Corbin tourism helps fund frisbee golf course

The Corbin Tourism Commission met for its regular monthly meeting Monday, receiving some positive financial news to start things off and eventually, dishing out some money for what several members called a worth while project.

Kyle Perkins, accountant for the Commission, told those in attendance that the actual net income for the fiscal year thus far is $85,043, compared to the amount budgeted, which was $43,751. Perkins said that brings the excess amount to just over $41,000 for the period.

Perkins went on to commend the Commission for a job well done at managing expenses, stating that the group’s expenses are holding "real close" to the planned amount.

The group did get an unexpected boost for the month of March when it received payment of a long overdue hotel transient tax from the Mountain View Lodge, as well as an amount of the tax from another establishment that was more than they had expected. Perkins said the two combined for a total of around $7,800 in unexpected funds.

With that said, the group voted unanimously to approve a request for $5,000 to help fund the construction of a disc golf course at Corbin’s Miller Park, located on Barton Mill Road.

Disc golf (also called Frisbee Golf or frolf) is a disc game in which individual players throw a flying disc into a basket or at a target. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, the object of the game is to traverse a course from beginning to end in the fewest number of throws of the disc.

Sams said he was excited about the approval and said he thought the course would be a draw for tourists to come into the city and stay in the city.

"It is exciting that we are progressing with this," Sams said. "The nearest one to us is in Jamestown and I talked to a fellow that holds tournaments and held one their recently, which it was an 18 hole course, but that drew 500 participants.

"Those people stayed there in Bowling Green and spent money and ate at their restaurants," he added. "That’s what it’s intended to do is draw people in."

The course is to be constructed past the second softball field where an exercise area was formerly located. Sams said he felt like the area was perfect for the course.

"The fellow came down and walked the area and said it was perfect for the project," he said. "I think people will like it once it is done."

The Commission also heard from Corbin Main Street Manager Sharae Myers regarding recent changes to come policies pertaining to matching fund availability as far as advertising and other monies spent.

This month’s meeting was held at The Arena’s meeting room and concluded with a guided tour by General Manager Cliff

Clinger. Clinger also talked about forthcoming sponsorship opportunities in which the Tourism Commission would be able to take part in.

Clinger said those sponsorship proposals are being worked out right now and will be made available at a later date.