Thunderbird Gardens seeks community support for disc golf course upgrades

In the heart of Cedar City, excitement buzzed through the air as community members gathered to discuss the future of Thunderbird Gardens, a unique disc golf course that has captured the attention of enthusiasts far and wide. The meeting, held on June 11, 2025, highlighted the course's rapid growth in popularity, fueled by its striking landscape that resembles the surface of Mars. This distinctive feature has not only attracted local players but also garnered national attention, with a prominent disc golf YouTube channel showcasing the course to over 67,000 viewers.

The course's appeal was further amplified when Isaac Robinson, the two-time reigning world champion in disc golf, shared an Instagram reel of his throw from the highest point of the course, drawing in over 24,000 views and a flurry of inquiries about how to visit. Such moments underscore the potential of Thunderbird Gardens as a hidden gem within the community, yet the course faces challenges that could hinder its growth.

During the meeting, community members voiced concerns about the course's maintenance and infrastructure. The current state of the tee pads, which are showing signs of wear and erosion, was a focal point of discussion. Volunteers have been doing their best to maintain the course, but the need for additional support was clear. The absence of restroom facilities, due to a decision by the Bureau of Land Management to lock them, has also impacted user experience significantly.

To address these issues, the community is seeking funding to refurbish tee pads, improve signage, and enhance overall accessibility. Plans to expand the course by adding new holes and utilizing existing trails were also proposed, aiming to make the course more inviting for both seasoned players and newcomers alike. The collaboration with Southern Utah University for trail building was highlighted as a promising partnership that could enhance the recreational offerings in the area.

As the meeting concluded, the vision for Thunderbird Gardens became clear: with the right support and funding, this disc golf course could evolve into a premier destination for outdoor recreation, fostering community engagement and attracting visitors from beyond the state. The discussions not only illuminated the challenges faced but also ignited a collective hope for a brighter future for this cherished local resource.