By: Ashmar Mandou

It’s time to tee-off! Residents in the North Lawndale community will welcome a new youth-designed, conservation-themed miniature golf course, Douglass 18, which opens to the public on Saturday, Aug. 7th.

“We are excited about the opening of the Douglass 18 golf course,” said Sheila McNary, executive member of the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council. “It will provide a warm, family-friendly place that will offer sports, access to nature, fresh air, and sunshine. The unique design of the course, along with its bird theme, will aid in conservation by raising awareness of the 205 species of birds that migrate to Douglass Park. Douglass 18 will not only improve the quality of life for North Lawndale residents, but also help us build a sense of community where all residents of Chicago can come together to reclaim and share this public space.”

Douglass 18 Miniature Golf Course will be open from May 1 – October 30 annually. Course hours are 8a.m., to 8p.m., Monday – Friday and 9a.m., to 5p.m., on Saturday. The course will be closed Sundays. The cost to play Douglass 18 is $5 per game with certain specials occurring weekly. “Ensuring Chicagoans have access to green space and a chance to connect with nature, both in their neighborhoods and at the zoo itself, is the lifeblood of the zoo’s mission and vision,” said Lisa Hyatt, director of community engagement at Lincoln Park Zoo. “I am in awe of the dedication of the young artists and environmentalists who brought Douglass 18 to life.”

Douglass 18 has been a process in the making that began in 2018 when Lincoln Park Zoo teamed up with community partners to create an opportunity for North Lawndale residents to connect with nature in a fun and interactive way. “Recreational spaces, like the mini-golf course in Douglass Park, are great community assets that can only be enhanced when cultural and natural design elements are incorporated,” said Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. “This project is an example of how leveraging the strengths and expertise of our partners helps uplift those assets to better engage the community and improve our built environment.” Douglass 18 was made possible by a Lincoln Park Zoo supporter who provided a $800,000 gift for the co-created project. To learn more about Lincoln Park Zoo, visit www.lpzoo.org.

Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo