Miniature golf is a classic pastime. It is a great activity for all ages and skill levels, including those who have differing abilities. When designing a miniature golf course, it is very important to design them with ADA compliance in mind.
If you are not very familiar with the ADA standards, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, the team at Miniature Golf Solutions is here to help! Here are a few of the things to keep in mind while designing courses that are ADA-compliant.
Building in Accessibility from the Start
Mini golf course design is a complex process that involves skilled designing, planning, and execution. There are several different types of courses that each have unique considerations and requirements.
When miniature golf courses are being designed, accessibility must be built in from the start. It is nearly impossible to retrofit an existing course design to make it accessible.
This begins by mapping out accessible entry points. Be sure to remove barriers such as uneven walking paths or narrow bridges and water features. The end result? People of all abilities can enjoy the course!
Creating Accessible Paths
One of the most important components of an ADA-compliant mini golf course design is accessible paths. The paths to the course, from the course and between the holes should accommodate people with various disabilities.
With this in mind, ensure that paths are wide enough and free of steps and steep slopes to accommodate wheelchairs. Leave plenty of room to maneuver, allowing players to get into the perfect position to hit that hole in one!
Designing Accessible Start-of-Play Areas
A great game of mini golf begins with a stunning visual experience. When we’re designing a course, we ensure that the start-of-play space has plenty of visual appeal, but also make sure that there is ample room for players to tee off safely.
Following ADA Guidelines
An ADA-compliant minigolf course design is about more than just building accessible paths and start-of-play areas. Additional considerations include course configuration, ramp slopes, and alternate routes for players to take if they are unable to use steps, navigate, or walk into narrow tunnels.
Incorporating ADA Compliance into the Overall Design
We’ve all seen what ADA compliance as an afterthought looks like: an ugly railing, a ramp that takes players away from their teams, and other accommodations that were clearly not implemented with care and attention to detail. Miniature Golf Solutions strives to incorporate accessibility into the overall minigolf course design so that these elements blend in and become a natural part of the course. This makes it easy for players to enjoy a full sensory experience at the facilities they visit.
Minigolf course design is a complex process that requires skill and care, especially when designing for ADA compliance. But when it’s done right, the end result is a course that can easily be enjoyed by everyone.