Two decades ago, the simple fun of tossing a Frisbee began to expand into more organized sporting activities, including the creation of "disc golf," using baskets on trees instead of poles in the ground, with the first disc golf course located in California. In 1974, Wham-O, a frisbee company, wanted to open a second disc golf course on the East Coast. James B. Powers, Jr., a Philadelphian who was involved nationally with the promotion of disc sports, presented an idea to Fairmount Park Commission, which agreed to locate a disc golf course in Sedgeley Woods.
Jim Powers designed a course with 18 seperate holes and 1 practice tee. Wham-O donated 19 baskets, and the second oldest golf course in the United States opened in 1978. Now, in 1995, over 200 people a week from all parts of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley venture to Sedgeley Woods Disc Golf Course. Jim Powers also created the Mid-Atlantic Disc Club; through his efforts, the club now consists of over 1000 members and has over 100 tournaments a year.

Mr. Powers' efforts also led to the creation of the Friends of Sedgeley Woods, which works with Smith Playground, Strawberry Mansion Driving Range, Friends of East Park, and Young Friends of Fairmount Park to maintain this area on the edge of North Philadelphia, as a safe and user-friendly haven for all city residents.

On Sunday, April 30, 1995, the Friends of Sedgeley Woods and the Mid-Atlantic Disc Club, will host a Professional and Amateur Disc Golf Tournament, the "Powers Ovation," at Sedgeley Woods in Farimount Park.

It is fitting and appropriate, therefore, that the City of Philadelphia officially recognize with this citation

JAMES B. POWERS, JR.
and join with the members of Sedgeley Woods and MADC in recognizing the many contributions he has made for disc golf and the sports world.

Edward G. Rendell
Mayor
April 30, 1995