The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM to celebrate the opening of Batesville’s first public disc golf course.
The ceremony will take place at Poke Bayou Park, located at White Drive and Barnett Drive, in partnership with Batesville Parks and Recreation Department.
New Outdoor Recreation Opportunity
Established in 2025, the new course adds another recreational option for residents and visitors while expanding the city’s growing outdoor amenities.
Disc golf is played similarly to traditional golf, but players throw specialized discs toward a metal basket target, counting each throw as a stroke. The objective is to complete each hole using the fewest throws possible.
“Batesville continues to invest in outdoor spaces that bring people together and encourage active lifestyles,” said Lowen Lermitte, Director of Batesville Parks. “This disc golf course enhances Poke Bayou Park while expanding recreation opportunities for families and visitors.”
Fast-Growing Outdoor Sport
Disc golf has become 1 of the fastest-growing outdoor sports in the United States because it is easy to learn, affordable to play, and accessible for participants of all ages.
Most players only need a few discs to begin playing, making the sport an inexpensive way to enjoy local parks and outdoor spaces.
Course Design and Community Support
The course was designed by Damian DeLoach and Kyle Downs and developed with support from several community partners including:
First Community Bank
White River Materials
Atlas Asphalt
Batesville Parks
Citizens Bank
White River Health
Poke Bayou Outfitters
Disc Golf Batesville
Lyon College
Custom CNC Machining
Memorial Dedication
The course also serves as a tribute to 2 individuals who played important roles in the development of parks and disc golf in the region.
The project is dedicated in memory of Cody Downs (June 14, 1987 – June 20, 2025), a cofounder of the DOCO Disc Golf Course and an original member of Disc Golf Batesville whose passion helped grow the sport locally.
The dedication also honors Jeff Owens (September 15, 1971 – June 6, 2025), a respected parks and recreation leader who served the cities of Batesville and Jonesboro as well as the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Boosting Outdoor Tourism
Community leaders say the new course will strengthen Batesville’s reputation as a destination for outdoor recreation, joining popular amenities including White River recreation, hiking trails, city parks, and paddling opportunities.
Disc golf enthusiasts frequently travel to experience new courses, and officials hope the addition will encourage both local participation and tourism in Independence County.
Ribbon Cutting Details
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Poke Bayou Park — White Drive and Barnett Drive, Batesville
Community members are invited to attend and celebrate the opening of this new recreational attraction.
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