Up on Oakland Avenue and Clay, it looks like seven vacant lots in the city of Detroit are about to be turned into a miniature golf course.
There’s a crowdfunding campaign that was launched Thursday to raise the final $5,000 required for 4Ward Phoenix Miniature Golf, described as a safe and secure 18-hole mini golf course with ample parking, lighting and benches. If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $5,000 by January 16, 2017.
Who is putting this thing together is a bit unique. The North End Neighborhood’s patrol youth group, 4Ward Phoenix, has been learning how to run a business with the hope of creating a mini putt-putt space.
Ward Phoenix Miniature Golf will be a space that is powered by a youth group that’s been in class for three years learning about how to run a business hands-on (with adult supervision). They’ve already received a grant from the city of Detroit, so the crowdfunding is the final piece of the puzzle.
The project will include:
- 18-hole mini golf course
- A green space to replace the seven vacant lots
- Fencing to enclose the space and keep it safe and secure
- Solar powered lighting to be energy efficient and green
- Benches and landscaping
- Ample and safe parking that will not disrupt street traffic flow
“This Mini-Golf is important to our 4Ward Phoenix youth. Students are creating this putt-putt to implement their professional skills from their classes. Crowdfunding is a great display of the faith and support individuals have for their specific goals. The most powerful tool is to know that someone is interested in your success by donating toward your cause,” said group organizer Phillis Judkins. “Engagement for local families, businesses and organizations is just one of the many thing this miniature golf will support. And for the students, having an entire community behind them, donating to their success is empowering and irreplaceable.”
The crowdfunding is through the platform Patronicity, with support form the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). If you’re interesting in contributing, the link is here. All donations for the project are tax-deductible.
