Residents urge Cedar Rapids to fund disc golf courses; veterans cite mental‑health benefits

Members of the Cedar Rapids Metro Disc Golf Club and a veterans' group urged the council to allocate funds for new disc golf courses and upkeep of existing facilities during the meeting's public comment period.

Aaron Swander, representing the Cedar Rapids Metro Disc Golf Club, described rapid growth in local use and asked the parks department and council to allocate capital and maintenance funds for disc golf. He cited app‑based statistics showing Shaver Park rounds rose from about 2,036 in 2019 to "6,154 rounds" in 2024 and said the equipment cost for an 18‑hole course can be as low as $12,000. He asked the council to consider funding for (1) development of new courses and (2) maintenance/improvements at Jones Park and Shaver Park.

A speaker identifying himself as president of the Freedom Foundation and a veteran said disc golf has helped local veterans with physical activity and mental health by getting them outdoors and engaged in a low‑cost activity. He said his group provides discs and volunteer labor and suggested potential park sites such as Beaver or Daniels Park for a new course.

Council did not take immediate action on the request during the meeting; the speakers asked staff to consider disc golf in the parks capital improvement plan and to prioritize community partnerships and low‑cost course options.