Neither brisk March winds nor cool spring temperatures could stop Adams County residents from enjoying a day of disc golf on March 22, 2025. Dozens of children and adults came out to play 9 holes at Cross Keys Community Park, located at 785 Berlin Road in New Oxford. The free event ran from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and was part of the Adams County Passport to Wellness, a program designed by Community Wellness Connections—an initiative under Healthy Adams County—to encourage people to stay active and engaged during the slower winter months.
Local disc golfer Matt Barrick volunteered to lead the day’s activities, offering instruction, course demonstrations, and encouragement to newcomers. Barrick, who picked up the sport nearly three years ago, finds disc golf both therapeutic and socially rewarding. “After serving in the military, it helped me get out and around others again,” he shared. “It’s great exercise and a way to meet people.”
Barrick emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, course etiquette, litter cleanup, and honest scoring. He also discussed the sport’s growing presence in Adams County and nearby areas. Courses are now available in New Oxford, Biglerville (Camp Nawakwa), and Spring Grove, with Pine Run offering a full 18-hole course. Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) is even considering adding baskets to the Rec Park in Gettysburg.
An active promoter of the sport, Barrick organizes local tournaments and offers discounts to encourage more girls to participate. For those interested in exploring the game, he recommends the free app UDisc, which helps players navigate courses and track scores. More information is available at udisc.com.
Special thanks to Matt Barrick for volunteering his time, and to Jen Gastley, Kathy Gaskin, and the Healthy Adams County volunteers for organizing the Passport to Wellness program. March’s calendar was filled with engaging activities including dance, kickboxing, power training, and hikes at Pickett’s Charge and Strawberry Hill.
Participants who completed their wellness passports should email them to jgastley2@wellspan.org or kgaskin@wellspan.org by April 7, 2025. Three participants will be randomly selected to receive prizes, with winners announced by the end of next week.
Amy Thomas is an active member of multiple Healthy Adams County Task Forces.
Amy Thomas, Contributing Editor, is responsible for community outreach, including our social media presence. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. Amy also works in occupational therapy and volunteers with local organizations.