Pros:
- pretty high level of challenge for a short 9 hole course
- surprising amount of variation on this small course, with mostly open shots but some obstacles
- huge elevation changes add challenge and intrigue
- disc golf area is virtually isolated from the rest of the park, so no real safety concerns
- concrete tees
- nice built-in stairs on some hill areas
Cons:
- most basic of tee signs, with several missing
- tee signs only at one tee per hole despite most holes having multiple (sometimes poorly marked) tees
- could use some wood chips around some of the baskets - dirt placed around some gets fairly muddy
- some baskets are starting to rust
- basket for 9 is a little TOO close to the entrance, leading to it being used as the practice basket while players are trying to finish their round
- not much in the way of additional amenities
Other Thoughts:
This is a pretty basic course in terms of amenities. It's situated in a nice park with a variety of activities and ample parking. The big highlight here is the significant elevation change, with some pretty difficult uphill shots. Otherwise, it's not a particularly difficult course.
For me, Staring Lake Park wasn't incredibly memorable, but I enjoyed my quick round here. The course might be a little tough for first timers, but it's a pretty low challenge level if you've played a bit. Most of the shots are pretty open, though some have a few more tree obstacles. It was moderately busy while I was there, but nothing too bad. I did enjoy that it was separate from other areas of the park, so concerns about hitting walkers, etc. weren't much of an issue.
The biggest cons here are just the general state of disrepair. The tee signs leave a lot to be desired and despite concrete tees, some built in stairs, and generally serviceable baskets, some new tee signs would be a huge upgrade here, as some are missing altogether and many are just a post in the ground with an obscure number.
If you're already in the area it's a fun enough round, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, personally. As mentioned above, I appreciate when a course circles around to the entrance, but having either a practice basket here or moving hole 9's basket a bit back from the entrance would be helpful - I couldn't finish my round because people kept taking putting practice on it without even looking up. To their credit, when I started the course I thought it was a practice basket too - it's just kind of unclear.
All in all, Staring Lake is a fun enough round, but doesn't rise to the level of many other courses in the Minneapolis area.