Great Parks Begins Renovation of Embshoff Woods Disc Golf Course

Great Parks is nearing completion of a major component of its Park and Facility Master Plans by starting construction on the renovation of its fourth disc golf course, which is in Embshoff Woods Nature Preserve. The Park and Facility Master Plans called for all four Great Parks disc golf courses to be refreshed, and with the other courses already complete, the renovation at Embshoff Woods fulfills this element of the plans. The new Embshoff Woods course layout will quadruple the playing options for disc golfers.

“It’s incredibly satisfying to deliver on public priorities for their Great Parks, such as the improvements we’ve made to all our disc golf courses,” said Todd Palmeter, Great Parks CEO. “Disc golf is a perfect amenity for our parks, and I always enjoy seeing groups playing one of our courses while enjoying the amazing outdoor spaces we have to offer.”

Great Parks worked closely with local disc golf advocates and park visitors on the design and layout of the course. Changes at the course will better accommodate a wide range of skill levels, from beginner to expert. The previous course layout at Embshoff Woods included only nine holes. Great Parks is expanding the layout to 18 holes, while installing two basket locations for each hole. Each hole will have two basket options for different experiences. Players will therefore choose between 36 basket locations when they play, effectively quadrupling the number of holes available.

In addition to new baskets, renovations include new tee pads and signs. 

Embshoff Woods is a 334-acre escape in the middle of an urban landscape, offering trails, picnicking facilities and a playground, in addition to the disc golf course. During the disc golf course renovation, Great Parks is also taking the opportunity to address conservation priorities at the site by resurfacing a buried drain line, removing honeysuckle and other invasive species, and managing the landscape to support biodiversity and resilience.

Construction is planned to be completed by the end of December 2026.

The renovation at Embshoff Woods follows previous disc golf course renovations at Woodland Mound, Winton Woods and Miami Whitewater Forest, which began in 2023. Renovation of the disc golf courses has been a theme under Great Parks’ initiative to refresh experiences, which was identified through community and stakeholder input into the Park and Facility Master Plans for Great Parks.

(Note: Valid Motor Vehicle Permits are required for every vehicle entering Embshoff Woods. Information about purchasing MVPs, and accessing free or discounted MVPs, is available at greatparks.org.)