Salt Lake County's Central Jordan River Reconnect project presents an unparalleled opportunity to enhance recreation, promote public health, and generate lasting economic impact. As the county seeks to revitalize the Jordan River corridor, now is the perfect time to advocate for something even more ambitious: a world class championship-level disc golf course at the Redwood Nature Area. This development not only aligns seamlessly with the project's goals but also addresses critical community health needs by providing accessible, low-cost recreation for West Valley City residents.
Recently, ElevateUT Disc Golf and Sports Salt Lake submitted a bid to bring the 2026 United States Women's Disc Golf Championship (USWDGC) to Utah. During the evaluation of our proposed courses—Brighton, Creekside, Roots, and River Bottoms—it became clear to Tim Messer from the PDGA that Salt Lake City holds immense potential for major disc golf events. Our community boasts robust infrastructure: public transportation, proximity to an international airport, a dedicated and growing disc golf fanbase, and beautiful, world-class mountain courses. What we need now is a dedicated course that will challenge top-level athletes while accommodating the thousands of spectators that come with major tournaments.
Building on a Solid Foundation
In 2019, Salt Lake County introduced a plan for a modest 9-hole disc golf course starting at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center—the exact location we envision for the first hole of a championship course. This prior planning indicates both the suitability of the site and public interest in disc golf amenities. Our proposal expands upon this foundation, aiming to create a world-class facility that caters to both casual players and professional athletes.
By leveraging the initial 2019 plan, we can fast-track development and capitalize on existing community support.
Combating Childhood Obesity with Low-Cost Recreation
West Valley City faces a significant challenge with high rates of obesity and diabetes among children. Providing accessible, low-cost recreational opportunities is essential in addressing this public health crisis.
Disc golf is a free-to-play sport that encourages physical activity, coordination, and time spent outdoors.
The sport is easy to learn and accessible to people of all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal way to get kids moving.
Regular physical activity through disc golf can help reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues, fostering healthier lifestyles in our youth.
Accessibility for All via Light Rail
One of the standout features of this proposal is the course's proximity to the light rail system, ensuring that people from all socioeconomic backgrounds have easy access to high-quality outdoor recreation.
The Utah Cultural Celebration Center and Redwood Nature Area are conveniently located near light rail stations, making the course accessible without the need for a car.
Affordable transportation options remove barriers to participation, allowing more community members to benefit from the facility.
By providing accessible recreation, we promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for health and wellness.
Addressing Community Needs and Safety
Increasing everyday foot traffic through recreational activities like disc golf can have a positive impact on the area. Enhanced regular use of the park deters inappropriate activities and improves overall safety for all visitors.
A well-designed disc golf course encourages families and individuals to frequent the park, fostering a welcoming and secure environment.
Providing constructive activities for youth reduces the likelihood of engagement in unhealthy or risky behaviors.
Responding to the Loss of Local Courses
With the Taylorsville disc golf course slated for removal to make way for soccer fields, there's a growing void in Salt Lake County's recreational offerings. Our community deserves a large, dedicated disc golf complex to meet the increasing demand.
Establishing a new course at the Redwood Nature Area fills this gap and elevates the standard of facilities available to residents and visitors alike.
This course would become a central hub for disc golfers, fostering community and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.
Maximizing Existing Infrastructure
One of the most compelling aspects of this proposal is that no new infrastructure is needed. The Utah Cultural Celebration Center and Pioneer Crossing Regional Park already provide ample parking, event spaces, and, crucially, access to public transportation.
With these facilities in place, the primary investment would be in the course design and installation itself.
This efficiency means the county can offer a world-class amenity with minimal additional costs.
Accessibility via light rail ensures the facility serves the entire community, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Utah's Legacy of Hosting Major Sporting Events
Utah has a proud history of building venues for large-scale sporting events. The 2002 Winter Olympics showcased the state's commitment to creating world-class facilities that continue to serve the community today.
The state's investment in the 2002 Olympics has paid dividends for decades, bolstering tourism and international recognition.
Utah's secured bid for the 2034 Winter Olympics reinforces its reputation as a premier destination for international competitions.
Investing in a championship-level disc golf course aligns with this legacy, further establishing Utah as a hub for elite athletic events across diverse sports.
Economic Impact and Lasting Benefits
Hosting major tournaments like the United States Women's Disc Golf Championship (USWDGC) could bring an estimated $2.6 million in economic impact to Salt Lake County per event, according to Sports Salt Lake.
With the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) potentially awarding multiple years of major events at a time, the cumulative economic impact could exceed $13 million over several years.
Such an investment promises significant returns and aligns with Utah's tradition of building facilities that benefit the community for decades.
Local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and service providers would all benefit from the influx of visitors and participants.
The Time to Act Is Now
As the PDGA revises its process for awarding major tournaments, there is a unique window of opportunity. By integrating a state-of-the-art disc golf course into the Jordan River Reconnect plan, Salt Lake City can secure its place on the national and international disc golf stage.
This initiative benefits the economy, enriches the community, and enhances the recreational landscape for future generations.
Delaying action could mean missing out on securing major tournaments and the associated economic and health benefits.
Get Involved
We invite everyone in the community to join this exciting journey. Whether you're a disc golfer, a parent concerned about your child's health, or someone passionate about equitable access to recreation, your voice matters.
Together, we can advocate for a facility that elevates Salt Lake County as a premier host for disc golf competitions.
This course would provide a valuable resource for all to enjoy year-round, promoting health, wellness, and community connection.
By offering accessible, low-cost recreation via light rail, we help combat health issues like obesity and diabetes among our youth.
Upcoming Workshops—Your Chance to Make a Difference
The time to act is now! Workshops are happening at the end of the month, providing a crucial opportunity to turn this vision into reality. Attend a workshop to voice your support and help shape the future of the Redwood Nature Area:
October 28th at the Granite Library
October 29th at Wheeler Farm Activity Barn
November 2nd at Redwood Recreation Center
November 13th at Taylorsville Library
November 14th at Millcreek Library
Stop by any time between 4:30pm to 7:00pm
You mention diabetes. I was diagnosed in 2017 with a a1c of 8.3. My eye sight went from 20/20 to needing glasses over night. My exercise plan was to play disc golf 4 times a week. 6 years later my a1c hovers around 5.0 and I’ve lost 100 lbs. this isn’t only because of disc golf. But disc golf was a fun way to be active that a guy over 300lbs could do.
This can be a great way to intro people into an activite lifestyle