Unique disc golf fundraiser is Saturday in Czech Village, NewBo

CEDAR RAPIDS - Where some see vacant lots and the result of devastating flooding, officials from the Czech Village-New Bohemia Main Street District in Cedar Rapids see potential.

As part of an effort to spark development interest, raise money for the promotion of the district and increase awareness about the area, the second annual District Disc fundraiser takes place Saturday with disc golfers teeing off from the Czech Village Clock Tower at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW.

Those playing 18 holes tee off at noon; those playing nine holes tee off at 1 p.m.

Cost is $35 for 18 holes and $25 for nine holes. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. The fundraiser is a Freedom Fest-affiliated event so those with a Freedom Fest button receive $3 off the registration fee.

To register in advance, go to crmainstreet.org. Disc golfers can register as an individual or a team.

'It's a combination fundraiser for our nonprofit organization, as well as an opportunity to activate some of the vacant spaces within our district and show people the opportunities that there are for recreation,” said Jennifer Pruden, executive director of the Czech Village-New Bohemia Main Street District.

The purpose of the fundraiser is to raise money for business development, promotion and marketing of the area, physical improvements and community outreach and engagement within the district and to bring attention and energy to the underutilized spaces.

As such, the course actually takes disc golfers through some of the undeveloped spaces in the space of a few blocks.

' ... This year, we are highlighting a few other vacant lots that are scattered throughout the district and showing people the opportunities that might be out there for new developments or other types of activities like events or things that could use those spaces,” Pruden said.

Organizers also hope the event showcases the walkability of the district.

'We're looking into the idea of tactical urbanism, which is the philosophy of activating underutilized spaces in some sort of way. It might be a temporary event or some sort of art installation,” Pruden said. 'We've been thinking of different ways we can do that to encourage people to walk through the district because there are some missing teeth and some holes and people don't necessarily walk between Czech Village and New Bohemia, but something like this event gives them a reason to do that.”

After the tournament, an after party featuring a bags tournament, putting challenge, live music, outdoor food vendors and beer service takes place at NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE.

'We are hoping that people will be out here for our event but also see the other things that are happening, too, and take part in those, visit different businesses and restaurants along the way, and really just enjoy a day in the district,” Pruden said.

l Comments: (319) 368-8538; elianna.novitch@thegazette.com

If you go

What: District Disc 2017

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Start at National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids

Cost: $35 for 18 holes, $25 for nine holes.

Registration: crmainstreet.org

Info: crmainstreet@gmail.com or (319) 432-9785