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

The journey to create the first-ever PDGA-sanctioned disc golf tournament within the National Park System was not an easy one. The Tybee Island Disc Golf Club had a clear vision: to bring the sport of disc golf to Fort Pulaski National Monument, a historic Civil War-era fortress located near the mouth of the Savannah River.

To make this dream a reality, the club's president, Frank Cunnane, and his team knew they had to navigate the complexities of working with the National Park Service (NPS). This involved identifying key stakeholders, educating NPS staff about the sport, and aligning their proposal with the mission of both the PDGA and NPS.

The first step was to schedule a meeting with the Chief of Business Management and the Special Park Use Permit Team. The team came prepared with discs, photos of equipment, and a proposed course layout, as well as data on the financial benefits that disc golf could bring to the park. They emphasized how the sport could promote outdoor recreation, conservation, and community engagement, while also generating revenue through parking passes.

During the meeting, the club members led a golf cart tour of the proposed layout, which sparked open dialogue and valuable feedback from NPS staff. This collaborative approach helped build trust and paved the way for a successful application process.

Once initial support was secured, the club submitted a Special Use Permit Application, which included a $200 fee. This application process is crucial to hosting events in National Parks, and it's essential to submit thorough applications at least three months before the planned event date. This allows time for revisions and logistical planning.

One unique aspect of hosting a PDGA event in a National Park is the possible requirement of on-site NPS monitors. These costs should be included in the budget, as well as providing a Certificate of Insurance from the PDGA prior to the event.

The Artillery Ace Disc Golf Tournament at Fort Pulaski National Monument was a testament to what can be achieved with careful planning and alignment with NPS values. The tournament not only benefited the park but also brought the disc golf community together, demonstrating that responsible disc golf can complement conservation efforts.

Frank Cunnane's experience in bringing this tournament to life is now being shared with others, providing valuable insights for those looking to host PDGA events in National Parks. His journey serves as a beacon of hope for disc golf enthusiasts who want to bring their passion to these incredible public spaces.

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