Pros:
This course was very easy to get to and sits in a well maintained park. In terms of the course design, there was a good use of water on many of the holes. Additionally, there were a decent amount of trees that were intelligently factored into the fairways, creating some variety in terms of open holes and several somewhat wooded holes. This is especially the case with hole #18 where, after a long, open fairway, the basket is nestled under a large tree with many low hanging branches. Additional variety came into play with the different number of playing surfaces, such as sand, grass, woodchips, leaves, etc.
Multiple concrete tees helps to make the course dynamic and provides players with several playing options. Additional variation comes into play with the multiple pin positions that are available on most holes.
The tee signs are hand painted, showing distance, par, and possible lines. The signs were situated in giant bulletin board style enclosures and are very easy to spot.
The course has a practice basket near the first tee. Most of the baskets at the course are in good shape.
Other park ammenities are available onsite (bathrooms, picnic tables, etc.).
Cons:
Although half of the course is fairly secluded with respect to the rest of the park, there are several holes that are too close to other public areas and walkways. Specifically, the batting cages, putting greens, and walking paths all come into play on a few of the holes making it dangerous for bystanders.
Elevation wasn't factored into the design of many of the holes and there were lots of fairways that seemed to be straight with a slight dogleg at the end. Additionally, most of the holes were of similar length and none were terribly long. This takes away from the variety and adds a touch of monotony.
Althought the tee signs had many distances listed, there wasn't a good indicator of what position the basket as in. As far as the baskets go, there were several that were beginning to show signs of wear.
Other Thoughts:
As parks go, the complex at Gordon Barnett Park is amazing and includes BMX, paintball (yeah, paintball), playgrounds, a gym, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, golf greens, and on and on. Given all these ammenities, it's no surprise that you'd find not one, but two disc golf courses on site.
One unsavory aspect unrelated to the design of the course was the local (hopefully not the onsite retailer) that I encountered while playing. He was wading through the stream, feeling around for discs and pulling them out of the water and offerred to sell me some, regardless of whether they were inked. This blatant theft was quite disappointing.
The Parkside course is not a bad play at all and makes for a fun round. This course features numerous ace and birdie runs, which could be a good confidence booster for newer players. This course is at least a 3.25 and just has enough variety justify a bump to a 3.5. Although there is another course on the same property, there is enough difference between the two to make this a good counterpart.