Created in the floodplain of the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River, the Calvert Road Community Park has a horseshoe pit, picnic tables, play areas, benches, tennis and volleyball courts, and one of the first disk golf courses on the East Coast. It’s one of those oases in the middle of heavy population and traffic.

The Disc Golf Course has 18 holes in a 4000′ course, set in thick green woods, with regularly cleared underbrush (although you should be aware that poison ivy can be lurking — stay on the fairways and out of any underbrush). The classic layout stresses fundamentals. The golf tees are concrete and for those who play regularly, the targets are Mach3. If you’re a total novice, the game is like regular golf where you start at a tee and make your way along the fairway to the “hole.” Except, you’re using a Frisbee-type plate, ergo, disc golf.

Players say the course is short, yet technical. You should focus on control more than power. Each hole has three separate tee boxes (for different skill levels) and multiple pin positions and the course is said to be fun for pros and amateurs. Some trees have arrows on them, indicating which way you go around the tree. And, be warned, that after a heavy rain, the course can be a little wet – it is in a floodplain.

While you’re concentrating on your disc golf game or some other activity or relaxing at the park, keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer and fawns, particularly around dawn and dusk. You might also see a snake or two.

Another interesting distraction is the occasional small plane flying into or out of the nearby College Park Airport, the oldest continuously operating airport in the world. See more about the airport and adjacent College Park Aviation Museum in a separate Point of View.

Since there’s no food or beverage service at the park,  bring a snack and water. Remember to place your trash in the bins provided. The facilities can be a little crowded on weekends, but fairly empty on weekdays and early in the morning.

Free parking is available and for those who want to take Metro to the College Park station, the course is less than a mile (maybe a 10-20 minute walk) from the station. It’s supposed to be the only disc golf course near a Metro station.

A set of discs runs about $50 in case you decide you really like the game.

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  Photo by Judy Colbert
• 
  Photo by Judy Colbert
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  Photo by M-NCPPC