-Concrete Tees
-Good use of terrain of park
-Good variance of length of holes
-Mostly stays away from other park activities

-Baskets and signs in need of refresh
-Walking path/road in play on #3, #10, #11 and #12
-Can get busy

Lions Park hosts a nice 12 basket course in the heart of Altoona, IA. The oldest DGC in the Des Moines metro (and #4 in Iowa), the park does show some age. The baskets, while they catch OK, could really use an upgrade. Very basic signage is at each tee pad. Pads are in good shape. The course does have a little tricky transition from #3 basket to #4 tee (see new map), but otherwise, flow is good. A good mixture of length, but mostly open. A few trees to work around, but nothing to force a lot of shot shaping. Really only one blind tee shot as #5 is up and over a small ridge. Course can get busy and you do have to watch for pedestrians on 4 holes. Still, the course has held up and is popular. A refresh of baskets and signage would add to the rating for me. Have played a few times and would play again.

1. 12 holes. Concrete tees, DGA baskets
2. City keeps lawn mowed and downed limbs cleared
3. Trash dumpster in parking lot and cans at #1, #7, and open air shelter.
4. Litter is minimal for a city park and some locals do clean up after the slobs and raccoons.
4. Creek particularly on #10 does exact a penalty for overly errand shots. (one can easily and safely lay up off the tee with a putter and 20 foot putt if they so choose)
5. Rarely cowarded thus it allows for multi disc play and jungle holes
6. Fantasic thick turf and overall great drainage in the play area. (excepting for very heavy rains)
7. Compact course and easily to play quickly.
8. Elevation, water, and trees in moderate amounts.

1. Tee signs showing wear and a couple not readable
2. Path / road through the center of course, but really not an issue as there are no blind throws near or close to it.
3. No course map onsite, might need to ask a local first round for the layout for ease of use (one here is not great)
4. No practice basket.

1. The listed 'pars' are silly. All holes are really a three
2. Historically there has been a 'teen hangout' south of the railroad tracks. Please call police if you happen to notice a bonfire.
3. Most secluded place on course is south of #5 basket in the woods
4. High percentage of under 21 year old players on course

...Well maintained course for no hassle no wait disc. I give it a 3.33 stars, but round down.

Nice teepads and baskets. Nice mix of short and easy and long and challenging. Nice open park feel, lots of mature trees. Good fit for the community, very good place to start disc golfing.

Nice signs. Uses the park space really well.

Only 12 holes. A bit on the too easy side, only the longer holes will anyone get more than a 3 on if they have any ability at all.

Really this is the type of course I love to see, it is inviting to all skill levels. The great players can challenge themselves with trying for birdies and ace runs, the n00bs can enjoy the park and not get too frustrated with the game. This course really isn't worth a special trip, but it was a good time, and I would play it again in a heartbeat if I was nearby.

This is a great course to bring the kids to and get them started, a couple open short holes that will give them some confidence, and give you some time to practice 200' putter shots.