Amenity Could Help Build Case for Permanent Banff Course

Local disc golfers in Banff have a new way to play, but the rental amenity might not be up to par for serious players.

A new self-serve disc golf amenity launched on June 17 after it was discussed in January by Banff council as a low-cost, low-impact alternative to a permanent disc golf course. It isn't a temporary full course, but a set of rental equipment to be used as a practice and play amenity within Sundance Park.

The free amenity is an extension of the Town of Banff's Play Box program. Banff residents can access the equipment by calling the Fenlands Recreation Centre for a code to unlock the storage box in the park. Users can then set up the equipment for the day (12 hours) with the help of a distance guide map.

"There’s six baskets that they can set up. There's practice discs, including putters and drivers, and then there's a bit of a guide for people. But it's really meant to be a play-as-you-like within the sports field area," said Blake Hinchey, recreation manager for the Town of Banff.

"It's meant to be just, hopefully, easy for people to use and access, and they can enjoy a non-permanent disc golf amenity in the park."

While there are still no plans for a permanent disc golf course in Banff, interest in and usage of the new amenity could help provide the town with data on local demand.

"We'll definitely be keeping track and record of how many people are using it, when they're using it. So if there's requests in the future, we can definitely get that information to council if they request it," said Hinchey.

"If people love this type of amenity at Sundance Park and they'd like it other places as well, that feedback is always really appreciated."

For Banff professional disc golfer Marcel Beaulieu, the new amenity is a welcome addition and could save him some trips to Canmore, but it won't replace a full course.

"It seems like a step in the right direction, and hopefully we can sort of drum up some traffic down there and show that there is an interest in the community to hopefully bloom and turn this into something amazing in this town," said Beaulieu.

"If there's anything this town needs, it's something that's extremely accessible and isn't just pulling dollars out of your pocket and forcing you to sit at a bar with a beer in your hand."

Beaulieu said he once tracked his driving for disc golf practice and logged more than 8,000 kilometres in a single year travelling to and from Canmore's courses.

Norman O'Genski, a longtime disc golfer from Banff, also sees the new amenity as a positive development, but said it won't satisfy players looking for a traditional course.

"If you want to go out and practice and do some drives and some putting, definitely. But to go out and play, it's not gonna really happen. But it's a step in the right direction," said O'Genski.

"You just wanna chuck a disc, but you wanna chuck it into a good basket with a good tee box."

He said the setup should be a great introduction for people interested in trying the sport for the first time. He remains hopeful the town will continue supporting disc golf as an inexpensive, healthy and family-friendly activity that could one day lead to a permanent course.

"It's a really good family sport. People from six to 96 can play and play together."

People interested in using the equipment should first check the Town of Banff's facilities availability calendar to ensure the sports field at Sundance Park is available. Equipment can then be booked by calling the Fenlands Recreation Centre at 403-762-1235.