Grand Ledge, MI

Fitzgerald Park - Old Layout

3.225(based on 25 reviews)
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3 0
anubis87
Experience: 17.9 years 1 played 1 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Hometown Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 24, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course has some nice scenery. There are times when you have to throw down a cliff face. There is a nice variety of long holes and technical shots.

Cons:

I use to love this course until the course decided to remove a total of 5 of some of the best holes the course had to offer. In its place the park made 2 of the worst holes I have ever had the displeasure to play on. The outrageous cost of having to pay $5 to play here is horrible.

Other Thoughts:

I use to play here at least 4 times a week for over 3 years as long as the weather was bearable but now i don't see myself returning for a very long time
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1 4
thumb
Experience: 4 played 4 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Where I learned 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 6, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I learned to play here approximately 2003-2004. It is really a great course a lot of different throws... Variation. You get to play with cliffs in Michigan!!!

Cons:

Baskets are falling apart. Some holes you can lose discs and never find them again.. ie going off a cliff.
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4 0
BucketBonanza
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.8 years 47 played 30 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Plenty of Sandstone But No Tees 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 4, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

This park features some decent disc golf holes and some awesome views of the majestic grand ledges of sandstone along the Grand River. Besides the course, there are other amenities offered at the park. There are places for kids to play which would be nice if you have a family with small children who would rather frolic about on a playground than watch you throw discs. Terrain varies with flat land, elevation changes, open grassy holes, and dirt floored wooded runs all being employed. The course is cleaned and groomed steadily by park employees. No unsightly graffiti proliferates likely because of the fact that there is no signage to deface.

Cons:

Even with a map, this place is confusing to traverse. It seems as though hole one is the only hole offering a semi official looking tee box with wood chips and a sign with distance and a rough pin placement. The other holes simply feature dirt tee areas that are worn into the grass by traffic, or no distinct tee area at all. Concrete tee pads and even modest signs with at minimum a hole number displayed would elevate this course in status. Bumbling around in search of things that aren't readily apparent or distinct detracts from the play here. There is a large amount of non disc golf traffic to be aware of as most of the park patrons were not partaking in the game on the day of this review. Potential for children to get clipped by flying discs could be high.

Other Thoughts:

This is a very nice park. With tee pads and a few signs and arrows, it would be much improved. It has so much potential, but it seems as though the park fees are spent elsewhere. I was told by one employee at the office that I didn't have to pay to play disc golf and another employee told me that it is free on the first Wednesday of every month. I wasn't charged park fees of any sort. Not a bad stop if you are lurking about in this neck of the woods. The ledges are by far the best feature along this course. Hole six and seven take you right up close to a portion of the sandstone cliffs and the river. This place is ripe with potential that will likely remain unrealized.
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1 1
m1morri1
Experience: 18 years 75 played 10 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Beautiful Cliffs 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 28, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Good amount of elevation change. A couple of left and right hooks. Beautiful scenery.

Cons:

Rubber/Concrete pads would be nice, especially considering that you have to pay to play. The baskets are really old and some are in bad shape.

Other Thoughts:

All in all, I enjoyed my visit to this park and would come back to play if I was in the area. Unfortunately holes 10 and 11 were closed due to construction on the water treatment plant.
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2 0
douglat2
Experience: 25.1 years 11 played 4 reviews
2.50 star(s)

seems short 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 19, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

nice little course that usually isn't too packed. some really neat shots spread over the course. the woods it's set in don't really hurt you too bad.

Cons:

where the woods hurt you, they kick you in the face. there are a couple hole on the front nine that are unforgiving for lefties. if you're a little off target, kiss your disc goodbye, it's down a wooded steep hill....40ft down lol. not enough long holes. the course seem shorter than it actually is.
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1 3
Jak3
Experience: 5 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Awesome Scenery! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 26, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

The rocky cliffs, caves and rivers makes this course very special for disc golfers in need of a change in scenery.
The holes are also well layed out i think.
Good Parking (make sure you say your a resident, only $3 to park)

Cons:

Dirt teepads and lack of tee markers. About 3 or 4 of the baskets were pretty old and definitely not regulation.
Quite a few pedestrians present on a Saturday.

Hole 10 i think is fenced off and unplayable.

Other Thoughts:

All around awesome course, hole 10 was unavailable but the change of scenery made the car drive and game well worth it.
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4 2
NateDiscFlip
Experience: 4 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

WATCH YOUR STEP 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 24, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

Cool use of area....which is pretty open in many areas, yet technical.....I would say of the two Lansing courses, this one is better, cleaner, and less crowded...probably because of the fee and the fact that its on the good side of town.

Cons:

Careful if you do not know the layout....it is in Grand Ledge...and trust me there is ledges in some spots of the course....like 100 feet str8 down.....holes are descent...but the course is far from anything I would rate above a +4...don't play at night unless you have wings or a good tour guide who has you on a leash.

Other Thoughts:

Play this course if your in town...but truly not worth the trip if your an out of towner.....but for locals....its a good time.

"don't take this the wrong way" but, ....With such a huge area....."Lansing DiscGolf".....YOU NEED MORE & deserve it for as many of you as there is.....gl
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1 3
msumike2001
Experience: 14 played 2 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Clean park 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 22, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Great Mix of holes Long and short with technical shots

Cons:

2 holes are out of play at the moment because of the water treatment facility being expanded. 3rd is out of the way to go and play because of this.
Hole 13 is a steep climb down if you have kids along

Other Thoughts:

This the main course I go and play. It has some wide open holes and some shorter technical holes. The park is relatively clean because it is a county park that is maintained and mowed on a regular basis. The holes with trees have clean lines to throw with but if you miss you have some tougher shots. But it is worth the drive to be on a cleaner less crowded course
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4 1
DangeRuss
Experience: 18.9 years 52 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Short and scenic. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 10, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The first pro about this course is the scenary. There are three or four holes on the course that stand out because of the views and elevation changes. There are rock ledges hundreds of feet tall with the Grand River winding through it and plenty of holes that are straight downhill or uphill.

I wouldn't say any of the holes are too easy but they also aren't extremely hard. If it's a short hole, your dealing with a water hazard or a 100 foot drop on the sides of the fairway. If it's long, your going to have trees or a long anhyzer shot or your hands. There also is a good variation of shots you will have to deal with.

This course sets up good for beginers but will still offer a challenge to the seasoned pro.

Cons:

Pay to play is usually a con unless your paying for a champioship level course but it costs a few dollars to get in the park.

The biggest con about this course is the lack of teepads and decent baskets. All the teepads here are dirt which makes four season play difficult due to mud and other slippery conditions. They aren't bad areas to throw off of but nothing compared to concrete. Also, there are 2 or 3 baskets which are rusted to all hell and smaller than usual (don't know which kind of baskets they are) but if you aren't too picky about baskets, you wont even care.

If you haven't been here before, you probably will get lost between a few holes. They do provide a map on hole 1 but if you can, ask a local. They will give you (usually) a quick layout of the course and after that, it will be easier to get around.

Other Thoughts:

If you just want to play some fun disc golf and you don't sweat the small imperfections of a course, you will have a good time here. The scenary and elevation changes will make up for the lack of teepads and you will want to come back!
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4 3
jamays
Experience: 14.5 years 18 played 6 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Scenic... but that's about it. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 22, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

I had to really ponder to figure out the pros of this course; there aren't many. It is a very scenic course and it has a few interesting, fun holes. They go up, they go down, they go along the water, through the hills and over steep cliffs and they make good use of the natural landscape.

On the front 9 there are some truly signature holes, however, they forgot to put the same challenge and effort into the back 9.

The course and park are both decently maintained. However, there are no tee pads to maintain; more on that later.

A score card w/ map is provided (though the map is just about pointless).

Cons:

Tee boxes are hard to find and are dirt and mud. Sometimes they are marked by spraypaint, sometimes they aren't.

Baskets are in very rough shape.

Navigation is terribly difficult. The map the comes with the scorecard is not clear, the tee pads are not marked and there is no significant, useful signage on the course.

Course layout, while interesting, needs some help. There are two holes where you throw blindly at the basket and end up throwing at people throwing the other direction. Holes with steep elevation generally have no route up or down.

Other Thoughts:

It was really difficult for me not to rate this a 1.0 or 1.5. Frankly, I think the course has a lot potential; a lot of development is needed to reach that potential.
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7 0
BogeyNoMore
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.8 years 479 played 183 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Not bad – but could be so much better. 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 3, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great setting in a nice multi-use park. Who knew central Michigan was so scenic?
Great shot variety with cliffs, water, elevation changes, wooded shots, a few wide open, uphill, downhill, and a few blind shots. Holes really do range from the ordinary to the sublime. Some really unique shots here: Hole 6's fairway is a short but sweeping left turn downhill wrapping around a cliff face. Truly one of the more scenic holes I've seen on any course. Hole 13 has you throwing downhill over a very steep drop-off to a basket about 60-70 ft below you. There are a few other pretty neat holes as well.

Course favors precision over distance. Although there are a few holes where most players can let rip, big arms are not needed for pars and birdies - course all about placement and avoiding trees and other hazards.

Score card with map provided - not the best map, but very useful given course layout and navigation.

Course was clean - did not see much trash. Rest of park was pretty well maintained.

Cons:

Tee pads vary from dirt box, to dirt patch to... nothing. Surfaces were inconsistent, and some are VERY slippery in wet conditions (as I was playing in).

Navigation was quite difficult, even with the map provided. Even when you knew the general direction to go, it was hard to tell where the next "tee pad" was, even when you got to it. Saw several bright red/pink spray paint marks on the ground, but it was still hard to tell where you were supposed to throw from most of the time.

Most of the dirt pads were worn in depressions that had become 3-4 inch deep puddles.

Baskets are in pretty bad shape, and the few tee signs that remain often disagree with score card distance (sometimes substantially) - not sure either was right.

What's the deal with hole 18 and the fenced in area on the concrete? Guess it's an obstacle.

Makes me wonder where the park entry fees are going - definitely not into course maintenance.

Other Thoughts:

I left this course feeling very conflicted. This course has so much to like: truly unique shots, wonderful scenery, great shot variety, decent challenge, clean park - but there's also a lot not to like: very tough navigation, tee pads, rusty old baskets, last hole was a bit of a let down after the first 17. I really want to rate this course higher, but it simply falls short on too many essential elements.

With some TLC and $$ for pads, baskets and "Next Tee" signs, this could be a truly great course. Each hole on this course was pretty good and fun to play - I really enjoyed the disc golf itself here. It's all the other stuff that goes into making a round a memorable experience that I found disappointing. I've played close to 60 courses, and never have I seen a course that had so many things right while having so many things wrong. All in all, it's still worth playing if you're in the area - just plan to take some time on this disc golf scavenger hunt.
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3 2
Astronaut_79
Experience: 23.7 years 40 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Fitz (can be) Phenomenal if you're Prepared for a Challenge! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 13, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice variety of holes, mix of wooded and open, a few elevation change holes, nice blind hill/roller hole (10), a couple of water hazards, plus a few holes playing on top of or alongside the ledges! Usually not too crowded, convienent beverage machine, drinking fountains and restrooms with running water (seasonally).

Signature hole 6 (aginst the ledge) is great, hole 13 too!

Cons:

Few tee markings, rough terrain and a fair amount of walking (not a great course for new, young, or some elderly players), some small rusty baskets (challenge?), plus one big layout issue on 10/12 hill where you're throwing at each other if others are playing.

Holes 3 and 4 are near a fairly steep hill. I've been down there quite a few times to resuce discs for friends and myself encountering a little bit of trouble. Though it's far from impossible to get down and up, I don't reccomend it and have seen a couple of guys get roughed and scraped up

On holes like 10, 12 and during the walk to 6's tee, keep your head up if others are throwing!

Other Thoughts:

When I first played this course years ago, I basically hated it. I found out early on that it had only been a short time since some of the tees had been moved (due to flooding) and the maps hadn't been updated. I had to ask where certain tees were several times! Didn't like occasional small rusty basket!

Lucky for me, I live very close by and have been back dozens of times. For those looking to visit, the updated maps are better, but you will likely spend some time looking for certain tees. Some are spraypainted every so often, but the paint does wear off. Maintainence is pretty good, but there are some leafpiles and brush that'll have you looking at least once if you go off some of the fairways.

That all said, this is a really great course, far better than Grand Woods in my opinion for many reasons. If you make the drive to one of the mid-Michigan courses, or live close and have never been, Fitzgerald is fun and challenging. That's what I call the junky baskets. It feels like you're good if you play well out here!

Usually not too busy with other discers (compated to Grand Woods in Lansing) plus some great scenery, if you know/can figure out where to go!
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2 2
Jim Play Two
Experience: 45.7 years 26 played 6 reviews
3.50 star(s)

My Home 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 6, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Must use many different shots to navigate the coarse. Nice elevation changes with many signature holes.
(#4, #6, #10, #13 and #15 are unique) Trees are in play on almost every hole. May be left or right of the fairway or right in the middle.
Very quiet on the weekends

Cons:

Busy during the week and on league night. 1st time visitors, get some help finding your way around the back 9. Easyto spot the rookies because they are found wandering around lost in the woods on the back 9.

Other Thoughts:

Although I can drive to 6 coarses in less than a half hour, I return to Fitz 4-5 days a week.
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3 1
ejvogie
Premium Member
Experience: 15.6 years 305 played 14 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 20, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Amazing scenery! Good use of elevation. Mostly wooded with a few open holes, which is what I like. Forces you to use different shots.

Cons:

16 natural (dirt)'tees, 1 asphalt tee and 1 concrete. The asphalt was a box marked out on a road, and the concrete was a 30x30ish pad with a box marked on it. Difficult to navigate without a guide. Holes 10 and 12 share a fairway in opposite directions.

Other Thoughts:

Hole #6 is probably the shortest un-aceable (barring a miraculous bounce) I've ever seen, but also the coolest hole I've played. Downhill and around a cliff wall. I found the course maps available at the toll gate to be fairly accurate, if not crudely drawn. This and Grand Woods made a great day of DG.
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8 1
DirtyMittenDG
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.9 years 112 played 55 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 24, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Course Atmosphere-
This course has amazing scenery! I would have never thought there were canyons/cliffs this big in south-central Michigan.

Hole Variety/Course Layout-
Mostly a technical course, but still has its open holes (a couple with good elevation). The cliff side holes are really fun, a couple of them have to be some of the coolest iv'e played.

Cons:

Course Navigation-
This course is very hard and almost impossible to navigate if you've never played here. There are maps at hole #1 but it doesn't always help and can confuse you worse if read wrong. There was a guy selling discs at hole #1 named "Krazy Larry" who gave us a run down of the layout, even with him telling us every hole we still got lost a few times.

Course Maintenance-
This course has no tee pads (even rubber would be nice to help with navigation). Also most of the signs are gone, and some of the baskets are very old and rusty. The park itself is pretty clean though.

Other Thoughts:

-I badly wanted rate this course higher because of the awsome scenery and a couple unique holes, but the terrible navigation and lack of maintenance hurts the course too much.
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6 2
landon77
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.5 years 78 played 43 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Beautiful scenery abound! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 17, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

--
--Scenic course worth playing!!
--Great signature holes that really make this course special. I love hole #6 (it goes down hill next to a cliff and creek). Hole #5 is also highly scenic and challenging with big tree's in the way, and hole #10 (big dog leg right) is unique.
--The course makes use of good elevation, there are a good amount of trees, and some water holes sprinkled in to add to the challenge.
--The course has an excellent variety of holes it offers.
--The course is overall clean and enjoyable.

Cons:

--
--There are some major cons/flaws that are hurting this score of this would be excellent course.
--Some hole placements are not very logical. I found myself walking back the hole I just shot to shoot the next hole which can be dangerous if you have people waiting to shoot.
--My major gripe is nothing is marked, or marked well. There were maps that really did not help us find the holes.
--Tee pads are all natural and would make play in wet and slippery conditions hazardous.
--The baskets are old and worn, so don't catch the disc as they should.
--Watch out for some steep cliffs, it could be a pain trying to find your disc!
--I would not attempt to play this course in rough slippery weather. Winter play seems out of the question.

Other Thoughts:

--
Nice area, I hope that they mark the course to make it easier to play. Cool locals easy to ask for help. I played a tourney and had a blast but we still had trouble locating holes!!! Don't overdrive #11 it is the easiest hole to go for a drink.

A nice looking park with more then just disc golf to offer. It has a full skateboard park. The course is beautiful, ample parking, picnic areas, and bathrooms.

UPDATE August 2010
Played recently, new holes added old ones taken away. Construction has made the course somewhat unplayable. 5$ fee for out of county residents to steep for what this course offers. No signs dangerous play on some holes. Totally not worth playing and with the fee they should put some effort into making this course better. As of now course is incomplete and in DIRE need of upgrading.
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6 5
Dooley
Experience: 30.8 years 102 played 12 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Home Course! Bias Review! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 13, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

First of all, I started playing here. Don't let that sway your opinion due to bias because this course is really a gem. This park is part of Michigan History. There are sandstone cliffs that rival anything in the lower peninsula. The local colleges train in rock climbing here. I know I've said nothing of the play because it speaks for itself. This park is full of great views, great climbs, great hikes, and a few hidden treats, like old mining caves, and blue lagoon quarries. Ok, the play. You've got 18 good baskets, double chains. Great placement, and layout with some really nice big shots. There is great elevation for this part of the state. You've got water on 6,7 and 11. Although even moderate players don't fear the water here. There is a really nice mix of open and tight shots with the back 9 being a little more wooded. There's bathrooms, water and soda machines, cool people. There's a great party store just down the street, and Grand Ledge is a great town to visit otherwise.

Cons:

During the hot summer and times when the wind is just right, the water treatment facility come into play. Yeah it reeks! Should only effect your play on three holes. You have to pay during the warm season. 2 bucks a car. Locals use a year pass or walk in. This park needs a good set of tee signs!! You can get lost if you're not accustomed to many courses.

Other Thoughts:

I know the delight of playing courses for the first time, it seems like every hole is great the very first time you see it! Since I've learned here, played here 1000 times! I don't have the same luxury of knowing what playing this course is like for the first time, (i can't remember and I sucked than). I can imagine however because there are some really sweet holes here! There are some "what the crap?" holes here too, but overall you'll enjoy your trip to Fitzgerald Park. Don't forget to sign a picnic table, or spot a hippie!
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5 4
Mark R
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.8 years 115 played 89 reviews
2.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Oct 19, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Nice, moderately wooded park. Holes 10-11 offer nice tee views on hills near river. Low entrance fee ($2). Holes that wind through big trees on front nine offer play similar to McGraft Park in Muskegon, with the exception of signature river holes along cliffs (6 and 7). Holes on back nine in less developed part of the park are my favorites. Met some cool locals during Harvest Doubles tourney.

Cons:

Poor old baskets on many holes, poorly marked and very hard to navigate, poor unmarked tee pads (especially hole 9, with no signs and no visible teepad). Some teepads identified by spray paint on nearby rocks (WTF?), Cliffs on holes 13 and 14 make winter play difficult. Map of course does little to help navigate.

Other Thoughts:

This course needs better baskets, better signs and better tee pads in a big way. Implementation of these improvements would up my rating by a full star. However, as is, Lansing-area courses are generally outclassed by those in Ludington, Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo.
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3 3
sgamerp
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 16 years 99 played 73 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 5, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

A lot of great shots, Some fun downhill ones, water, woods, open. Everything you want is here.

Cons:

2 dollars to enter with a car, if you're not with someone who knows the course it can be hard to figure it out. It's by a sewage plant so there are times it can smell pretty bad.

Other Thoughts:

Score Cards are nice, some of the courses can have a huge drop if you lose you go O.B. When we went we found 3 discs in some pretty easy spots, so look out for them!! :D
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3 1
worthdan
Experience: 17.6 years 9 played 9 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fitzgerald 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 29, 2008 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

great course! not very crowded most of the time. mix of open and wooded holes. beautiful scenery with the cliffs and river. elevation changes. straight holes and right and left hooking holes. just an all around great course.

Cons:

if you have never played fitz before then it can be a little confusing to navigate. there are maps at hole #1 that will help you find your way but they are a little off. also, most of the time there is a $2 daily entrance fee. you can buy a yearly pass for $15, definitely worth it if you plan on playing here regularly.

Other Thoughts:

my favorite course in the area, but some would disagree and pick grand woods which is also a good course.
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