Mayor Palmieri Opens New Disc Golf Course on the Parkway

UTICA --Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri announced that Utica’s newest park attraction, “Discmania” disc golf course, is completed and open for use. Also, disc rentals will be available at the Parkway Recreation Center for free, but will require a $25 cash deposit until return.

The 9-hole course was designed in consultation with World Champion professional disc golfer Avery Jenkins. The goal was to set up a challenging course that showcases the beauty of Roscoe Conkling Park and provides continuity between the various family-friendly facilities from the Parkway to Valley View.

The course goes through the woods at the northern part of Roscoe Conkling Park and is visible from the street. It features new access paths, landscaping features and everything needed to make an impressive course for one of America’s fastest growing sports.

It cost roughly $130,000 to set up the course, and it’s happening in the midst of several exciting changes in or adjacent to Roscoe Conkling Park, including: 

• A new ice-skating rink and pickleball courts
• New seating and pathways surrounding Mott Tennis Courts
• A redesign of the clubhouse and banquet hall at Valley View Golf Course
• The construction and spring opening of the new Children’s Museum
• A new Welcome Center at the Utica Zoo

The project is part of the Utica Prosperity Initiative and the funding came from the American Rescue Plan Act. It’s part of the City’s effort to enhance the parks system to better accommodate the health and recreational needs of our residents.  

Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: “One of the City of Utica’s greatest assets is our wonderful parks system. Disc golf is a popular and growing sport, and Roscoe Conkling Park will serve as the perfect backdrop to all of our disc golfers. It’s another great reason to come and have fun in the City of Utica.”

World Champion and Course Consultant Avery Jenkins said: "The DiscGolfPark of Utica is going to be an excellent addition to the community by providing a family friendly activity for players of all ages. This is the ideal course to cater to new players while still enticing the experienced players and keeping them engaged. Disc Golf is one of the best sports to get individuals outside and actively playing, I’m excited to see the growing popularity at Roscoe Conkling Park. Thanks to the City of Utica for this amazing opportunity!”

Parks Commissioner David Short said: “Our residents have been asking for disc golf for a few years now and I’m proud to say we’re able to deliver on that request. Working with Avery Jenkins and all of our contractors, I think they’re going to find the course fun, challenging and beautiful. I’d like to thank the Mayor for making this a reality for our residents."