Mat-Su Disc Golf Association spreads wood chips at Alcantra course

Volunteers from the Mat-Su Disc Golf Association spread donated engineered wood chips across muddy tee pads and trails at the Alcantra Disc Golf Course in Wasilla, improving footing for the public and club members alike at a free course that has seen growing use from casual players and families.

Kelly Allen, president of the association, said materials came from Foremost Construction, Fonoff Construction, Spenard Builders Supply, assembly member Sumner, and assembly member Fonov. The chips were laid over underlayment to keep them from mixing into the soil and to improve durability. "We're just trying to clean it up and make it more presentable for the community," Allen said.

The material is a specially engineered fiber wood chip product, chosen because it will not rust and is expected to last longer than standard wood chips. Volunteers used ATVs, rakes, and shovels to spread the material across tee pads and trails, donating their time and money to finish the project. The improvements target muddy areas that affect anyone walking the tightly wooded layout.

Allen said a significant share of the course's users are members of the public who come on their own, not club members, and that traffic has increased in recent years. "The course itself has been being used more and more every year," he said. The association also runs events that bring out younger players, older players, and families, where participants receive free discs and move through a tournament-style format, helping introduce new players to the course.