By COLLIN BREAUX
Since 1995, Jamie Pageau has been playing disc golf–an activity he calls “incredible” and a “unique sport.”
“Anyone can play, from six to 65 (years old),” he said. “Seasoned professionals and beginners can play it.”
That’s one reason he has pitched building a disc golf course at Jim Trawick Park in Chipley. Disc golf involves throwing a disc at a basket on a pole, aiming for the fewest number of attempts possible. Like traditional golf, courses have multiple holes.
Pageau is looking to put in 18 holes for the Chipley course.
Pageau has brought his idea to the City Council. While no next steps have been officially taken so far, more discussions are expected to take place before the project moves forward.
Pageau will be getting over a course map to the Chipley Recreation Department for approval.
Mayor Tracy Andrews said the proposal is a “great opportunity.”
Andrews said she has limited knowledge of the sport when Pageau presented his idea but is always excited about embracing more opportunities for Chipley.
Pageau thinks the idea will strike some interest and bring positive development to the town. He has to make sure the course meets safety concerns first.
Disc golf is appealing because families can play it together and use it to exercise, Pageau said. The activity also tends to be inexpensive.
“COVID really rocketed it,” he said.
Should the course be built at Jim Trawick Park, Pageau said it could be good for Chipley since people sometimes travel to play disc golf games.
“It’s not just a sport,” he said. “It’s a sense of community. It’s a way for older people to get out.”
Pageau has spent over 30 hours walking Jim Trawick Park to get an idea of safety issues. The potential course would be at a beginner to intermediate skill level.
As for how to pay for installing the course, Pageau said he has fundraisers in mind, such as a disc golf tournament and asking businesses to sponsor holes. People from neighboring towns that have disc golf courses have given insight and offered help, including from Bay County.
Pageau is also open to holding a workshop for people interested in learning more about disc golf.
“I’m looking forward to bringing something different to Chipley,” he said.