News Flash

NORFOLK, VA – Charles Barrie brought his passion for disc golf to the department that could make it happen in Norfolk: Recreation, Parks and Open Space (RPOS).

A friend introduced Barrie to disc golf while in the Navy. “I was hooked from the first throw,” Barrie said.  Disc golf is played just like regular golf, but with flying discs. When Barrie left the Navy after seven years of service, disc golf became his go-to sport. Within a few months, he joined the Professional Disc Golf Association and began competing in tournaments. “Disc golf can be played at a novice to a professional level,” Barrie said. He started the first Disc Golf Club at Old Dominion University, where he is currently studying for a master’s degree.   

About three years ago, Barrie sent an email to RPOS Director Darrell Crittendon, proposing a disc golf course in Norfolk. Barrie worked closely with RPOS staff including Ben Kane, GIS Technician II, to identify the location at Poplar Hall Park and design the nine-hole, par-three course. 

“Disc golf has been a fast-growing recreational sport. Progressive cities looking to offer new and creative leisure opportunities are quickly adopting this sport as an extension of municipal parks and recreation department’s program offerings,” said Darrell Crittendon, Director of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Open Space. The Poplar Hall Park course hosted the city’s first disc golf tournament on Sept. 29th.

The course is free and open to the public during regular park hours.  Disc golf can be played by children and adults of all ages. 

For more information on disc golf in Norfolk, visit www.norfolk.gov/play.