Sabrina Bates, News Editor
Posted: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 12:02 pm

It is a place designed with the whole family in mind and that place is one step closer to reality.
Martin Parks and Recreation Director Brian Moore had a vision to brighten an existing spot in Martin and bring together people of all ages.
During a formal session of the Martin Mayor and Board of Aldermen Monday evening, Moore announced he was four holes away from having a Disc Golf Course project in Martin funded for its final levels of construction.
“Not many people know about this. The Disc Golf Course is for the whole family to get together and have a good time,” Moore said after the meeting.
Moore and the parks and recreation department have been successful at getting 14 of the 18 holes sponsored for the Disc Golf Course.
Disc golf is played by tossing a disc, similar to a frisbee, into a basket.
Disc golf scoring mimics golf scoring and the actual course consists of 18 holes.
“It goes by pretty fast, actually. You could play nine holes during a one-hour lunch break,” Moore explained.
The course will be constructed at Harrison Road Park in Martin. According to the plans, some holes will offer a grassy-green area with little obstacles, while others will have trees, shade and uphill handicaps.
Once the course is complete, it will be open to the public year-round, every day of the week. With the exception of disc rental fees, there is no charge to use the course.
Moore said his goal is to have a grand opening on Sept. 1. If the course is ready before that date, Moore said it will be open to the public sooner than September.
There are also plans to host tournaments at the Disc Golf Course.
Moore is four holes away from having the course sponsored completely.
For more information about the Disc Golf Course project, contact the Martin Parks and Recreation office at 587-6784.
In other news, Martin Human Resource Manager Celeste Taylor requested board members approve a city employee recognition program.
“I know the city is not in any position to give any money right now, but I would like to see employees who are recognized for outstanding service, receive a day off with pay,” Taylor told the board.
Under the proposed Employee Service Plus Program, city employees who perform outstanding customer service, would be recognized for their quality as an employee.
Taylor said she often hears praise of city employees from community members for a job well done and that is the first step in the Employee Service Plus Program nomination process.
“Anyone can nominate someone for the program as long as I can verify that information,” Taylor said.
After one nomination for outstanding service, a city employee would be recognized with a letter from the human resources office.
A city employee with three nominations would receive a commendation letter from the mayor and board of aldermen.
A city employee can receive a day off with pay for receiving five nominations.
A nomination ballot is available online at www.cityofmartin.net.
The Martin Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved Taylor’s request.
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