Kelley Park disc golf course nearly ready for play

Stephen Kirk makes the last shot at one of the holes in the new Kelley Park Disc Golf course. Signs marking the course and recognizing the sponsors have yet to be installed, but the "holes" are all in place. (Tor Olson/Olson's Photography) [Click to enlarge]

As a Rotary member and promoter of the disc golf course in Kelley Park, Duane Tappe wanted Stephen Kirk to be one of the first to play the new course.

That's because Tappe is a mentor to Stephen, a 10-year-old fourth grader at St. Patrick's School and grandson of Dee Lehn.

Since numerous citizens and organization sponsored the course baskets (holes), there is no cost to play if you bring your own Frisbee-type plastic disc.

The final design for the Kelley Park Disc Golf Course. (Tor Olson)

All of the baskets have been set by course designer Dusty Rodick from Amherst. He was assisted by Kyle Potthoff and other city crew members.

Signage has not yet been installed. When completed, the signs will list sponsors and directors for the course.

The 18-hole course covers a lot of ground and will be great exercise for participants.

"It's a lot of fun," Stephen said.

Sponsoring baskets for the disc golf course are the McCook Community College Foundation, Richard and Jane Stull, McCook Rotary Club, McCook National Bank, McCook Optimist Club, George W. Norris Foundation, Sertoma Club, McCook Clinic, First Central Bank, McCook Girl Scouts, Roger Moreau, Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Community Hospital, McCook Kiwanis, Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook Community Foundation, City of McCook employees, McCook Police Lodge No. 57 and McCook Firefighters Local 2100.

If sponsors have not yet paid for their basket, they are asked to send a check to the City of McCook -- Attention Kelley Park Disc Golf. Also, if they want special wording on signage, they should contact Darcy Eckhardt at (308) 345-2022 ext 230.