The Cambridge City School District celebrated the grand opening of the Paws to Claws Disc Golf Course last week with a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of one of the targets at Cambridge Middle School.
Cambridge City School District recently opened the Paws to Claws Disc Golf Course on its High School, Middle School and Intermediate School campus. Pictured at the grand opening celebration were, l to r, CCSD Operations Manager Dave Caldwell, the designer’s Mom Mary Barba, Federal Programs Director Rose Marie Daymut, Maintenance Supervisor Dennis Wood, Superintendent Dan Coffman, course designer Dr. Johnny Barba, 21st CCLC Program Manager Robin Lahmers, 21st CCLC Program Administrative Assistant Julie Frame, Cambridge Mayor Tom Orr.
Cambridge Mayor Tom Orr joined Cambridge School District Superintendent Dan Coffman, Director of Federal Program Rose Marie Daymut, maintenance supervisor Dennis Wood, CATS Camp and CATS Club Coordinator Robin Lahmers and several teachers and students for the ceremony.
Also in attendance was course designer Johnny Barba. Barba, who just completed medical school, has designed courses at the Cambridge City Park and Salt Fork State Park.
Usually when you think of a doctor, you think of a one-on-one relationship between the doctor and the patient,” Barba said. “When I was getting my master’s in public health, I learned that a doctor can contribute to the health of a community in ways that can’t be done in a doctor’s office.”
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant that funds the CATS Club after school and Summer CATS Camp programs purchased the baskets and the tee pad materials. The district maintenance department put in all the baskets, built and installed all the tee pads, and installed all the signage for each basket.
“The new course provides students in our after school and summer programs an ongoing activity that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle,” Daymut said. “It is also available to be used by our physical education classes and by community members.”
The course is open to the public and community members are encouraged to come out during their recreational time and play the course.
“Disc golf offers families and individuals a cost-effective way to spend time together outdoors,” Daymut said. “The sport provides a healthy, family-friendly alternative to screen time, encouraging kids and adults to explore nature, stay physically active and connect with others.”
A tournament in conjunction with the grand opening was played on May 3, despite the continued rain. During the past couple of weeks, several students had their first experience with disc golf either participating during gym class or during the after-school program.
The district plans to take full advantage of the course with students utilizing it during Summer CATS Camp, in the CATS Club After School program, and during physical education classes.
“Disc golf is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest growing sports in America, appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds,” Daymut said. “This accessible and affordable activity combines the enjoyment of outdoor recreation with physical exercise, all while requiring minimal financial investment, often no more than the cost of a disc.”