FSS Students Build Himu Disc Golf Course

Contributed by Danielle Gibson

Fernie Secondary School

Grade 8 French Immersion students from Fernie Secondary built a new disc golf course in the forest/field area behind the school. Himu Disc Golf Course, comprising of 9 holes, is a great area for beginners and kids. It will be used during the school days by both the elementary and secondary schools to teach disc golf skills.

This project began 2 years ago with students clearing out all the brush and dead-fall from the forest. Through funding from FAR Summit Fund, and FSS PAC, they were able to create an outdoor learning space while being fire safe. Students from the French Immersion Outdoor Education classes have been involved in the progress of this project since the beginning.

The FSS Aboriginal Education Department has been working in collaboration with students. They continue to support the ongoing progress of this project. Elders from Tobacco Plains visited the forest and named it Himu; which means Pine Tree. You can visit firstvoices.com for pronunciation and to explore more of the Ktunaxa language.

This year, Grade 8 FI Outdoor Education students used a grant from CBT Basin Plays and purchased Dan Walker baskets to complete the disc golf vision. Serge Gosselin joined in and helped design, map, and build the course with the Grade 8 class. Students cleared the pathways for the course, built the baskets, created signage, and placed the tee offs. They also created a map outlining Himu DGC. The course can be found on the UDisc app.

Himu Disc Golf Course is limited to student use from ÉIDES and FSS during school hours. This course is available for public use after 4pm on weekdays and on weekends. Parking is located in the student parking lot. The gravel area and bus loops are no parking zones.

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