Community foundation awards disc golf grant
Staff writer
The bid for Hillsboro Recreation Commission and Hillsboro resident Jerry Schwelling to set up a disc golf course just picked up more steam, $1,500 worth.
The rec commission’s grant proposal, written by Schwelling, didn’t receive the maximum grant of $2,500, but the proposal received heavy approval. It was one of 16 grants given out, and the foundation members’ approval ranked fifth-out-of-25 applications.
“There wasn’t a lot of deliberation,” director Bonnie Darwin said. “It could be something young people like as well. Recreations from Hillsboro always get support from the community.”
The foundation was also impressed by how inexpensive the project was, she said.
The grant provides more than a third of the $3,900 Schwelling listed as total project costs. Other entities he is approaching for donations include Kiwanis, the Lions Club, and Hillsboro Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.
Schwelling would like to set up the entire 18-hole course, with baskets, this year, but the minimum goal is to get nine.
“If we only get enough funds for nine holes this year, we’ll put in nine,” he said. “We’ll put in the front nine of the 18, but I’m beginning to feel optimistic about getting all the funds.”
According to Schwelling, the first phase will be getting metal baskets for each hole, and tee pads will be installed in the future once there is an established interest.
A sleeve can be placed around each basket, recognizing sponsors for donations, an affordable way to thank donors, Schwelling said.
“We can accommodate people who want some acknowledgment of their contribution,” he said. “That’s very affordable. I was shocked to learn we could do that for $15 a pop.”
Part of what won over the community foundation was the creativity of the idea, and active nature of the activity, Darwin said.
“This was innovative and different, and so people were intrigued by the idea,” she said. “There isn’t anyone on the committee who plays disc golf, but they thought they might if there’s a course here in town.”
Despite not awarding the max, Darwin was optimistic that Schwelling and the rec commission could get another grant in the future.
“That’s the way many projects have gotten started, is in phases,” she said. “If it turns out that disc golf is popular and the course is being used, it wouldn’t surprise me if he wants to come back for another grant.”