That’s on top of $9,000 already approved by the city’s Recreation, Parks, and Culture Board in 2023, which meant council had to consider whether it was appropriate to exceed the $10,000 limit for one project.
The total project cost is just shy of $72,000, making the city’s contribution worth about 25 per cent of the budget.
According to the city, the course:
• Provides a permanent, accessible recreation amenity in Lacombe.
• Expands low-barrier recreation options, suitable for all ages and abilities.
• Positions Lacombe to host tournaments, generating tourism and economic impact.
• Has certain hole locations intersect with trails around Elizabeth Lake and Barnett Lake. The LDGA is collaborating with the Trails Society to install signage and promote trail etiquette.
• Is already well attended despite not being finished.
Funding has come from a dozen other sources, including Lacombe County, and several business partners.
Dan Crombie, LDGA president, says their board of 10 and many others have put in countless hours of work to make this happen.
“It’s been fun to see families out there, and fun to see couples walking their dogs and throwing discs. It is getting used by the community,” he says. “I just wanted something for Lacombe that was free, other than having to buy your own discs, but it’s exercise, you’re walking, getting fresh air, it’s fun and challenging.”
Crombie clarifies you can use your own regular frisbee.
“It is a bit odd to see, but it’s also just fine. I think maybe once those folks start looking around and see others are throwing something different, they might ask ‘What is all that about?’ That’s when they’ll look into the sport a little more and realize there are different types of discs for different flight paths and patterns,” he explains.
“It can change your game if you invest a little bit of knowledge into it.”
Crombie does acknowledge there has been some pushback from community members due to the course intersecting at various points with municipal trails.
He reminds disc golfers to be respectful, adding that trail-users have the right of way.
