What makes DGLA different?
Our disc golf firm is unique! But we don’t want to be for too long… our model can serve not only current and future landscape architects, but other professionally-credentialed designers like architects, civil engineers, forest ecologists, and professional trail builders. A professional, holistic approach to protecting the playing surface and enhancing the play experience for both users and observers is critical for the image of the sport and to halt the rapid and widespread degradation of precious open space resources.
DGLA IS ACCOUNTABLE
We are the only landscape architecture firm in the world that specializes in disc golf. Becoming a licensed landscape architect is a rigorous process, involving a multi-part series of difficult tests (called the LARE) and requiring years of experience under a landscape architect (and usually an accredited university degree). Some states, like California, require a supplemental exam specific to current regulations and conditions, such as plant materials and water conservation regulations, within its borders. But even being a licensed landscape architect does not guarantee proficiency in more specific fields. All states’ licensure language makes it clear that landscape architects who engage in projects wherein they do not possess sufficient expertise are breaking their agreement with the state. They are liable for their professional work, public or private, which instills client confidence and recourse to each state board if something goes awry in a project before, during or after substantial completion. For example, a licensed landscape architect who has expertise and specializes in residential design cannot legally contract to plan and design a baseball complex with all its amenities, unless they can demonstrate minimal qualification in that field, and/or they collaborate with a licensed firm or individual who is an established expert in that field. This could be an interdisciplinary collaboration/contract (eg: engineer, architect) and allows landscape architects who are specialists to work towards expanding their fields of expertise. DGLA, while confident and established in our ability to design disc golf courses, is committed to expanding our areas of expertise in order to do more in-house.
DGLA IS SUSTAINABLE
Focusing on sustainability not only protects the land, but also keeps courses legible and attractive to the public. We put a primary emphasis on professionally designed/built trail systems to protect the natural playing surface from heavy foot traffic and create a safe environment by fitting with interrelated patterns, landforms, soils and physical abilities of the target users. Our firm does have experience in trail building, but when we need further expertise for difficult sites we will collaborate with firms specialized in this field! Another emphasis is armoring the most susceptible areas on a course — the areas around tees and baskets — to prevent the rapid erosion often experienced in these places. We also consider drainage/flooding concerns and will make adjustments when new data is gathered on natural drainage patterns that affect the course.
DGLA IS NETWORKED
PDGA Environmental Committee: Mike Plansky #20866 and Will McKissock #20867. Plansky is a sustaining ACE CLUB member since 2017. Our firm’s principals serve as advisors to the PDGA, a worldwide organization guiding the future of recreational and professional disc golf, in regard to how the landscapes that host our game can be administered to maximize ecological conservation of natural resources.
The Disc Golf Course Designers (DGCD) is a group dedicated to pursuing excellence in disc golf course design for all skill levels. The DGCD was founded in 1994 by Ed Headrick, Tom Monroe, John David and Chuck Kennedy. DGCD grew to almost 250 members in 2021. Our basic design standards have been adopted by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and are also posted on their website. DGCD recognizes landscape architecture as the closest relevant field for disc golf course design — Member #Y209
Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the professional association for landscape architects in the United States, representing more than 15,000 members. Landscape architects lead the planning, design, and stewardship of healthy, equitable, safe, and resilient environments. DGLA, as an associate member of ASLA, has access to resources and knowledge throughout the United States. If you (our clients) share our vision to protect and enhance the landscapes that offer accessible community spaces, connection with nature, education and regional economic boosts connected to the game we all love, we belong to this powerful platform connected to funding sources to promulgate a new holistic way to approach design. The ASLA was a significant an effective lobby to pass the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, which now allocates nearly $1billion/year to outdoor recreation and conservation projects through each state’s SCORP (outdoor recreation plan) via Land & Water Conservation Fund matching grants. We have experience leveraging local disc golf club volunteer hours to secure these matching funds!