By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer
PELHAM –
A new kind of recreational challenge is coming to the east side of Pelham this summer as construction is underway on the city’s first disc golf course at Coker Park.
The 10-hole course will offer a moderate challenge with a mix of wooded terrain and water features, designed to be both fun and accessible for players of all skill levels. Pelham Parks & Recreation Director Brian Cooper said the new course reflects the city’s continued commitment to expanding recreational options that serve residents of all ages.
“This will be another recreation amenity in our town,” Cooper said. “It’s a 10-hole disc course with water and wooded areas to contend with—what we’re calling a moderate challenge course.”
The project has been in development for nearly a year, and a major milestone was reached on Monday, May 19, when the Pelham City Council approved a license agreement with six neighboring property owners, allowing portions of the course to extend beyond the park’s existing boundaries.
“These agreements give players access to trails and terrain that make the course more interesting and challenging,” Cooper explained. “We collaborated with our neighbors along the park’s boundaries to establish the course.”
Work is currently underway to clear trails, install signage and place the course’s baskets and tee boxes. City staff, in coordination with the technology department, also mapped the course layout using GIS coordinates to ensure both safety and flow.
Disc golf, which involves players throwing a disc toward a metal basket in as few throws as possible, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Cooper said that growing interest played a major role in the decision to bring a course to Pelham.
“Seeing the growth of the sport and the fact that Pelham residents had to go to other communities to play disc golf inspired us to install one here,” he said. “Now our residents have a home course, and others will come into our community to play as well.”
Pelham’s new course will join the ranks of area offerings in nearby cities while giving local players a place to practice, compete or simply enjoy time outdoors.
Disc golf is often referred to as a “lifetime sport”—one that people can play from childhood through adulthood. The Coker Park course aims to offer that same long-term value while activating underused areas of the park.
“Coker Park has a lot to offer already with the walking path, playground, picnic areas and scenic beauty,” Cooper said. “Adding this feature allows us to activate the rest of the park and provide our citizens with another great park amenity.”
Pelham Parks & Recreation anticipates opening the course to the public in late June or early July, with an official ribbon cutting and small tournament planned for a Saturday morning soon after.
“The plan is to have a ribbon cutting and a small tournament to follow,” Cooper said. “We’re excited to celebrate with the community once everything is in place.”
To stay updated on the course opening and grand opening event details, follow Pelham Parks and Recreation on social media or visit its website at Pelhamalabama.gov/1291/Parks-Recreation.
