Pros:
After reading the previous reviews before embarking here , and being an out of towner , I half expected that my car would be up on blocks and have no tires before I finished my round . Even though I am exaggerating ( a little ) , I am not fond of parks where many of the park users mainly just sit in their cars . Hmmmm . Anyway , when you pull into the park lot directly to your left when you pull on to Jefferson and lock your car , you will proceed to your left ( facing the park ) for the first tee. Make sure you print a map . I followed a twosome that kept ahead of me the whole time , and I was even alone . You could navigate without a map , but it will cost you a little time ,because since this park is so wide open , you can see maybe up to 10 baskets at a time . I was expecting this course to be short ( 4150 ' ) and nondescript , but I was wrong . First , there are large cement tee pads at all holes . Discatcher baskets are in good shape and visible . Good Signs help to guide you . The course description on disc review needs to be updated by the park board . If you do the math , 4150' for 18 holes = about 230' per hole . It is probably closer to 5000' or 277' + per hole .An example would be the longest hole on the course . #15 is an open air bomber that is 494' .The course starts out with a shorter #1 then #2 is a long open drive 335' that's basket sits high on top of it's pole , making for a tough putt . The lengths of the holes vary off and on throughout the course , ranging from short ( 157' ) to long ( 494 ) . The course is pretty flat , with a couple of slight inclines or declines , which the course designer utilized well on several of the holes . What this designer Really Did that was special was place the baskets and drives around the minimal amount of trees in this park . Some of these large established trees have create canopies to help control the height of your drives . The course itself kind of winds inside and out and counterclockwise in this park , ending you right back at your parking lot . The course itself makes for a quick round . I was through in under an hour as was the 2 that were playing in front of me . Many good holes to air it out on and some for controlled drives . I think that the locals will leave you alone , since most seem aware that disc golf exists and some come to play . Not a lot of traffic on this course so you will not have to wait for other groups of players or the park users , since most never leave their cars ( those are their cars . I hope . haha ) . I didn't see a water fountain and the bathrooms were locked when I was there . . No benches or trash cans on the course , but the play is so fluid , you may not need them . The park is clean and seems well kept . Garfield is seriously underrated .There is literally no way to lose a disc here .A great course for casual play and intro players. I would play this course a lot if I lived within 5 miles of it . I watched one of the locals bury about a 130' putt which was fun . Some of the holes I thought were good . #8 , I think is a bender with a mando that turns left down a tree line to the basket with is situated to the right of the tree line . , but if I had to pick a signature hole , maybe #2 with the basket on top of the pole ,
Cons:
#1 . Garfield park is in what looks to be a tough part of Grand Rapids . Be sure to hide all valuables and electronics out of sight in your car . #2 Navigation . Without a course map online ( or a kiosk with one in it ) you have to kind of look around . #3 redundancy . There wasn't a great amount to work with here . No elevation , water , woods ,,,,, . No amenities . This course looks clean , so carry out what you carry in . Since this park is so open and lacking many trees , I can guess that it can be windy at times . It wasn't an issue with me , and this could also be a positive .
Other Thoughts:
I always look around and survey a park before actually playing so I can soak up the atmosphere . After seeing the abandoned and discarded tennis court ( and a decent one ) and the clientele of the park , I was unsure why the park board approved funding to upgrade this course . Any course that has been given this much attention and funding in the last couple of years is a plus . I think it gives some advertisement and notoriety to the area . Hopefully , this will promote disc golf and make it a favorite with the locals . This course is very underrated in my opinion . Garfield Park Neighborhood Association has stuck its neck out and put together a good course . Thank You ! My recommendation : COME HERE AND ENJOY A QUICK ROUND !!