Miniature Golf and Bettering the Community – Part 4
19 Dec 2016 at 16:39 | Published by: PatPenguin | Views: 15885 | News search
Longest Hole (Photo by Bonnie Von Holland)
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One of the best aspects of minigolf as a sport is its ability to cater to a diverse crowd and put everyone on a level playing field. It's one of the few sports where everyone regardless of sex or age can compete against each other. This also extends to persons with disabilities. There are many minigolf courses, especially those of the MOS style, that are handicapped accessible for all or part of the course. While we've featured other events that supported causes that benefit the handicapped, part 4 of our minigolf in community series takes a look at one miniature golf course built specifically with the handicapped in mind.
The Miracle League of Sioux City (Iowa, USA) complex includes a miniature golf course, baseball field, splash pad, playground, concessions/restroom, music park and walking path. The $1.6 million (1.5 million EUR) complex started to evolve just three years ago. While there is a lot to do at the complex, we're focusing on the minigolf course. The goal of the course was to provide a place where children in wheel chairs and walkers can enjoy miniature golf as there are not many handicapped accessible courses in their area. This last hole (#9) is 222 ft. 4 inches long and is looking to qualify at the longest minigolf hole in the world with the Guinness Book of World Records. It is one that kids can whack the ball and send it flying, and they have seen children laugh and “run” down the hole with their wheelchair or walker. This course is tucked in a unique spot on the complex, using the natural flow of the property. There are many shade trees that the course is designed around, providing a natural shade structure. The holes are designed without obstacles for obvious reasons when designing a course for children with special needs. Every hole is 6 feet wide, providing enough space for a wheelchair to navigate the areas.
They estimate usage of the course to be about 1,000 people in a year, looking to double it with tournaments and other publicity. Everything that is provided in The Miracle League complex is free to the public, including the minigolf course. So the kids don’t pay anything to play. This is yet another great example of how our sport reaches beyond the boundaries of competition and helps make our world a better place.
If you are interested in supporting the Miracle League's efforts you can do so on their donation page. Their Facebook Page and Website are also linked to below. » Miracle League of Sioux City » Miracle League of Sioux City Facebook
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