A climate crisis-themed mini-golf course in Williamsburg

Whale carcasses, polar bears, energy-efficient buildings, windmills and oysters, and the Manhattan skyline (the real thing): they are all protagonists of Putting Green, a new mini-golf course, located near (but not connected to) Domino Park in Brooklyn, entirely dedicated to the challenges of the current climate crisis, and its future scenarios. The Williamsburg community was an active actor of the site development, which took six months from conception to opening. Local organizations, designers, artists, groups, and schools designed 18 different holes.  

Each hole addresses to a different topic, including animal habitat, energy, instrastructures and emissions. “Climate change is getting more intense by the season and it's everyone's responsibility to do what they can to minimize their impacts to the environment. That starts with education”, says Mike Lampariello, Director of Domino Park. “So we developed this course to help raise awareness about the issues facing our very own community and beyond, while also being family-friendly”.

The structure was created as much sustainable as possible. For example, all the curbing surrounding the holes is made of 100% recycled tires, and the plants in and around the course were selected for their native habitat qualities. The idea is that while you play, you're still learning something about the planet, and how to make it a better place. “The educational aspect of Putting Green is a crucial feature of its design”, Lampariello says. 

Many are the local topics on display here. You'll find projected impacts of sea level on the Manhattan shoreline in the next years. There's also a hole dedicated to oysters, natural water filters almost disappeared in New York because of the pollution: they could be repopulated to protect against coastal danger and to enhance the ecosystem. “The 13th hole features compost made locally at Domino Park, and serves as a reminder to guests of the value of composting in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions", comments Lampariello. “The conversation around climate change can often be cheerless, so a place like this, which is both educational and enjoyable, is significant in that it takes a uniquely appealing approach to raising public awareness for a crucial issue”.

The project was developed by New York-based real estate firm Two Trees Development, founded back in 1968 and recently involved also in the opening of the almost adjacent River Street Farm Collective, a 25,000 square foot space dedicated to sustainable farming, composting, research, and education.  Putting Green's profits will be donated to local organizations addressing climate change in New York City.