If you’re looking for a new outdoor activity in South Windsor, disc golf at Lawrence Road Park is worth checking out. This growing sport combines elements of traditional golf with throwing discs like frisbee.

South Windsor’s Lawrence Road Park recently introduced a nine-hole disc golf course in early 2024. 

“The decision to create the new course at Lawrence Road was guided by several key factors,” Molly Keays, Director of Parks and Recreation, said. “First and foremost, we rely on our Park and Recreation Master Plan, which helps us prioritize projects based on community interest, need, and long-term park sustainability. Public feedback plays a huge role in shaping these decisions, and we noticed a growing interest in expanding recreational options to make parks more inclusive and accessible for a wider range of users.”

Disc golf is a fun twist on traditional golf, swapping clubs and balls for flying discs. The goal is simple: get your disc into the metal basket in as few throws as possible. Players start from a designated tee area, and, just like in golf, the player with the lowest total throws at the end of the course wins.

Just like in golf, disc golf has penalties, including out-of-bounds shots, missing mandatory obstacles, and lost discs. These penalties add extra strokes to a player’s score.

Some of the basic rules of disc golf include starting from a marked tee area, throwing from the spot where the disc lands, and keeping at least one foot on the ground within the designated tee area while throwing to avoid penalties.

The course is dog-friendly. However, it’s important to note that there are no restrooms or water fountains on-site, so players should bring their own water. The park does have a small area of  public parking.

“One of our goals is to diversify park use, ensuring that each park offers something unique to encourage more people to engage with their local outdoor spaces,” Keays added. “The addition of the course at Lawrence Road was seen as a way to bring new visitors to the park while maintaining a balance with existing amenities. By introducing different types of activities, we aim to create spaces that are not only functional but also inviting to a variety of age groups and interests.”

The Lawrence Road Disc Golf Course has received positive reviews.

Looking ahead, Keays shared that the town has several other initiatives planned to boost community participation in local parks.

“One exciting project launching this summer is the Park Passport program, which encourages youth to explore different parks in town. Participants will complete activities that correspond with each park, introducing them to new trails and spaces in a fun and engaging way,” she said. “Additionally, we are always evaluating opportunities to enhance park facilities, whether through updated playgrounds, improved walking and biking trails, or new recreational features based on community feedback. Our goal is to make sure every resident feels there is something for them in our parks, and we are excited to keep expanding these opportunities in the future.”

So grab a disc, head to Lawrence Road Park, and give disc golf a shot.