Pros:
Silver Lake-Excalibur DGC is located in Thornton A. Sullivan Park, in Everett, Wa. This beautiful nine hole course is just minutes off the freeway and easily accessible from both north and south of I-5. When pulling up to the massive gravel parking lot, it appears to look more like a park and ride, and the park sign can easily be missed so be on the lookout. However, once you enter the park just head along the cement walking path, which meanders throughout the entire park, and stay to the right. As you follow along the path through a very well manicured park you will pass several amenities, including bathrooms, picnic tables, BBQ's, a beach and swim area, and a large playground. Tee one is located along the lake just on the other side of the play area.
The course itself was installed in May 2010, and therefore is in great shape! The nine permanent DGA baskets are all brand new, with four additional temporary ones for tournament play. The tees are all fly pads, which grip extremely well and are ideal for northwest weather. They are also great since they can be relocated at any time in case the layout needs to be reconfigured. Tee signs are located at every hole, and are easily visible throughout the course. Hole distance ranges anywhere from 125-275 feet, and are all currently par 3. The design of each hole is unique, and offers multiple approaches. Most pins are well protected, and most of the obstacles are incorporated to add to the challenge.
Navigation on the course is quite easy, but first timers would still benefit from printing off a map under file links, as well as a park map. Since the course is fairly short and tee signs are located near every tee, there should be no issues getting lost. The flow to the course was well thought out as well. The designer spent a lot of time carefully planning the layout and therefore has players beginning and ending in the same general vicinity. The designer also did a fantastic job utilizing the land given as well as the elevation. With the exception of holes # 1 and 2, the rest of the holes incorporate some sort of uphill or downhill shot. The wind is also a major factor at times, which is great! Because of this, the overall difficulty of the course increases, making putts that much more challenging.
Last, the scenery. Thornton A. Sullivan Park, or locally known as "Silver Lake", is extremely well manicured. There is little evidence of trash, grass is mowed regularly, and the trees and plants are well kept. Because of this, the course has no underbrush! The views of Silver Lake absolutely beautiful as well, and is the perfect place to take a quick dip during those hot summer days.
Cons:
Because the course was planned out so well there is not a whole lot wrong. However, some of the biggest issues I could think of really had nothing to do with the design but rather where the course was designated in the park. Hole #1 is about a quarter mile from the parking lot, and has players walking through the rest of the park where the majority of people gather. It is not a huge deal, just a bit of an inconvenience.
Length of the course might be an issue to some as well. Although most of the holes could be reached with a mid or putter, each hole is still challenging and quite enjoyable. The designer who installed this little gem was given very specific requirements, and truly did a marvelous job with what he had to work with. It is the perfect course to get recreational and intermediate players out on, as well as a place to work on upshots and putts if you're an advanced or open player.
Last, tee pad #8 is pretty close to pins #3 and #7, which could be somewhat dangerous at times if the course is crowded. Just make sure you are on the lookout and all will be fine.
Other Thoughts:
There is talk of eventually making Silver Lake-Excalibur DGC 18 holes. They want to eventually expand to across the street, which would have players throwing near the freeway. With careful planning, it would be more technical, and a great additional to the more open nine near the lake.
This course was the very first course that I have had the privilege to be apart of in regards to the installation. It truly made me feel good to give back to the disc golf community considering all that disc golf has given me. There were a ton of volunteers that helped put this in, including the designer, the Parks and Rec, locals, and Chainbanger'z DGC. We all came together with one purpose in mind, worked together, and installed a beautiful course! Afterwards, we were rewarded by the fruits of our labor by getting to play a few rounds on a brand new course. Even better, I was able to get the first ace on the course, hole #4! This course was a blast to install, and will always have a special place in my heart.