By Delaney Crawford
This past August, a new feature came to the already local favorite, Birch Grove Park. With the many fields, trails, playground equipment and nature views Northfield’s community park already provides, the city is still constantly looking for ways to add more.
In early 2024, construction and design plans began for the new 18-hole disc golf course, called “Brickyard.” The course is now open to the public and free to play. You just have to bring your own disc.
City Councilman Greg Dewees shared that the course was designed through the former campground area and the back portion of the park. Sean Smith designed the course, and construction was a joint effort between Smith, the Public Works Department and volunteers.
City Council had been looking to expand the usage of the park with additions such as basketball courts and pickleball courts, all of which are still being considered. However, when another council member, Brian Smith, brought the disc golf idea to council, it was approved and the project moved forward quickly.
“The course is designed for all levels of play. It’s a heavily wooded course, so that makes it challenging for everyone. It also has a couple of water carry holes that add to the excitement of the course. The course consists of par 3 and par 4 holes with a couple of par 5 holes,” Sean Smith shared. “Along the 18-hole course, each hole has a tee box and basket. Signs are posted throughout the course instructing you where to go.”
The grand opening for the course was held on Aug. 14, and 75 community members attended, showing the city just how anticipated this new addition was.
Considering how young the course is, Dewees shared that the most rewarding part is still ahead, as Northfield and nearby locals discover the course and start embracing it. He looks forward to bringing more players to the course and seeing the positive impact it could have on businesses within the city, while also encouraging people to enjoy all of the other outdoor activities Birch Grove Park has to offer. He also hopes to create volunteer partnerships to help clean and maintain the course.
In order to make a course like this work, funding and a joint effort were needed. The city purchased the baskets for $8,900, and the Public Works Department did most of the course clearing and set the baskets in concrete. An army of volunteers performed the final manicuring of the fairways and installed the tee boxes. Smith completed the design pro bono, and the Smith family of Northfield donated all the tee boxes.
While a lot of time, work and money went into this project, it has been great to see the community playing the course and embracing it. Dewees shared that Northfield is always looking for ways to attract visitors to Birch Grove Park. The city has also recently upgraded the playground area, picnic area and bandstand area. Adding to the bicycle and walking trails, fishing and recreational opportunities, disc golf is just one more example of the city’s commitment to making the park a destination that appeals to many.
Smith is an avid disc golfer who has played many courses and knew Birch Grove Park had the terrain to support a fun disc golf course. He put a lot of thought and time into each hole, designing a course that can be enjoyed by all levels of players.
“I’d like to see flourishing leagues, youth and high school players and lessons being offered. I hope to see a community of disc golf players who take care of the course and nourish it, keeping it in top-notch shape,” Smith said.
As for Dewees, he hopes the new addition continues to bring people out to enjoy the park and everything the city has to offer.
“I would like to see all players have a positive and fun experience on the course and in the park and just enjoy all that Northfield has to offer.”
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DLC Media, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
