Grants support new disc golf course in Waterville

A new disc golf course opened at the Waterville Community Center last month, joining a variety of other amenities local leaders are building in order to put their town on the map. 

The course was inspired by Logan Sullivan, a young man who brought the idea to community leaders, helped design the course, and led a clinic to teach others the joy of the game. The new outdoor attraction was a collaborative effort between the City of Waterville, Main Street Waterville, Waterville Park and Recreation and the Waterville Public Library, where four sets of discs are available for checkout.

The Allamakee County Community Foundation and the Waterville Community Foundation made grants to support the project, and nine organizations stepped up as hole sponsors. “We exist to improve and enhance Allamakee County for all,” says Betty Steege, coordinator of the Allamakee County Community Foundation. “When we saw this grant application come in from Waterville, we were excited to be able to make an impact in this small town. Supporting outdoor recreation helps make communities more vibrant and encourages wellness for all ages.”

“There have been a wide range of age groups that have been playing,” says Heather Bente, library director and city clerk. Fourteen people of all ages attended the clinic last month, where they learned about the different discs and their uses, rules of the game, and basic techniques.

“The Waterville Community Center is striving to be a destination location, and the more amenities we can offer, the wider range of people we can attract,” says Bente. The Community Center itself is a visionary project: the former Waterville Elementary was purchased by the city and now is home to city offices, the public library, a gym, a kitchen and a dining room available to rent. Along with the disc golf course, the property features a playground, picnic shelter, green space, and camper hookups. The local parks and recreation department offers pickleball two days a week and a winter badminton league. 

“It’s a big undertaking financially, so we’re grateful for any opportunity to apply for grants and offer services to the community,” says Bente.

The Allamakee County Community Foundation offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues. To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Foundation Coordinator Betty Steege at 563-586-2046.