Pros:
A good little rec-level challenge in a remarkably interesting city park.
-Multi-Tees: Important to realize from the outset that this is not truly an 18-hole course. It's really a nine-hole course with alternate teepads for each hole. (However, since the course signs number them as eighteen on two loops (1-9 then 10-18), I haven't changed the course info for it.) These dual pads are a good touch, as they provide added or different challenge for each of the 9 baskets.
-Signage: Good tee signs have #, distance, and map. These signs are also prominent enough that navigation from basket to next tee is no issue. Worth noting here for first-timers that the signs are often pointed 5-10° away from the basket, but it's not a big problem.
-Elevation: Not something I expected to be a strong suit in an urban 9-holer. However, essentially every hole plays with hills, which adds substantial fun factor, angle control challenge, and/or general interest.
-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: Utilizing the hills and some sparse trees, Highland Park provides a really nice recreational-level gameplay experience. Other than (7) long (i.e. (16)), everything is a birdieable par-3, but none of them really feel like total gimmes due to the slopes. This would be a great place to practice putter and midrange driving. There's also enough foliage to require careful consideration on a few shots, like (4), (5), and (9).
-"Friendly": The combination of easy-to-play, navigable without a map, and hard-to-lose-discs.
Cons:
-Tees: Mostly natural, with a couple fabric mats wearing out. They have been well-enough used that it's just dirt/mud.
-Challenge: It's a rec-level course, no doubt. While it's a great example of an easier course, it's not really suitable for advanced players.
-Stinky Trench: The drainage ditch/creek on (4)-(6) definitely has a stench. I think a previous reviewer suggested that it has human waste? No fun, and I actually declined to throw my approach on (5) in order to avoid it.
-Litter: Lots of broken glass on the top half of the course.
Other Thoughts:
Highland Park, though not exactly charming, was one of my favorite "breather" courses I've ever played--short, mildly challenging, easy to navigate, and not strenuous. In the greater scheme of things, it's pretty Typical, well worth a short drive but no Shreveport destination.
-Neighborhood: I don't really treat this as a con for this park, but the neighborhood is not deluxe. Broken glass, poor roads, and a few folks smoking something that smelled illegal would turn some away, but I had no uneasiness while playing during the day.
-Baskets: Again, not a con for me, but some will dislike the Mach II's. They are remarkably shiny and nice for that model, and I had no problems with them.