Disc golf provides opportunity for neighbours to connect and be active

In Kitchener, disc golf is bringing people together in a new way. The Grand River Disc Golf Association, a volunteer-run group, is passionate about promoting the sport and building accessible courses in the community.  

When local courses charged fees, the association wanted to create a free space where everyone could play. Partnering with Eastwood Collegiate Institute, the group looked close to home and applied for a LoveMyHood Matching Grant to build a disc golf course in Montgomery Park, a multi-use space for all to enjoy.  

At first, some neighbors were uncertain about the idea. Zac Jolliffe, one of the association’s founders, worked closely with a Project Coordinator from the City of Kitchener’s Neighbourhood Development Office and neighbours to share the vision of the course as a community resource. The course opened in 2022, offering a beginner-friendly, nine-hole layout surrounded by scenic trees.  

It quickly became a popular gathering spot for players of all ages and skill levels. "It’s a great way for neighbours to meet and connect," said Matthew Kruschack, chair of the Eastwood Neighborhood Association. The course has not only increased park use but also fostered a sense of community.  

The Montgomery Park Disc Golf course is more than just a place to play—it's a space for neighbours to come together, try something new, and build stronger community ties.