Disc Golf Course Opens At Payne Park

Watch out for flying saucers at Payne Park.

The city completed the installation of the Payne Park nine-hole beginner's disc golf course this week. 

Bryan Moore, Florida's Professional Disc Golf Association state coordinator, a Sarasota resident, initiated the idea with the city to have a disc golf course at the park.  The City Commission approved the funding, which will be under $10,000. 

Players use a variety of sizes and weights of discs called a putter, approach and driver, and most people play with three to five discs. Serious players use a bag of 10 to 15 discs, according to Moore. You can pick these up at area sporting goods stores for $7 to $15.

Moore said in February he plans to bring Sun King Disc Sports into the mix by partnering with the Payne Park Skate Shop to sell discs and supplies.

The city also has a more challenging disc golf course at North Water Park, between NorthTamiami Trail and Old Bradenton Road.  

Playground Construction

Workers area also completing the installation of shade structures covering the circus playground  that opened in June.

At the small children play area, the covers already are installed and the blue and yellow canopies blend in well with the circus theme while providing a relief from the sun.  

“The shade covers and the disc golf course are amenities which will attract more families to our beautiful park,” said Mayor Suzanne Atwell in a statement.  “The covers will provide plenty of relief for children and parents from our warm Florida sun.  And, I can’t think of a better location for disc golf, which is gaining in popularity.  With each added amenity, Payne Park is transforming into the park we all envisioned years ago:  a downtown destination for families to relax, spend time together and recreate,” said Mayor Atwell. 

The playground is scheduled to reopen by Friday, Dec. 14. Parents requested the shade covers after the playground opened, complaining about the heat children were exposed to on the plastic equipment.