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Washington Evening Journal
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Oakland Mills Disc Golf Course renewed
Henry County Disc Golf League cuts through bushes, clears the path, and lays concrete to improve disc golf course
MT. PLEASANT — Thanks to the Henry County Disc Golf League and the listening ear of their new director Gabe Giesel, a breath of fresh air runs through Oakland Mills Disc Golf Course.
Founded in 2009 by Steve Thirtyacre and Gary Scott, the Henry County Disc Golf League has brought together people of all ages and abilities to enjoy one of the fastest growing sports across the United States.
Giesel joined the league just over two years ago and quickly grew in skill under the mentorship of more seasoned members. When the last director decided to step down last fall, Giesel stepped up to the opportunity presented to him to take over the role. As he did, he began to hear from members about a desire to improve visibility of the league and their courses within Henry County.
After approaching Henry County Conservation Director Caleb Waters about wanting to do work at the Oakland Mills Course, getting the blessing of the conservation board, and acquiring support from Ideal Concrete, Mt. Pleasant Lumber, Kempker’s True Value and Rental, the league began work at the Oakland Mills course in March.
Various members of the league got together throughout February and March to do general cleanup which consisted of cutting down old tress, clearing the path, and trimming overgrown bushes.
“It was like walking through a jungle,” Giesel commented. “Now, you can actually see, and we’ve even uncovered some wildflowers that we have never seen growing before.”
Now that the path is cleared, the league has moved on to placing gravel and making level bases to place concrete pads for the t-pads. According to Giesel, the top nine of the 18-hole course have never had concrete t-pads.
Giesel anticipates finishing these concrete pads by fall. While the project is not yet complete, Giesel says the league has put in over 300 hours of manpower between approximately 50 total members since the beginning of the year.
Even with the concrete t-pads still to come, Giesel says the course is open to the public and ready to be used. It will actually be one of the courses the league uses over the summer for their doubles events.
The league always welcomes newcomers and Giesel says this summer is the perfect time to join as they will host summer doubles at 5:30 p.m. every Monday at various disc golf courses. Simply check the Mt. Pleasant Disc Golf Facebook page to assure location.
According to Giesel, “you do not have to be good,” to participate in these random-draw double events.
“You don’t have to have anything but a single disc,” he said. “You show up on Monday with $5 and we’ll use a deck of cards to pair everyone off.”
The pairs will make their way through the course at Oakland Mills, East Lake Park, or another course outside of their league. They will fill out a score card with their best shot from their doubles-team and the best score will receive a cash prize. There also will be a best shot prize set up at one of the holes along the course.
Giesel invites anyone interested in disc golf to reach out to the league via their Facebook page.
“We have guys that are in their 70s and we have kids that play with their parents,” he said. “A lot of people say they’re just giving it a try. They try it once and then they just start coming because they enjoy our super laid-back format.”
Members need not reside in Henry County to join the league and Giesel just asks that younger children accompany playing adults.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
