CRANBERRY TWP — Plans to officially open the new disc golf course at North Boundary Park have been put on hold until spring.

Pete Geis, the Cranberry Township Parks and Recreation Director, said persistent soggy weather derailed the original plan of opening the course in November.

“We got 10 inches of rain in six weeks,” Geis said. “The ground was too saturated to get everything done we needed to do.

“We were hopeful of a ribbon cutting in early November, but that's not going to happen.”

Ample progress has been made on the course, however, which involves 80 acres, plenty of woods and hillsides.

Loren Meeder is serving as project manager of the course, with help from J. Gary Dropcho and Doug Cloutier of the Pittsburgh Flying Disc Society.

“Gary basically designed this course,” Meeder said. “He and others have come in and played the holes as we put them in.

“We want to make sure we get it right.”

Dropcho said he expects the course to officially open in late March or early April of 2019. Some disc golfer players have been trying portions of the course out already.

“Most of the tee pads are in,” Dropcho said. “The unique thing about this course is the nature trail that surrounds it. People can get a nice nature walk and watch the disc golfers play at the same time.”

Some holes play over ravines and numerous types of trees are part of the course. The longest hole is 930 feet and there are only three “open” holes on the entire course.

“There are plenty of vertical obstacles in play,” Meeder said, referring to the trees.

Dropcho said playing the entire course encompasses a walk of nearly four miles.

“It's a workout, for sure,” he said.

The course features a separate six holes, much more conducive to the beginning player or for a disc golfer who simply wants to hone some skills.

“That six-hole course is ideal for kids or novice players,” Dropcho said. “This whole complex will be a big boost for disc golf in this area. It will attract plenty of competitive tournaments.

“No question, this will be the most challenging course in the area.”

Disc golf courses already exist at Moraine State Park, Slippery Rock University, Knob Hill Community Park and Deer Lakes Park. World championship tournaments have been held there.

Funding for the North Boundary Park course approximates $200,000 and is coming from the Cranberry Community Chest. There will be no charge to play the course or walk the nature trail.

“This is just another way to enhance our community and our beautiful parks,” Geis said.

A special “Clip and Flip” event will take place at the North Boundary Park course from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers may come and help work on refining the course at that time.

All comers will receive a course map “so they can begin playing the course whenever they like,” Dropcho said.

“We've removed 100 or so dead trees from the wooded area of the park. That's helped emphasize the beauty of the healthy trees throughout that area. This is a win-win for everybody,” Dropcho added.