A new compact miniature golf course – Dinky Links – is now open through June 30 at the Milwaukee Public Market.
It’s in the spot where the Dinky Rink, the area’s smallest ice rink, was at the Market this winter. And the transformation has taken months, Paige Hammond, marketing and communications manager of the Milwaukee Public Market, says.
The five-hole course and practice green is part of a collaboration with the local charity First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin – a youth development organization that empowers kids and teens through golf.
Hammond said that as the weather got warmer, their Milwaukee Public Market team wanted to make sure they were still creating a unique place to bring the community together. “We wanted to also partner with a local charity, and it all came together really, really well where we can offer the community something to do outside that also supports a charity.”
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The facilities teams at the Milwaukee Public Market built the entire practice green and course. It has fun and unique elements, like an antique ball cleaner, that took months to pull together.
David Cohn, executive director of First Tees – Southeast Wisconsin, said that the Milwaukee Public Market reached out to their organization to see if they would be a partner and a beneficiary with Dinky Links.
“[The Milwaukee Public Market] was looking for an organization that works with kids and golf, and we happen to fit that description,” Cohn said. “We had a really good conversation about our impact locally, and they thought we would be a good fit for using that space for support.”
The funds received from Dinky Links go to help support the First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin’s work at Noyes Park Golf Course.
“When kids are looking for a great place to play and practice, Noyes is a great place to go. And with our work, all kids can play for free this summer,” Cohn says.
Cohn shared that his hope is that the Dinky Links space will be an opportunity to give kids an experience in whatever way they choose to play.
“Giving that to the Public Market gives kids a chance to play, and that’s where we really see the love and appreciation for the game start,” Cohn says. “It also gets adults introduced to First Tee, our name and the work we do.”
Participants must register in advance due to limited availability. Upon arrival participants must make a $20 donation to First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin, which guarantees a 60-minute session for up to 15 people.
