INNISFAIL – The final agreement between the town and the Innisfail Kinsmen Club to have disc golf on potentially one of the best and most technically challenging courses in Alberta has been approved by town council.
On June 14, town council unanimously approved the agreement following a brief presentation by Meghan Jenkins, the town’s director of community services.
The agreement was the final piece of business to get the disc golf initiative moving completely forward following council’s approval on May 25 of the Kinsmen club’s proposed plan for the sport on the new Innisfail Napoleon Lake Disc Golf Course at Centennial Park.
“The town was really good. In our agreement we wanted a 10-year commitment for the sponsors who are sponsoring each hole,” said Tim Ainscough, president of the Kinsmen club.
He said the Kinsmen has so far sold at least six holes for $2,500 each. With another three to go on the first nine-hole course, the Kinsman will have raised $22,500 to cover the cost of the baskets, t-boxes and course maintenance expenses.
In return, each sponsor gets naming rights for 10 years on parking lot signage and t-boxes.
The 10-year agreement also includes provisions for installation and course maintenance. The town will provide basic maintenance to grass and grounds.
The Kinsmen will be responsible for all maintenance of baskets, platforms, signage and any other component of the installation.
In the meantime, the start date for the public to play the sport for free at Centennial Park is coming soon.
Ainscough said nine baskets were ordered from Norway and are now on a boat heading to Canada.
“I am hoping they will be here by mid-July. The last time I talked to the guy they were on a boat in a container on their way here, and when they make it to Halifax they will then be shipped to Alberta,” said Ainscough.
“Once we have them, we will look to get them installed. Then we will get the t-boxes built, order the signage, and then we will start selling for the back nine holes.
“If that goes and there is still sponsorship interest we might put in a short little easy course somewhere for younger kids. They can just go with a frisbee and play.”
For more information on the new Innisfail Napoleon Lake Disc Golf Course go the Innisfail Disc Golf page on Facebook.
