DEF Grant Spotlight - New Disc Golf Course Installed for Students and the Community

Earlier this year, Duxbury educators Doug Backlund and Joe D’Andrea submitted a grant proposal to the Duxbury Education Foundation with a vision of creating a permanent disc golf course for students and the community to enjoy together. Inspired by their own experiences playing with family and friends, they wanted to introduce students to a healthy, outdoor lifetime recreational activity that encourages movement, connection, and fun.

That vision became a reality on May 16, 2026 when the new 9-hole disc golf course was officially installed on the Duxbury school campus. The course serves students at Alden, Duxbury Middle School, and Duxbury High School, while also being available for community use outside of school hours.

The installation itself was a true community effort. Doug Backlund and Joe D’Andrea built the course alongside Lori Bennett, Duxbury’s PE/Health Coordinator, and her husband Eric Bennett. Their son, Matthew Bennett, an assistant at DMS, also volunteered his time to help complete the project. In addition, two members of the local disc golf community assisted with the installation. Thanks to the combined efforts of everyone involved, the course was completed and students were already out playing the following school day.

The course includes professional disc golf baskets, tee boxes, and signage, including a custom wooden course sign created by Duxbury educator Sal Reale. Six holes are located around the perimeter of Taylor Field behind Alden School, with three additional holes winding through the Nature’s Classroom trail area.

Disc golf is a fun, easy to learn sport that promotes physical activity, problem-solving, sportsmanship, and social connection (see instructions below). The project is expected to impact approximately 2,000 students across the district as part of the school curriculum.

The course is open for community use outside of school hours. Community members are encouraged to bring their own discs and enjoy the course with family and friends.

DEF is proud to support innovative ideas like this that strengthen connections between schools, students, families, and the broader Duxbury community.

How to Play Disc Golf

Disc golf is played much like traditional golf, but instead of hitting a ball into a hole, players throw a flying disc into a metal basket.

Basic Rules

1. Start at Hole #1 and throw from the tee area.
2. Each player takes turns throwing toward the basket.
3. After the first throw, the player farthest from the basket throws next.
4. Count every throw as one point.
5. Continue throwing until the disc lands inside the basket.
6. Move to the next hole and repeat.
7. The player with the lowest total score at the end wins!

Helpful Tips

• Bring your own discs or frisbees to the course. 
• Be aware of other players and walkers on the course.
• Respect school property and the natural areas around the course.
• Most importantly have fun and enjoy the outdoors!