Pros:
-Flat, grippy, concrete tees
-Hand made wood carved tee signs. Large and visible
-Fantastic mix of par 3 and par 4 holes
-Perfectly manicured grass on the entire course
-Innova DISCatchers
-Practice basket
-Information sign at beginning of course
-Variety in holes
-Fairly easy to navigate, with a few small hiccups
-Front and back nine navigate back to the starting point allowing quick play, 'refills,' etc.
Cons:
-If there are multiple pin locations, they are not described on tee signs
-If there are not multiple pin locations, some of the tee signs were inaccurate as far as locating the basket
-Some par 4 holes could use slightly longer tee pads.
-A few holes throw over or near roads with cars parked on them creating unnecessary hazards.
Other Thoughts:
This is a fantastic course set along the banks of the Snake river in a very large memorial park. Rolling hills and spread out trees dominate the majority of the course, with a section in the first 9 with a larger number of trees and holes running along a small, but swift creek.
The front nine contained what I felt were the majority of the shorter, technical shots, but the general theme of this course is long and open. Trees generally dictate particular drives (usually right turning) which was an added challenge off the tee instead of just ripping it. The back was more open and less technical, but small treats like hole 12 added some fun par 3 birdie opportunities in the mix.
As I am finding a lot in this area, the more fun holes all seem to be side-arm friendly. While a few holes had some nice left turns for the backhand thrower, the longer, more 'wow' holes were all side-arm. Particularly 18.
Some memorable holes:
Hole one dangerously started out the course on a downhill shot across a dirt road lined with cars. The risk was windshields and the reward was a birdie. I comfortably parred the hole. I would imagine this area being a ton less busy on any day besides an event filled Saturday.
Hole 4 was a narrow tunnel with a creek right in front of the hole. Smarter golfers would lay up for a shot over the creek for an easy par, but dumber golfers who think they will ace the hole like me will throw their disc into the creek.
The next few holes snake around the creek and are in my opinion a great asset to the course. Careful placement and thinking ahead on your shot is essential.
Hole 8 is very long and as you close in on the basket, you become dangerously close to a road lined with parked vehicles. Once again I do not believe this is the norm, but I switched to a rubber putter for this hole just to play it safe.
While many others have mentioned an 'amphitheater' on hole 10, we noticed a heavily used area to the left of the fairway but was for the most part very out of the way of public use when compared to the front half.
If the course has a signature hole, in my opinion it would be hole 12. This is a slight downhill shot onto a (unique to the park) heavily wooded hill. The basket sits right in the middle of the hill that is easily obtainable should you make the 5 foot tunnel from 200 feet away. If you don't birdie it, a bogey is almost inevitable.
Following hole 12, the course opens up quite a bit for some fun, long par 3's and 4's. Hole 16 is a short throw across a seldom used road and the course finishes up with a couple of extremely fun holes.
As far as large park courses go, 'risk / reward' is the name of the game here at Freeman Park. We had a great time playing at this course and hope to play it again soon. Nice, helpful locals, a laid back vibe, and the scenery really can't be beat for a course in town. Should be on the list for any DG road trip that places you in the area; and you locals, well, you are lucky to have this course nearby.