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This is the eighth in a series of articles about t

he Davie Community Foundation and its work

in the county.

During its annual grants cycle, the Davie Community Foundation concentrates its community grant-making on proposals from non-profit organizations that address youth, literacy, education, health and poverty.

“Helping to build a healthy community includes creating and maintaining outdoor spaces and places for activities and exercise. It also takes long-term community investment and involvement,” said Jane Simpson, foundation president.

Since 2016, the foundation has supported the Farmington Community Association’s efforts to bring more outdoor opportunities to Davie. Over the last four years, the association has added amenities such as hiking and biking trails, a mountain bike practice area, a PGDA Disc Golf Course, expanded parking and a new picnic area; plans include converting the tennis courts into pickleball and basketball courts.

“The continuing improvements equate to recreational opportunities for all ages.”

History and heritage play a big role at the Farmington Community Association. Louis Calvin Smith grew up playing on his grandfather’s farm, a 65-acre tract of land adjacent to the center. At his death, he gifted the property to the center with instructions that the land be undeveloped and preserved as a public park where kids could play, and all ages could enjoy. The Farmington Community Association continues to honor his wishes.

In the beginning, the Tour of Farmington cycling event helped raise funds for a Park Master Plan developed with assistance from MLA Design Group. Design of a disc golf course was one of the first large projects undertaken. The course was designed by Drew Smith Disc Golf Course Designs and funded as a cooperative effort between the Davie County Chamber of Commerce-Tourism, Davie Community Foundation, Disc Golf Foundation and a partnership formed with the Kids in the Parks program.

Volunteers and scouts helped lay the groundwork, clearing the land that is now the trail system. After several years of planning and collaboration the Davie Nature Trail Disc Golf Course opened in December of 2020. Since opening, the course has hosted a summer youth disc golf camp, tournaments, clinics, and group and individual instruction given by pro disc golfers.

The course map describes disc golf as, “essentially a hike with a Frisbee.” It features 20 holes covering 7,028 feet of play with a par of 70. Bring your discs as you meander through the course, which takes you across open fields, over bridges and through native woodlands. Expect to walk 2.5 to 3 miles while playing a round. The course map encourages players to identify as many “birdies” as they can during a round of disc golf. They can use the scorecard as a reference, as it features photos of many species of birds that call the nature park home.

“As we move into Fall, the leaves begin to change, and the temperatures cool off, it’s a great time of year to experience all that the Farmington Community Center has to offer,” Simpson said. “Play a round of disc golf or experience the mountain bike trails and new mountain bike practice area. Take a hike and do some bird watching. Pack a picnic and enjoy the new picnic shelter overlooking the woods. Or spend the whole day and do it all.”

Farmington Community Center will host an anniversary Saturday, Oct. 23, celebrating a 50-year-old history and a 100-year-old heritage. Expect concerts, games, artisan demonstrations, food and the grand opening of the nature park. Festivities start at 11 a.m. There’s no admission fee and all are welcome.

To learn more about the foundation contact Simpson at (336) 753-6903 or jsimpson@daviefoundation.org or visit www.daviefoundation.org.