Fall 2021 Hometown Messenger

Lions Park disc golf leagues Lions Park Disc Golf a favorite course for local players

For just over five years, Luke Jinkerson has played disc golf at Lions Park. In fact, it’s the course where he learned to play. “I’ve always been attracted to competition,” Jinkerson said. “Over the years developing my form and being able to throw further and further, with your friends developing their skills as well, is a lot of fun.” Disc golf was formalized as a sport in 1970. As the name implies, it's played with flying discs, otherwise called Frisbees®. Much like golf, players try and to land the discs in each hole in as few strokes, or throws, as possible. Holes in disc golf aren’t really holes at all. Metal baskets are the target for each player. This summer, Shakopee Parks and Recreation introduced a summer duos disc golf league to further activate the already popular course. Naturally, Jinkerson’s attraction to competition drew him into the program. “Once I was told about it, I had to give it try it,” Jinkerson said. “Especially it being my home course.”

Luke Jinkerson poses with a disc in front of Lions Park

The six-week long league included teams from across the southwest metro. The duos league plays “best throw,”meaning that each pair picks up from where the last best throw was made. “At the end of six weeks, we take the best three weeks of each team and the lowest score wins,” said Recreation Coordinator Mason Moore. The Lions Park course is well suited for this style of play. The 18-basket course is designed to be challenging, with several long-distance shots. Yet, it’s also built so that new disc golfers can access the sport too. Tree cover is kept to a minimum, and there are few water traps which golfers can lose their disc. “We have a good range of first timers in the league all the way up to people who have been in tournaments for years playing in the league,” Moore said. “And, the Lions Park course is one of the better maintained free courses in the area.” If you’ve never been to the course, Jinkerson encourages other residents to give it a try. “Go out, pick up some discs and bring along a friend or family member and rip some discs out there,” he said. “You won’t regret it.”

NEWS & NOTES

Fall gets spooky at Spooky Family Fun Night The annual Halloween tradition returns to Lions Park! Spooky Family Fun Night offers an afternoon of

Boo Bash Hey, parents love Halloween too, you know! Join us for Boo Bash, an 21+ Halloween party on Oct. 30 from 7 -9 p.m. at Lions Park. There will be games, music, carriage rides, pumpkin carving contests, drinks and more for adults to enjoy. This fee for this event is $10, and registration is required. Register at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/registration . Paint and Pumpkins On Oct. 23, get into the Halloween Spirit with the grandkids. Each child goes home with a pumpkin they have painted. Halloween treats will be served. Every child must register, grandparents are free. $5 fee. Register at www.ShakopeeMN.gov/registration

spooky activities for kids of all ages. There will be two sessions; one from 3 - 4:30, and a second from 4:45 - 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. Join us for trick-or-treating, games, carriage rides, pumpkin decorating and so much more. Registration is required. Fee is $5

per child. Parents are free. Register by Oct. 23 at www. ShakopeeMN.gov/registration .

6 Hometown Messenger