Disc Golf Lights the Way in Mulberry

(Photo by Jason Barnes)

(Editor’s Note: Each year, Arkansas Business partners with the Arkansas Municipal League to present the Trendsetter City awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives underway in municipalities across the state. Large, medium and small-sized cities were honored in six categories: Diversity and Inclusion; Education/Workforce Development; Infrastructure and Water; Public Works/Environmental and Green Management; Technology and Security; and Tourism Development/Creative Culture. Below is one winner’s story. For more, click here.) 

Tourism Development/Creative Culture
Honorable Mention • Under 5,000

The Challenge

Mulberry was up against the challenge of distinguishing itself as a recreational hub in a competitive tourism landscape just outside of Fort Smith. Despite being a small community, city leaders sought to offer something unique to draw visitors and boost local engagement. The city wanted to capitalize on the popularity of disc golf but needed an innovative feature to set Mulberry City Park apart. They also aimed to provide a solution for disc golfers dealing with intense summer heat and shorter winter days, both of which limited daytime play.

The Solution

In 2023, Mulberry installed solar-powered lights on all disc golf baskets, making it Arkansas’ only permanently lit disc golf course. This innovation positioned Mulberry as one of just six U.S. courses with such a feature. By extending playing hours into the evening, the course attracted 200% more players in the first three months. The project, funded entirely through the municipal budget, not only drew local players but also disc golf enthusiasts from across the region, making Mulberry a pioneering destination for nighttime disc golf.

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