Tucked inside the scenic Lake Front Park in Grosse Pointe Woods is a local favorite that continues to charm residents of all ages—a nautical-themed miniature golf course. Open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this nine-hole gem offers an affordable way to spend a sunny afternoon. For just $2 per person, or $10 for an eight-visit punch pass, it’s one of the best recreational values in the area.
Payments are accepted by cash or check only. All players must check in at the Activities Building office with a valid park pass before teeing off.
Thoughtful Design, Inclusive Experience
The course was designed with accessibility and community fun in mind. All nine holes are handicap-accessible, arranged in a contiguous layout that flows easily for players of all abilities. Themed décor such as a miniature lighthouse centerpiece, dock piling-style scorecard stands, and maritime buoys lends the course a distinctive, playful charm.
Just steps away, the Activities Building provides access to restrooms, snack and beverage machines, and a shaded viewing area—perfect for spectators to kick back while friends and family take a swing.
A Community-Built Success Story
The miniature golf course began as a vision in 2015, when the Grosse Pointe Woods Foundation proposed a new recreational space for the city. What started as an ambitious idea quickly gained momentum thanks to widespread community support and the backing of the City Council.
The goal was simple yet impactful: create a multi-season, inclusive amenity for residents of all ages—one that brought people together through fun, shared activity.
Generosity Behind Every Hole
Financial support for the project poured in from across the community. Major sponsorship from Kevin and Lee Ann Zmyslowski, in memory of their grandson, led to the course being named in his honor.
Additional hole sponsors included:
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A.H. Peters Funeral Home
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Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers
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The Original Pancake House
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Numerous generous local families and individuals
Their contributions reflect Grosse Pointe Woods’ tight-knit culture and the shared value placed on public recreation.
From Vision to City-Owned Reality
On August 3, 2019, the Grosse Pointe Woods Foundation officially gifted the course to the city, marking the end of a years-long journey and the beginning of a treasured community asset. The city then assumed full operational and maintenance responsibilities, keeping the activity affordable and accessible to residents of all backgrounds.
Community Response: Overwhelmingly Positive
The reaction? Instant success. In just its first three months, over 2,500 players enjoyed the nautical-themed fun. And that popularity has only grown, cementing the course as a staple of family entertainment in the community.
This project is a shining example of what happens when public-private partnerships work hand in hand. The result: a space that’s not only fun but fosters connection, pride, and joy for Grosse Pointe Woods families.
Source: gpwmi.us
