North Smithfield Grand Opening

[Kyle Moriarty]

As RI goes, that would have been a good course. Having more than one would mean good for RI.

[Kevin Fanning]

One of you proactive Rhode Islanders should see about getting those spare baskets over to Ninigret!

[Steve Solbo]

Wasn't this the place that was taken out?

[Matt Grayum]

So I just realized I literally work around the corner from where this course used to be. I live 5 minutes from Pyramids and Maple Hill but work way down in Smithfield, RI. I was excited for a minute to see there was a course. Oh well. Trying to find a lunchbreak "fix" of disc.

[Kevin Silvia]

So I just realized I literally work around the corner from where this course used to be. I live 5 minutes from Pyramids and Maple Hill but work way down in Smithfield, RI. I was excited for a minute to see there was a course. Oh well. Trying to find a lunchbreak "fix" of disc.

I'm still a little bitter about this, because I live five minutes from that place. I practically learned how to play there. Was devastated when I learned what happened. Where do you work in NS Matt?

[Matt Grayum]

I work at a construction project off of rout 7 which is right next to 104 (runs right by the course). So I'm literally 5 minutes or less from the school. I just read on Discgolfscene that there are still 5 baskets up. They also said they are a pain to play BUT being so close and having a lunch break to play a hole or two might not be to bad. I'll have to check this out at lunch today and see what I find.

[Kevin Silvia]

Well it is on school property, so I don't know how they feel about people using it during school hours. Also, I don't think those five baskets are even up anymore. Not trying to discourage you from checking it out, but be ready to be disappointed!

In fact I think there were six standing baskets for a long time - they'd removed three of the original nine on purpose because of construction on the property. And before they could put them back, several of those 6 were stolen in the middle of the night. So I think they took the last few down, but maybe I'm wrong.

Last I heard the phys. ed. dept. still breaks out the disc golf stuff, but I don't know if they're using portables or what.

[Matt Grayum]

So there were three baskets. On the far side of the football field. Puttin practice mainly and then one good drive (655'). Too bad the course couldn't have been preserved.

[Kevin Silvia]

Amen to that. Maybe I'll head over there and play them few baskets one of these days.

[Kevin Silvia]

I was at the high school this weekend for a town event, and there are five baskets standing.



I had no idea. I'm pretty psyched. I approached an old schoolmate of mine, Amy, who works for phys ed dept. She said the school hopes to find a town Eagle Scout looking for a project, which would be to solicit local business $support to restore the course to nine or more holes (she even mentioned the possibility of putting in more holes at the park behind my house!) ... told me they use disc golf in the phys ed program too.

Does anyone know if there's Nefa grant money available to help the school restore this once-reasonably-decent 9 holer?

Ideas & suggestions welcome.

[Matt DeAngelis]

Have someone contact http://www.edgediscgolf.org/ to look into using funds from the RI EDGE fundraiser, which was held at Willow Valley. Not sure how much money is in there, but it could be used to help get additional materials for a phys ed program.

[Kevin Silvia]

Thank you! I have the email address of someone in the phys ed dept, I'm a get on this.

[Mike Pollak]

which baskets are still up? I found an old map

http://www.waymarking.com/gallery/image ... bbcd&gid=3

[Kevin Silvia]

Hey that's cool!

Baskets still standing are 6 7 & 8, and there are two more in new locations. One is between 6 & 7, about halfway. The other is at the top left corner of the football field. The grounds have changed a little, there's another baseball field in the middle of all of it.

I tried communicating with the school phys ed dept, and it was promising at first, but now they haven't written back. Last time, I wrote specifically to ask that we keep talking about it too, so I'm not sure what's up.

[Kevin Silvia]

Hello anyone at all,

North Smithfield High School is interested in bringing its nine holer back to life ... but really needs help. I met with someone in the Phys Ed dept a few weeks ago. They have asked me if I would "reach out to the community" - i.e., figure out how to possibly obtain grant funds to replace the stolen/destroyed baskets. They need four I believe.

And actually, IMO they could use some direction regarding maximizing the property for the best design outcome, but really they have their own ideas already.

Still, it'd be cool to see Northern RI get at least half a course.

I sent a message to someone thru this board, who I *thought* was the appropriate party, but haven't heard back at all.

Anyone got any ideas? I have no idea how to apply for grant funds.

Thanks.