18-hole disc golf course underway at Knottingley Park
Waimate’s Knottingley Park and Arboretum will soon be home to one of the South Island’s longest disc golf courses, with construction now underway.
Following a proposal to Council by Waimate2gether in August this year, the concept of establishing an international grade 18-hole disc golf course was welcomed by Councillors - subject to external funding from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
This funding, of approximately $55,000 has now been approved by the DIA, and work has begun installing the 18 baskets and launching pads (tee-pads) throughout the area – spanning more than 1,900 metres.
The course is expected to be a drawcard for players of all skill levels, though a nationally endorsed tournament in April 2023 will help bring some of the sport’s biggest names in New Zealand to Waimate – something Waimate2gether project manager Peter Vendetti is looking forward to.
Commenting on the project, Vendetti says it is great to see the concept come to fruition, following two years of evaluation and research on the smaller 9-hole course at Victoria Park.
“After two years of opening the course at Victoria Park, we’ve been watching and evaluating the levels of use and after this time, it was decided that there is definitely a demand for an 18-basket course, and where better than Knottingley Park?
“The designers have told us there will be some really exciting holes, both in length and shape, and given its wooded location and naturally placed obstacles, we’re told the course itself will fast gain reputation as an internationally-graded course.”
As part of the project, Waimate2gether has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Council, pledging to maintain the surrounds of the tee-pads and baskets, and keep things in the area to a high standard of cleanliness.
Waimate District Mayor Craig Rowley praised the initiative, pointing out the course would be a great attraction for visitors and locals, and would help encourage the community to try their hand at something new.
“From what I know and what I have heard, it’s (disc golf) a great leisurely activity for all skill levels and a fantastic use of the space at Knottingley Park. Not only will it be good to see local people using the course and enjoying the Knottingley Park surrounds, it will be exciting to see some of the tournaments getting underway in the months and years to follow,” Mayor Rowley said.
“This is something Council are fully supportive of, and we hope the course is well used.”
Throughout the project, both Waimate2gether and Council have engaged with the Waimate Pony Club and Waimate Cricket Club, consulting with the club committees to ensure mutual support for all sporting codes.
For the safety of park users, Knottingley Park will have signage signalling the area as an active disc golf course, pointing out the ongoing hazard of flying discs. The Disc Golfers’ Code of Conduct will also be on display and will also feature on the scorecards for further reinforcement – the same code adhered to internationally.
“Most disc golfers understand the courtesy of shared space, and it’s understood that there are recreational walkers, joggers, bikers and other park users in the area at the same time as a round is being played,” Vendetti said.
“As we get nearer to the official launch, there will be some effort to educate members of the public on the joys of disc golf, as well as the requirement to understand the possible hazards associated. It’s a growing sport and we want everyone to enjoy the course on offer.”
The course completion is on track for Saturday 10 December, with an official opening expected to be in April next year – aligning with a New Zealand Disc Golf Association sanctioned tour event, currently proposed.
