Breaking Barriers: How One Disc Golf Club Brought a National Park to Life

It all started with a vision - creating a disc golf course in a unique and stunning location. For Tybee Island Disc Golf Club, that location was Fort Pulaski National Monument, a Civil War-era fortress located on Cockspur Island near the mouth of the Savannah River. The challenge lay not only in finding the perfect spot but also in navigating the complexities of working with the National Park Service (NPS).

After researching and identifying key stakeholders, the club's President, Frank Cunnane, scheduled a meeting with the Chief of Business Management and the Special Park Use Permit Team. To make a strong case for the disc golf tournament, they came prepared with an in-depth understanding of the sport, its benefits, and how it could complement the NPS mission.

The team highlighted not only the financial benefits but also the potential to promote outdoor recreation, conservation, and community engagement - all core values shared by both the PDGA and NPS. They even brought along discs, photos of equipment, and a proposed course layout to help illustrate their vision.

After gaining initial support from park staff, the club submitted a Special Use Permit Application, which included a $200 fee. This process can be daunting for those unfamiliar with it, but Cunnane emphasizes the importance of thoroughness and planning ahead. "We submitted our application at least three months before our planned event to allow time for revisions and logistical planning," he explains.

Once the application was approved, the club had to consider additional costs, such as on-site NPS monitors, which should be factored into the budget. They also needed to provide a Certificate of Insurance from the PDGA prior to the event.

In the end, The Artillery Ace Disc Golf Tournament at Fort Pulaski National Monument became the first PDGA-sanctioned disc golf tournament held within the National Park System. Cunnane and his team believe that with careful planning and alignment with NPS values, others can follow in their footsteps and bring disc golf to these incredible public spaces.

For those interested in hosting a PDGA event in a National Park, Cunnane offers some final advice: "Don't be discouraged by the perceived complexity of working with the NPS. With persistence, education, and a willingness to adapt, you can make your vision a reality."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/monumental-event