WASHINGTON - A large group of faculty, staff and students came out to Tee Pad #1 at the Gallaudet University Disc Golf Park here Tuesday afternoon for a special grand opening celebration for the new disc golf course located on Kendall Green.

Gallaudet University President Roberta J. Cordano, Dean of Student Affairs Travis Imel, '00 & G-'02, Athletic Director Warren Keller, '10, and Disc Golf Club President Donovan Holmes delivered remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"This project would not have been possible without a community," said Imel. "Special thanks to President Cordano, Chief of Staff Heather Harker, Chief Financial Officer Brad Hermes and Chief Operating Officer Dominic Lacy for their steadfast belief and support of this project."

Imel went on to thank University Architect Richard Dougherty, Landscaping and Grounds Manager Eric Kaika, '02, and members of the Gallaudet Disc Golf Club for volunteering their time in helping to build the course.

"The greatest appreciation goes to Justin Arrigo, who originated the idea of a Disc Golf Park and took the lead on seeing the project from start to finish," added Imel.

President Cordano echoed appreciation for the various members of the GU community that made this project come to life. 

"I have been waiting for the day to finally arrive to celebrate the grand opening of the Gallaudet University Disc Golf Park," said Cordano. "This achievement did not go unrecognized by the District of Columbia as Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a proclamation today (April 23, 2024) about Gallaudet's Disc Golf Park."

Part of the proclamation read; "Washington, DC's first-ever permanent disc golf course will promote outdoor recreation and foster inclusivity and access for residents of the District of Columbia and beyond."

Gallaudet's Disc Golf Park is one of three courses in Washington, D.C., and is the city's first disc golf course with permanent baskets.

GU Disc Golf Club President Donovan Holmes thanked the University and athletics department for supporting this project and for the student body for being so interested in disc golf. Holmes encouraged people to follow @GallyDiscGolf on Instagram and download the UDisc app to learn more about the course.

Athletic Director Warren Keller wrapped the ceremony up before the group posed for a photo and cut the ribbon to officially open the Disc Golf Park.

"We are looking to support the Gallaudet community by providing offerings that brings the community together such as pickleball, cornhole and now disc golf," said Keller. "Special thanks to the Gallaudet Disc Golf Club led by Donovan Holmes, Justin Arrigo and members of the District of Columbia Deaf Disc Golf Association (DCDDGA) including our own Tom McKnight, who serves as President, and board member Ricky Cornish."

Gallaudet University students, faculty, and staff can use the course at any time. For more information, contact Justin Arrigo at justin.arrigo@gallaudet.edu.