The why

The goal is to give the Palmerston North and Manawatu community a high quality and fun family activity creating minimal disturbance to the existing amenities. Additionally, the facility should be accessible to all in our community. Thus, special emphasis in the design makes 9 holes in the course accessible to those with disabilities.

Venue

The mini golf facility is being constructed on PNCC land within the Victoria Esplanade, backing onto the Manawatu Hockey Association complex and facing towards the children’s playground.

Suitable lease arrangements with the PNCC have been completed and the Lions Mini Golf committee acknowledge the support of Mayor Grant Smith. The course comprises approximately 1038 sq. m. and incorporates 18 holes.

Planning

A small but enthusiastic group from the Lions Club of Middle Districts planned over several years for the construction of a Lions Mini Golf - Palmy facility. Since then, considerable time has been invested meeting with a wide range of stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, local body staff, professional service providers, specialized geo- engineering consultants, and potential construction and funding partners. This work advanced the project where in 2021 final plans were completed, the appropriate resource consent granted and fundraising commenced.

During concept design, professionals were contracted and visits made to well-regarded mini-golf facilities throughout the North Island to capture key learnings in course design, layout and construction.

The facility has an open area and seating for visitors aiming for a light environmental impact, as demonstrated by the retention of most existing trees around the facility.

Long-term viability of the facility is an important consideration. Our objective is to ensure that the Lions Mini Golf at The Esplanade is built to a high standard of workmanship using quality materials that will be maintained to the highest level.

Included in the design is a kiosk from which the club will be able to sell refreshments (drinks and packaged ice-creams etc).

Funding

The Lions Mini Golf facility will be funded by the Lions Club of Middle Districts Charitable Trust through public donations and sponsorship and built with the cooperation of, and assistance from the business community of Palmerston North.  The project was budgeted to cost in excess of $350,000.

Pricing to use the facility is to be affordable for family participation and it is anticipated being able to accommodate 80 plus people per hour.

Sponsors

By early 2022, through the generosity of sponsors and donors and some underwriting from club members there were sufficient funds in the Trust to commence the project.

The Lions Mini Golf Committee acknowledges the generous and spontaneous support of the local business sector and building sectors and sponsors and donors supporting this project.

Our Club

A little about the local Lions Club behind this initiative. The Lions Club of Middle Districts was chartered on 15th February 1969 with 30 members. This club is the largest Lions Club in Palmerston North, with over 50 active and enthusiastic members. The club members are volunteers who bring lifetime skills and expertise in many different areas across the private and public sectors in our community.

Ownership & Proceeds

The facility is owned and operated by the Lions Club of Middle Districts Charitable Trust which is the Charitable arm of the Lions Club of Middle Districts Inc. 

The Lions Club of Middle Districts Charitable Trust will distribute all NET proceeds to local worthy causes, in line with charitable purposes outline in the Trust Deed.  A formal grant application and approval procedure has been developed to ensure robust assessment of each application leading to a fair and consistent way to offer support to those who request it.

Esplanade

The Victoria Esplanade in Palmerston North is an outstanding facility focusing on the positive reinforcement of a family environment which is safe and open for all. During recent years, the Victoria Esplanade has been considerably enhanced with the construction of bush walks, cycle tracks, a playground, junior road safety park, the ever-popular Scenic Railway, and in 2017 Wildbase Recovery Centre all of which recongnises the Palmerston North City Council’s (PNCC) desire to further enhance this wonderful facility.

Blessing

On 17^th January 2022 following a formal blessing from Wiremu Te Awe Awe (local Kaumatua), the first sod was turned by Mayor Grant Smith, signalling the commencement of earth works preparing the ground, and installing drainage and electrical cabling prior to building the course.    

Maintenance

A detailed maintenance plan has been formulated to ensure the facility is always presented in first-class condition. We fully expect the Lions Mini Golf - Palmy to become a multi-generational attraction enjoyed by both local residents and visitors to our wonderful city for many years to come.