Sticks in the park

I admit I am easily entertained. I just can't seem to get used to seeing a boy and his dad walking down a city street, wee golf bag with a handful of irons, headed to the park. There is a designated pitch and putt in a park nearby. I often see folks there, working on their game or having a fun competition among friends or just playing. What shocks me is that they are often using full swings and hitting distances of 150 yards. I love the casualness of grabbing a few clubs and heading to your local park.

Golf is certainly popular in the states but not cheap. Even a bucket of balls at your local driving range can easily be $10 (probably more now). It doesn't seem like much but it adds up. I don't know how much it would cost to play a round of golf here but allowing folks to hit golf balls in the local park is a great way to make the game more accessible.

I visited Bellahouston park for the first time and sure enough, a gentleman was hitting a few balls in a large grass expense.

His golf shots never strayed (I kept a close eye as I walked the path alongside). I can hit the ball straight....but not always. So I think I will stick to golf courses and leave the parks for the real golfers.

Bellahouston is another lovely city park within walking distance.

Unique to this park is its artificial ski hill and the "House for an Art Lover" designed by Charles Rennie Macintosh. Unfortunately the day I visited, the house was closed for a private function but there are lovely walled gardens nearby.

House for an Art Lover

Partially obscured view of the artificial ski hill