Pros:
In comparison to its northern sister course, Springvale South, aka "the back nine", is a little bigger, a little better and a little stinkier (but more on that later). The brand new cement tee pads, detailed signage and baskets are in perfect condition. There are even small trash cans with lids affixed to some of the tee signs, which helps to keep the lush grass free of dog droppings and litter. This park is notably quieter and less-traveled than Springvale North because it is tucked back into a suburban neighborhood and the baskets are not visible from any major streets. This is an ideal place to bring a group of disc golf friends if you're all at different skill levels but still want to throw one or two quick rounds together.
Several of the holes here are 20 - 50 ft longer than those found at Springvale North, but this is still very much a beginner/learner/recreation course. There are a couple unique holes, but nothing worthy of the term "signature hole". Hole 12 plays from the edge of a small pond to a basket under some trees atop a steep grassy slope - one of the more creative holes. The last four holes are tucked back into a section of the park where the turf changes abruptly from manicured grass to high arid prairie with scrubby plants and prickly yuccas to dodge around. Between holes 16 and 17 is a marshy, muddy gully full of head-high cattails and low murky water. This mini-swamp is the first and only nature-made obstacle on the entire 18-hole course worth mentioning. The only other natural obstacles are small hills and a few trees.
Cons:
There's no ignoring it - at certain times Marshall Reservoir and the nearby ponds emit a truly staggering, nostril-filling sulfuric odor. It is especially pungent when the wind is calm - and that is coincidentally when most of the disc golfers I've ever met like to be out on a course. Traveling between the northern and southern courses is about a 10-15 minute endeavor by car or brisk walking. Something particularly disappointing I noticed upon my arrival for the first time is that hole #10 is NOT the closest hole to the northern companion course. Logistically this does not make sense. The first hole you come to is #12 down by the bridge, but hole 10 is further south along Locust St.
Other Thoughts:
Springvale South deserves credit where credit is due:
*It's a clean, upkept park
*It's an easy drop-by type of course in an area that was pretty far from any DG action at all
*It has a couple fun and unique holes
*It's a great place to take your beginner friends
Overall, this newbie is a decent little 9-holer and I'm glad I have another course to play occasionally.