This new course is the first in Hillsboro itself, and the local disc golf community is rightfully proud of having built a competition worthy track with an unexpected amount of variety, from open bombers near the park's northern fields, to a pond crosser, to tight, technical and tree lined lanes along Clear Creek at the south end of the park. Boasting fantastic, durable signage (tee signs with the needed hole number, distance, par and sponsor, next tee arrows on every Veteran basket, green and white next tee signage where needed, a drop zone sign for the pond crosser, and plenty of disc golf caution signs) flows throughout the course, and reasonably sized (5+' x 11+'), level, and usually raised, asphalt tees aim toward the beautiful blue baskets. There's a practice basket by the disc golf parking lot near holes 1-5, and plenty of open space to warm up your arm before your round.

The holes themselves incorporate the limited elevation available, and shape in multiple directions, with at least three or four holes showing clearing for alternate lanes to the basket. You will not only get to decide if you can clear the 280'+ needed for the pond crosser (I simply tossed to the drop zone, knowing I could park my upshot from there for a three), but you will encounter many holes from 10 through 15 where you could kick off a tree and drop into the creek (risk-reward, anyone?). Even the short (160') downhill ace run 16th has marked OB painted if you go long. So don't come to the first few holes thinking it's all just a 'big arm' course. They searched the available grounds for some pretty nice, fun, challenging holes out here.

...which also means, with this vast property, there are some significant treks from one hole to the next. You will wear out some shoes between the first five holes, then wish for a golf cart to take you across the field to hole six. But then the gaps get better. Overall, the restrictions mean you will walk further between holes overall than the length of the course itself.

I did run into a park patron who walks the established hiking trail with his son and his dog. He was of two minds about the course. He understands the use of the property, and seemed excited about the community interest in the sport, but we did talk about how the holes 9 through ...14(?) often use the trail, then also about how the pond crosser throws at/over the established fishing pond, bench, and to the new shelter there. I noted there were other places (such as by the soccer field) where there are benches in the fairway. In all, there are some places where disc golfers will NEED to use caution and good judgement.

And that brings the question: is this course, designed to pose challenges for Intermediate to Advanced players, going to be what Hillsboro really needed for its first community course? I hope it goes over well, and that there's enough interest and enthusiasm to find room in town for a more beginner- and family-friendly course as well. Finally, note that the asphalt tees are freshly poured, and likely will have some final touches added to make them smoother (?).

I thought of going through this thing hole by hole, but do hope folks come to Hillsboro to enjoy it for themselves (obviously, I suggest good shoes!). Highlights and "pro tips" then: I did lay up for the pond crosser. Can you guarantee 280-320' every time? Might chance it. Hole 3 is ...weird... with the basket blind and guarded by about 20 pines in the corner of the park, giving a very tight approach and putt. I liked the dogleg right, downhill on 4, into a pretty grove (but it does blindly cross a path). 7 will be most folks' first birdie chance. 9 begins the use of the hiking path, and is just left of that pine you see in the lane. 10 & 11 begin bringing the creek into play, and 12 is 500' of that tightness! The elevated basket on 13 is fun, but don't cut in too early (left to right): creek! The next two dance along the winding creek, and there ARE stone creek-crossers if you throw the rhbh fade line on 15. 16 is a bit of a walk around the police shooting range (!), and the last two are challenging uphillers. Enjoy!