Half Mile disc golf a possibility

The redevelopment of the Half Mile Recreation Reserve is likely to include a disc golf course in the future.

Plans are moving forward this year to replant the reserve in native plants, starting with the area immediately above the state highway just out of Alexandra. Work will then progress to other selected locations within the reserve, as part of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with native plant suppliers, the Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust of Clyde.

However, in the meantime, as discussed at the Vincent Community Board meeting at Alexandra today (Tuesday 2 April 2024), the Council has been working with Sport Central to identify a site in Alexandra suitable for a disc golf course. In his report, Central Otago District Council Parks and Recreation Manager Gordon Bailey said the driver for the activity had come from school pupils within the town who had been looking for a suitable location to play this rapidly growing sport. He referred to the popularity of the Cromwell course with all ages and differing levels of ability offering free/cheap recreation opportunities.

“There is talk of ‘disc golf tourism’ happening in other areas around the South Island. People are coming to stay in small towns for the weekend to play the courses (for example Twizel and Waimate). Disc golf would be a great addition to Alexandra’s active recreation scene and would be complimentary to the existing bike trails.”

Disc golf and the development of the Half Mile for further recreation opportunities, was a great piece of synchronicity, Central Otago District Council Group Manager Community Experience David Scoones said.

“We’re looking forward to getting underway with the first stage of planting over the late autumn early winter period.

“The fact that Sport Otago has come to us with interest in establishing an 18-hole disc golf course adds an excellent opportunity to increase the amenity value of this reserve, so we are very pleased to give our support to this community-driven project. It will be a great asset to the town and district.”

Sport Central has secured funding from Sport New Zealand for $20,000 to build the first nine holes of the course and is also prepared to manage its design and installation.

The sport promotion organisation is likely to apply for corporate or private sponsorship to build a further nine holes to complete an 18-hole course.