Runaway Glide @ Creekside

Walter Fredrick Morrison Memorial Disc Golf Course at Creekside Park Research Summary Basic Information: • Location: Salt Lake City, Utah • PDGA_URL: https://www.pdga.com/course-directory/course/creekside-park • COORDINATES: 40.6667, -111.8459  • Rating: 4.3/5.0 (6 reviews)  Course History: • Established in 1982: One of Utah’s first disc golf courses (among the earliest 100 courses worldwide) . It was initially installed as “Creekside Park” and designed by Ed “Steady Ed” Headrick, the father of disc golf . • Memorial Naming: In 2010, the course was officially dedicated as the Walter Fredrick Morrison Memorial DGC, honoring Frisbee inventor Walter “Fred” Morrison (a Utahn) after his passing  . The memorial name is in tribute to Morrison’s contribution to the sport. • Evolution: Over the decades the course became an institution in the Salt Lake disc golf community . It has hosted the annual Creekside Open tournament for over twenty-five years and numerous weekly league events. The local club (Salt Lake City Tunnel Runners) helps maintain and improve the course . Upgrades like new tee signs (with rotating pin indicators) and modern baskets were added in recent years  . Course Experience: • Layout & Variety: The course offers a classic park-style layout with a balanced mix of open and wooded fairways on gently rolling terrain . Players face multiple pin positions on each hole (often 3–6 options), which keep the setup fresh and can significantly change hole length and difficulty . Most holes are par-3, ranging from short technical shots to a few longer 300–400+ ft looks, requiring a variety of shot shapes. • Scenic but Challenging: Set in a grassy city park with large oak and cottonwood trees, Creekside provides scenic mountain views and a relaxing green backdrop . Big Cottonwood Creek winds through the course and comes into play on at least four holes, adding both beauty and hazard  . Elevation is mild but used cleverly on certain holes; combined with the dense trees and occasional tunnel shots, the course delivers a moderate challenge for intermediate players while still being fun for beginners. • Signature Elements: Notable holes include those that flirt with the creek (e.g., hole #14 along the water is a favorite)  and an elevated tee on hole #2’s long position . The course’s design, originally by Headrick, maximized a compact space, resulting in some crisscrossing fairways (e.g., holes 4, 5, 6) . This quirky old-school layout adds excitement but also requires awareness of other groups. • Community & Atmosphere: Expect a lively scene – this is one of the most popular courses in the state, so it often gets crowded  . Local players are generally friendly and passionate, creating a social atmosphere on the course. Newcomers might find navigation a bit confusing at first due to the many pins and close-by holes, but amenities like detailed tee maps and the mentioned pin-location dials help in orientation . Despite the heavy use (and occasional waiting on tees), the consensus is that Creekside is a “must-play” thanks to its variety and history. Amenities & Features: • Course Configuration: 18 permanent holes (with an optionally played 21-hole layout using alternate holes/practice baskets)  . Two practice baskets are on site (one doubles as an extra hole) for warm-ups . • Tees & Signage: Concrete tee pads on all holes (plus a few alternate or extended tees made of brick pavers) . Every hole has a tee sign, including a dial or marker indicating the current pin placement in use . Navigation maps are available, and the course is cart/stroller friendly with defined paths . • Baskets: Outfitted with MVP Black Hole Portal baskets (Version 2), which are modern heavy-duty targets  . (These replaced older DGA Mach V baskets, upgrading the catching quality.) • Park Facilities: Located in a county park, the course benefits from well-maintained grass fairways and shade from mature trees. A pavilion and picnic tables are near the parking area, and restrooms and a water tap are available seasonally (typically open spring through fall) . Trash cans are placed throughout, and players/volunteers help keep the park clean. • Hazards & Safety: The creek is the primary hazard – it’s shallow but swift in spring; discs that find the water may be retrievable downstream. There are also thick Russian olive bushes and other rough in spots that can snag discs . Because of the course’s compact design, some tees and baskets are close together; players are advised to watch for errant throws from other groups and exercise patience on busy days. • Access & Fees: Free to play and open to the public year-round (park hours dawn to dusk) – no tee times or fees required . The park has a dedicated parking lot (entry from Murray Holladay Rd.) and can handle a good number of cars, though it may fill up during tournaments. Dogs are allowed on leash (bags provided for waste) which adds to the park feel . Alcohol is officially not permitted (and enforced with hefty fines) as it’s a family park . • Notable Events: Creekside Park has a long history of hosting events, from weekly doubles leagues to the long-running Creekside Open (a PDGA-sanctioned tournament drawing players statewide). These events underscore the course’s legacy and the strong local disc golf community centered here. Official References: • PDGA Course Directory – Creekside Park: Professional Disc Golf Association listing (basic info and reviews)   • UDisc Course Page – Creekside Park: UDisc directory entry (ratings, course map, and “About” history)   • DGCourseReview – Creekside Park: Community reviews and details (course conditions, maps, and discussion)   • DiscGolfScene – Creekside Park: Course profile with player reviews (includes historical naming note and hole info)  

Creekside Park is a beautifully maintained disc golf course nestled in a lush, wooded park setting in Millcreek, Utah. Towering cottonwood and olive trees line the fairways, their leaves filtering dappled sunlight onto the well-worn paths. A babbling creek winds its way through the course, adding a serene soundtrack and an extra challenge on certain holes. The terrain is a mix of open grassy areas and densely wooded sections, with gently rolling elevation changes throughout. Earthy tones of rich soil, verdant grass, and the warm hues of tree bark dominate the color palette, accented by the glint of metal baskets. The air is fresh with the scent of foliage. Playing Creekside immerses you in nature, challenging you to shape shots through narrow gaps while appreciating the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. With its variety of technical lines and a few longer bombs, the course strikes a balance between playability and difficulty - a perfect blend for a satisfying round.