Joey Schmit and Pete Karl Honored with MoorHeart Award!

Congratulations to Joey Schmit and Pete Karl! On Monday, April 13, the Moorhead City Council and Mayor Shelly Carlson presented them with the MoorHeart award.

Back in 2023, the Recreation Department began connecting with local disc golf enthusiasts about improving the course. Joey Schmit quickly emerged as a standout volunteer, and what started as a discussion about small repairs soon grew into a full redesign.

With support from the Park Advisory Board in 2024, course designer Pete Karl joined the project. Over the next year, Joey and Pete partnered with Recreation and Public Works staff to finalize a brand-new layout. Renovation work kicked off in September 2025.

Today, the course features an updated 18‑hole design with alternate basket placements, new tee pads and baskets, refreshed signage, and enhanced landscaping.

This free community amenity continues to draw families, college students, and disc golf fans from across the metro—and we’re excited for everyone to enjoy the improved experience!

Recreation Director Sean Brandenburg wrote in the nomination: “This transformation would not have been possible without the dedication of Joey and Pete. They volunteered countless hours, often on evening and weekends to ensure the project stayed within budget while delivering a high-quality, inclusive, and safe recreational experience for the community.”

The City of Moorhead thanks Joey and Pete for this contribution to Moorhead. Their dedication to improving one of our park’s biggest attractions makes Moorhead a better place. Thank you, Joey and Pete!

The MoorHeart award is commemorated with a piece of art commissioned from local artist, Dennis Krull especially for this purpose.

As you learn of others in our community doing great things, large and small, please consider submitting a nomination. Information on nominating others for MoorHeart consideration is found at our Awards and Recognition page of the website.