ORLAND, Calif. (May 9, 2013) – Numerous independent sources, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have reported an increased number of flying disc sightings over Black Butte Lake, the Corps park near Orland, Calif.
More and more discs are showing up at Black Butte Lake, thanks to the continued development of an18-hole disc golf facility at the park, accomplished through a partnership between the Orland ACES Disc Golf Club and the Corps.
“This is a terrific example of a community organization investing in a public park facility,” said Bill Miller, Black Butte Lake senior ranger. “Visitation in this part of our park has risen 200 percent since the ACES built the disc golf course.”
“This continues to be a great cooperative relationship,” said Rick Leis, president of the Orland ACES. “Our club enjoys a great relationship with all the rangers and maintenance crew at Black Butte and we’re happy to help in any way we can.
“The concrete tee pads that we installed in late April were the final touch in bringing this course up to professional standards,” said Leis. “Black Butte Lake has become widely known among disc golf enthusiasts as the best course in the Northern Valley.”
Work on the course began in 2006 and the course baskets were installed in December 2009. The Orland ACES – short hand for “Army Corps of Engineers Supporters” – Disc Golf Club installed everything.
The ACES also installed alternate pin positions on the course and added rubber mats for tees on a temporary second 18-hole course, which is used solely for large tournaments.
“The majority of those who play the course at Black Butte Lake simply come out and play with a single Frisbee and have a great time,” said Leis. But dedicated disc golf players carry a shoulder bag of assorted specialized discs when they play – like an assortment of golf clubs.
Along with building and upgrading the disc golf course, ACES members also participate in other Black Butte projects, including this past year’s National Public Lands Day.
“Most of our volunteer workers are dedicated disc golfers who appreciate what we have and want to continue to improve the experience for everyone,” said Leis. “Enthusiasts fill a wide spectrum of individuals from doctors to students, with ages varying from 10 to 70.”
Most dedicated disc golfers are very community-oriented, which is reflected in last year's event motto "Community Enhancement Thru Disc Golf Advancement" and this year's "Live to Disc, Disc to Give,” said Leis.
The ACES will host their fourth annual “Banging Chains for Charity” disc golf tournament May 18 and 19, benefitting the Glenn Medical Foundation. The ACES expect about 100 participants during the upcoming charity event and hope to raise several thousand dollars in donations from area business sponsors to benefit GMF.
“The Glenn Medical Foundation got involved through my work with the various local rotary clubs where I preach the community benefits of disc golf,” said Leis. “It’s an inexpensive sport, offers lots of exercise and is accessible to pretty much everyone.”
Release no. 13-029