Metal baskets and Frisbee-like discs are being used to breathe new life into one small town in Saskatchewan.
In Montmartre, a small community 90 kilometres east of Regina, Gerry and Patsy Fisher opened a disc golf course two months ago. A motivational speech about losing rural areas of the province spurred the couple to action. They built the course to entice young people to stay in the area.
Disc golf is modelled after traditional golf. A disc, heavier than a Frisbee, is thrown from a tee area to a metal basket target that acts as the hole. The object of the game is to complete each of the nine holes in the fewest number of throws. After some practice, players can finish the course in as little as 20 minutes.
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The course is a new source of physical activity for Montmartre and surrounding area. Patsy Fisher said the sport is for the old and the young. She said people in wheelchairs could enjoy the activity.
But the Fishers see their new venture as more than a healthy activity. Patsy thinks it is a chance to “offer more things” to Saskatchewan visitors and residents.
Added Gerry: “Anytime you can add something to your town, or your village, or your community, it’s going to help. Doesn’t matter what it is, really, as long as it’s on a positive side.”
Linda Pipke, executive director of the Saskatchewan Council for Community Development, agreed. She said communities with strong leadership and initiative are moving forward, but areas unwilling to change are losing people. Pipke said there has to be a reason for people to come.
The Montmartre course is the second of its kind in Saskatchewan. The other is in Watrous. The Fishers hope the small endeavour will attract people to the village of less than 500 people.
Local groups helped fund the new course. Centre 48, an organization offering courses like ballroom dancing, donated $400 to help cover the cost of materials. Then, the Montmartre and District Lions Club assumed additional costs. Lions secretary Sylvia Nerbas Sorensen said the club is a big supporter of recreation.
“It’s good to have organizations that will raise funds, help people in the community,” she said.
The flying disc course is located in the Kemoca Regional Park. It winds around sections of trees and unused areas. There are no course fees, meaning enthusiasts can enjoy the sport at low cost. The discs cost $7-$30.
