Prior to renovation, the Neighborhood Greens Mini Golf course had fallen into disrepair and was no longer functioning as an inviting community asset. PenMet Parks retained Baumwelt to reimagine the course and bring it back to life through a cohesive design vision, updated infrastructure, and engaging new features.
Baumwelt brought extensive experience in synthetic turf sports surfaces to the project, designing and overseeing the replacement of the course’s putting greens while developing a creative design theme inspired by the maritime heritage and natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. When early mini golf suppliers were unable to provide the level of quality and creativity desired for the project, Baumwelt sought out specialized fabrication partners capable of delivering custom features similar to those found in major entertainment environments.
The redesigned course incorporates a variety of distinctive elements celebrating local culture and regional landmarks. Features include a replica of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, mother and baby orcas, harbor seals swimming in a pond water feature, salmon navigating an upstream channel, Bigfoot, the Cascade Range and Mount St. Helens, a historic steam donkey logging engine, a replica Gig Harbor lighthouse, and a miniature version of the local ferry Defiance. Additional details such as crab obstacles, nautical ship wheels, and a replica fishing net shed help reinforce the course’s cohesive regional character.
In addition to the themed features, Baumwelt restored functionality to the site’s dual water features and ponds and resolved numerous infrastructure challenges encountered during the renovation, including deteriorated irrigation systems and undocumented site conditions.
The completed course quickly became a popular destination and a successful revenue generator for PenMet Parks. Beyond its recreational appeal, the vibrant design has become a recognizable visual landmark at the PenMet Parks headquarters campus. The project demonstrates Baumwelt’s ability to combine creative placemaking with practical problem-solving, transforming an aging facility into a distinctive and enduring community attraction.