Pros:
Johnson Park in the Des Moines suburb of Van Meter is a small, very hill city park. This hilly terrain makes for an excellent vehicle to house the disc golf course here. With the short lengths (only # 9 is
longer tthan 200'), one would think this would be a great beginner course. However, I see it's niche as a fun, little pitch and putt for rec players with a little experience. I think the semi-narrow fairways and thick, tall rough would not be condusive to players just learning to control their discs. This course bring nothing but frustration for beginners.
The course has the basic course rules sign, the old school fiberglass tee signs and Mach III baskets. The course uses grass for tee pads but the apparent lack of use has left the tee pad areas in good shape, no ugly ruts, etc.
ACE runs are possible on every hole starting with the simple little 135' # 1 which requires just a simple, little hyser. I thought # 7 was a classic, short hole, just 100', but straight up a steep little hill. And then the only hole with any distance, # 9, is 425' down a small hill. It just takes about a 200' drive to clear the tall grass and weeds on the first half of the hole before reaching the open fairway part of the hole.
Cons:
Some players will, no doubt, be frustrated with the very deep and thick areas just off some fairways.
Short distances are not challenging. Think, short distances equal short ACE runs.
Grass tee pads.
Other Thoughts:
As everyone agrees, Johnson Park DGC, is just a great little throw. The design is good with fun, creative little holes. This is the type of course, that if I lived close, I could imagine showing up everyday chasing those ACEs.