Disc-golf enthusiasts turned out in full force at Emerald Park in Mesa last weekend to celebrate the completion of a newly-renovated course.

Community members and city officials gathered at the park to cheer on the players, who flung colored plastic discs into brand-new wire baskets.

The renovation is the result of the combined efforts of community volunteers and the city. The park now boasts 10 new baskets, updated signs and concrete slabs at each tee.

"This is a classic example of a public and private partnership," said Mesa City Councilman Alex Finter. "The government can't do it all. I'm amazed at the tremendous support and volunteerism. I can't wait to go back and tell the mayor and the council what a great example this is."

Mesa Parks and Recreation supervisor Andrea Moore said disc-golf enthusiast Rob Hart and a group of volunteers approached the city about renovating the park a year ago. The city was able to donate $3,500 for new baskets, plus another $1,200 for a sign, by using money left over from a playground project. Volunteers raised additional money for other improvements and received donations and discounts from area merchants. The group also did much of the work.

Jason Hall, 15, donated his talents as part of an Eagle Scout project and raised $700 for concrete for the tees. He bought the concrete, built the wood forms and poured the concrete, along with help from other volunteers and a patient tractor driver.

Hall, whose father, Mark, introduced him to the game, said the cement really improved the course.

"The sprinklers would go off and the dirt around the tees would get all wet," Hall said. "Now, instead of a muddy dirt pile, the players have nice cement pads."

The Emerald Park course is the only disc golf course in Mesa. Situated on about 7 acres of land, it's smaller than the usual 20-acre disc golf course, but it's designed to make the most of the smaller area.

Hart said about 12 courses exist in the Valley, with about four in the East Valley. Approximately 3,300 courses are located throughout the United States.

Mike Denkey, who played in last weekend's tournament, said he hopes Mesa builds another disc-golf course because the Emerald course is so busy. He said he likes to play the sport because of the exercise and the low price.

"It's better than regular golf and it's free," Denkey said.

Moore said the benefits of the project are apparent.

"It's just a great way for the community to come together," Moore said. "There's a lot of interaction between the picnickers and the golfers and this keeps the neighborhood engaged."