Interdisciplinary learning and community support “drives” creation of new campus disc golf course

Last week I received the opportunity to participate in a very fun event and tried my hand at a new skill – disc golfing.  Moraine Park’s West Bend campus opened its new disc golf course on Thursday.  Students, faculty, staff and community members were present to celebrate by exploring the course and throwing a commemorative disc (watch out, mine made it pretty close to the basket!).

West Bend Campus and Community Partner Peter Rettler really got the ball rolling for the project.  The disc golf baskets were created by Moraine Park Metal Fabrication students and Graphic Communications students using minimal budget dollars. Metal Fabrication instructor Larry Clark worked with his students to design and build nine baskets. Graphics instructor Dan Wangerin and his students developed plans for the disc golf course and will continue working on the project this fall semester.

This kind of interdisciplinary learning and working is what Moraine Park is all about. These students gained hands-on experience working on a unique project that will be a staple on the West Bend campus for years to come — What a wonderful accomplishment!

Not only did Moraine Park students and departments work together, but a few West Bend community businesses and individuals stepped up to help with the project.  Jackson Truck Body sandblasted the newly built baskets and Kettle Moraine Coatings provided the Moraine Park blue powder coating for the baskets. Josh Hamm is a local golf pro in the West Bend community and helped to design the course and guide Pete along the planning process.  

The course will be open to the general public within the next couple weeks. I’m going to need to get my “drivers” and “putters” ready!