Jaycee Park is tucked into a residential neighborhood in Kentwood, MI (a suburb of Grand Rapids). As you approach and park in the small parking lot, you will see a basketball court and playground on your right and a footbridge in front of you leading across a small creek. Cross this footbridge to find hole #1 (and #2-17).

The tee signs, tee pads, and baskets are all brand new as of 2023 - replacing the older infrastructure that was here previously. Each hole here has a concrete tee pad, and tee sign showing the flight path and distance. There are also short tee locations indicated on the tee signs, although as of this writing those are just natural and only marked by small yellow painted posts. The baskets are now red Chainstar Pros. The bright red baskets are a good choice for visibility, as the course is mostly shaded.

That brings me to what I love about this course, which is the tree cover. The flora at Jaycee Park is almost entirely old-growth forest, forming a thick canopy over most of the park (well overhead, above disc flying height). The trunks of the trees are the main obstacle in play at this course. A couple holes use them as a mando, and they provide challenge and prevent a straight throw to the basket on all 18 holes. The pin placement is well done, challenging you to throw hyzers, anyhyzers, and thread straight shots through these tree trunks. Some lines are tight but not unreasonably so. There isn't a ton of distance here, but several holes in the 300'-350' range and many more in the 200'-300' range. The design makes it tough to par these holes if your tee shots hit one of the trees.

But beyond the added challenge, this canopy of trees has another benefit...it helps make the course more enjoyable for recreational play in a variety of weather conditions. Are there 20+ mph winds in the area? From personal experience, there still won't be enough wind here to affect most of your shots. Is it 95 degrees outside? From personal experience, the heat will be manageable here in the shade. Did your only pair of sunglasses spontaneously combust? You get the point. It's okay in a light rain, or light snow as well.

In addition to the trees, there is a small amount of elevation in the park and that is also used well. A couple holes have sloping greens to provide a few risk/reward putts. It's nothing extreme, but enough to make things a little more interesting.

Despite being in a fairly small park, the first 17 holes honestly are pretty safe. There are a couple spots where fairways are pretty close together but it's nothing awful. There are also a few paths running through the park (these play as OB) and they could come into play, but only with a very errant throw on most holes.

The biggest con here is hole 18. After the 17 holes across the footbridge in the main park area, you'll cross back over the bridge to find this last hole. This hole is a sharp dogleg right, with a small creek (can be dried up) running along the left side and back of the hole, and the afore mentioned basketball court/playground on the right side. If you were to throw directly at the basket from the tee, you would be throwing straight across the playground and basketball court, to the basket right behind the basketball court fence. There is a mando posted to prevent this choice from being "legally" made - but still after 17 nice holes, this is not a good way to end the round. I would honestly feel better about it if the basket were just moved to be straight in front of the tee pad, making it a 125' or so ace run to end the round.

No kiosk or course map to be found - just a small sign with the rules of disc golf near the first tee. The navigation flows pretty well if you know where you're going, but does loop around a lot so it's confusing for a first-timer. Use the map on here as a guide for your first round.

The ground is mostly just dirt. This is nice for not losing discs but does mean there isn't really "rough" on most of the holes. Also, in a heavier rain or snow I would imagine this would get very muddy.

There are two practice baskets, but they are located in an open area in the center of the park (not near the parking lot or hole 1).

Despite my concerns with #18, I have to commend the designer for fitting 17 holes into the main park area. The 17 holes are all challenging, enjoyable, and safe to play. I live in the area and this course has become part of my regular circuit. It's no destination course, but worth a stop if you are in the area.

UPDATES (LAST APRIL 2024): This course and the overall park have seen a lot of work over the past couple of years. Thank you to the Kent County Community Action organization and those involved in making these improvements!
- New red Chainstar Pro baskets, concrete tee pads, and tee signs.
- New bright yellow navigational signs at a couple of the longer transitions, and matching bright yellow Mando signs.
- Some tree removal has taken place off the tee of hole 12, making what was once one of the trickiest holes on the course a bit easier.
- The basketball court/playground/restroom area near hole 18 have been reconstructed.
- The parking lot has been repaved.
None of this is enough to change my 3.0 rating, but this is one of the better courses right in the GR metro area. It's one of my go-to courses if I want to just get a round in after work and don't have a ton of time. It's a popular course that will make you a better disc golfer if you frequent it.

A bunch of different throwing styles at nice technical windows, without being too tight or too open.
Good Signage, makes navigating the unusual flow easy.
Nice tees, good flat concrete.
Quite scenic, and should be even nicer in the summer.
Tricky shots and mandos when necessary to keep you working hard, even though there's not much in the way of long range discing.

Very little in the way of long distance shots, if you just like to let 450' drives fly this isn't the course for you.
Bad drainage considering how hilly it is. The course was mostly a sheet of ice when I played it, but that didn't stop me from greatly enjoying the round. Probably amazing on a nice summer day.

The flow of the course is a little strange, with a lot of holes all crammed close together. Still, this doesn't really detract much from the course, considering.
Quite a bit of litter.

Very nice, especially given the space. This is in a densely populated area, and is one of the nicest courses I've seen in such a small city park. It gives a good experience, with a lot of holes you can be proud to deuce, and a few that will make you work to hit par. Not a destination course, but very much worth your time if you happen to be in the area.

This place has lots of trees which can make it a challenge during the summer
Theres some short holes good for people still trying to learn how to throw farther
Benches throughout the park make it possible for anyone to take a rest
Theres a spot in the middle of the park, usually used for baseball, that you can practice throwing your disc at

There is one hill that is steep!, so bring a hiking stick for that part, or just hurt your back walking up it
The 18th hole can be and mostly is avoided by alot of people because there is a playground right next to it, and basketball courts
On the tenth hole, theres a mando, and a good size creek flowing right by the basket, which disc can get caught into often

Even though theres a mando I believe on the 18th hole, it doesnt help with a playground on the side of it, whoever made this course could have put the 18th hole in a better location.

The course has mostly short distance shots.
Good signs to show where the basket is.
Quality tee pads.
Some elevation and nice RH LH shot variety.

Very confusing to find the next hole in quite a few spots and the whole course wraps around a very small area.
Many obstacles like basketball courts and baseball diamonds.
No water hazards.
Not many distance shots.

The park is pretty interesting because of all the really large old trees all around. If the signs showed you were to go next I would give it a little bump up.

Nice mix of short holes with longer challenging holes. some nice ace runs on a couple of holes. Tee posts with distance written on them. lots of shade due to the trees that are all around. short tees for every hole (yellow tipped 4 X 4 posts.)

Concrete tee pads while good yes but they are too short for some holes making a run up hard. even harder when there is a lip between the ground and the concrete possibly making you stumble on approach. can be confusing to navigate if your first time here.

I really enjoy playing this course. it is close to work so can play it real quick after work before i head home. the course lets you try and find shot lines to get through the vast amount of trees. a lot of holes are very good deuce opportunities. good course for players of all levels of ability. from #10 11 tee is between playground equipment and softball fence.

Short Course. Lots of elevation change and heavily wooded make it a difficult technical course, but, if you're just starting out like we are, it's a great place to work on accuracy. Easy to find tees.

Pads are raised, increases chances of tripping on approach. #18 is dangerous if your accuracy is poor. I understand the mando left, but still, if you release late you could wing a little kid. Some tees and targets are really close together.

Decent course. Fun for a change and one of the better elevation courses in GR.

There are some nice layouts throughout this course. It has a decent mixture of short and long holes with some doglegs, blind tee shots, mandos, and narrow fairways. A baseball field serves as an obstacle for a few holes (I'm not sure how often games are played there, because that could cause problems for disc golfers). There's also a creek that comes into play on a couple holes. The hills in this park can be somewhat of an obstacle on certain holes. A few holes are designed in ways that favor forehand drives, and there are a couple others that favor backhand drives. The signage for this course is helpful.

This park is a heavily wooded area, and unfortunately not many trees were cleared out when they built this course. Some of the holes don't have much of a fairway because of all the trees in the way, putting most players in a position in which they just have to throw and hope for the best. Don't play here if it's rained recently, not just because the fairways will be muddy but also because some of the tee pads will be covered in mud. It's easy for this to happen because the tee pads are at ground level (as opposed to being elevated) and the ground in this park is mostly. There's very little grass due to the heavy amount of tree cover shading out the sun, and there are also a lot of fallen tree branches and roots sticking out of the ground. From fall through early spring there are leaves piled up almost everywhere in the park, and it's not too difficult to lose your disc in those leaves. The length of the tee pads are shorter than usual, and they're looking pretty old and rough. Some holes are difficult to find, and the park could really use more signs to help guide players in the right direction. They have a few signs, but they could definitely use more. Although I like the layout for the 18th hole, you need to keep an eye out for kids on the playground that's right next to the fairway. Be careful with your drive on the 10th hole. If your disc goes in that creek, you're going to have a hard time getting it out. Also, mosquitoes can be real bad in this area.

This course tends to favor more accurate throwers who have both a good backhand and a good forehand. There is a decent variety of obstacles and hole designs, but overall some of the holes have too many trees in the way, forcing most players to rely more on luck than skill to get a low score on those holes. There are some fun holes to play, but overall it can be easy for the average player to encounter lots of difficulties here.

There is a nice variety of holes for the little space there was to set up a course. There are cement tees which is nice. The amount of trees poses risk but there is no rough to need to hack out of. there are a lot of ace runs and easy deuce holes. Good practice course in town when you cant get out to a more challenging course.

There are a couple shorter holes. Hole 10 is too short-- hyzer putter throw. Tee pads are too short for the longer holes. not enough room for a big run up. multi use park which requires waiting to throw or skipping a hole entirely--hole 18 is a fade right hole that the fairway runs right along a playground--there is too much of a risk of hitting a little kid if kids are playing.

I play here the most and it has become my new home course due to its proximity. there are plenty of opportunities to extend the shorter holes and make up new ones. I extend hole 1 to the path from the parking lot adding another 60-90'. Hole 10 is too short so i throw from the parking lot behind the tee. Hole 18 i have extended to across the creek from behind the tee. When #11 basket was missing i saw some people playing 11 tee to 16 basket which is fun. The possibilities are endless to make up new holes and work on the game.

Full 18 holes squeezed into a small park. Good mix of hole types. Mostly a technical course with shorter distance holes.

Tee pads shorter than most other courses. Sometimes difficult to orient yourself and find the next hole.

Watch your discs (lots of leaves) especially when the sun starts to go down they get real hard to find. I didn't see any mando signs...maybe they took them down?

easy to play. good signage. fun open shots but treees are always a factor. it seems plastic is attracted to trees

if course was busy you will have to be on the look out for flying plastic object.

thank you kentwood and all the hole sponsers for making this course

Nice winding layout, Cement pads, the course has highly visible signage, which is very helpful because some of the holes would be hard to find otherwise. The course layout allows players an opportunity to throw a variety of shots throughout.

There are a lot of leaves on the ground, and if you you don't pay close attention you can easily lose a disc. Trees can be a struggle, though the course was no doubt designed to be technical it can seem a little unnecessary. Several of the cement tees are getting pretty worn out (specifically #2 and #17).

The course is good for both beginners and those who want to work on control through obstacles. The course is not very long although their is some variety in the length of holes.

Chance of finding a disc in the leaves is high. Keep your eyes peeled!

Chance of losing a disc in the leaves is high. Keep your eyes peeled!

Fun course, once you know the layout. Best to triangulate your drive's resting spot with a tree or landmark that is directly beyond the line of the tee and your disc. No water hazards, but beware the children on hole 18!

Good layout, cement pads, very technical at some holes due to trees (3, 7, 9, 11 and 15 come to mind). A few good birdie opportunities flanked by vexing tech holes. Well marked and easy to navigate. Rewarding when played well.

Those damn trees. Watch the paved path (out of bounds) for joggers or kids on bikes. Leaves will hide discs, but only late in the season. throw bright colors.

Bring your best drive, your first stroke will make or break you on a lot of these holes. Mind the mandos.

Fantastic layout for such a small place. Decently marked, concrete tees. Control is essential, some tight holes with a deep, fast stream in a woodsy environment. Moderate elevation differences used nicely.

Lots of leaves. Hole 18 goes around a playground, but that is part of the challenge.

I was impressed by how well the limited space was used, there was a good mixture of hole types

my only real gripe was that the tee pads seemed really short. Granted i am 6'8" with long legs, so take that as you will

i played when the course was empty, and the course goes right along a basebal field and a couple of playgrounds. If you arent careful and the park is crowded you could easily hurt someone, so watch out

JayCee park is a multi use park that is located in a residential area inside of Kentwood. It has a playground, basketball courts, public restrooms and baseball field in it. Looking more into it, it also has free wifi here. Considering the Course is over 21 years old now, it's still in great conditions

-Nice tee's all cement

-Signs

-All types of shots, tights, anhyzers, hyzers, short and long. This place has mostly all you need.

-Nice baskets (besides one, being a mis matched as someone must of stolen or broke the other one)

-Leaves are everywhere. You can and will lose discs if you don't watch sometimes.

-Hole ten to eleven is weird along with 14 to 15.

-Kids, there are a lot of kids running around depending on the time, and people in general.

- Hole 18 has a lot of stuff that could be problematic and makes playing it kind of hard.

In my mind, I think this is one of the best in city courses in grand rapids, It's quick and it gives you a taste of everything. Although sometimes the people in the area can be a hassle its doesn't ruin it. It has some flaws, but I think it has the most to offer of all the Inner City Courses

Update from playing 8/9/2023 - This Course still tends to be one of the best inner city courses in Grand Rapids, and still is a fun short course to play. Leagues are here in the Summer (May-August) every Wednesday from 4-6 so make sure not to go there during this time, unless you want to have some back up.

shaded with decent length holes.

the path from one tee to the next is a little difficult to follow. Would be nice if the numbers on the holes pointed towards the tee box.

Nice layout among a lot of picturesque tall old trees. Limited space available, so none of the holes are particularly long, but makes use of some slight elevation changes, and there is a good mix of lefty and righty holes, including a few mandos to keep things interesting. Well marked, easy to navigate.

frequent pedestrian traffic can be a problem on some of the holes. Park can be sometimes kind of trashy, and sadly it appears that frequently disc golfers are to blame.