Midsomer Norton Putting With A Bang
THE BRIEF
UrbanCrazy was commissioned to undertake works as a turnkey solution, removing the existing playground area outside Dragonfly Leisure Centre in Midsomer Norton and replace it with an 18-hole, enclosed, adventure golf course, highlighting the Somerset mining history including references to the town and the nearby Radstock Museum. The brief included requirements such as lighting for night time play, SFX and to be fully DDA compliant, as well as being able to host BMGA (British MiniGolf Association) tournaments and events.
Plans
A large amount of planning was required for this site with significant consideration of the natural environment with regards to bat protection, planting and arboriculture plans being of key importance. The inspiration for the theming of the course was to give visitors a chance to walk through a Victorian mining town, from the mine gates to a Victorian school, as well as canals, a real-life barge feature and a pub too.
Our Work
A lot of sand and contaminated ground had to be removed from site, whilst protecting the trees. A good foundation with drainage was put in place and the holes were built using UrbanCrazy’s exclusive bull-nosed borders blocks. Sustainable, reclaimed timber carvings were used for props, along with our concrete artists forming solid features, as well as featuring authentic Victoriana. Our artists brought the features to life and our 2-part wetpour pathways made the walk between the holes and the plants aesthetically pleasing as well as practical. At the beginning of each hole, we installed tee markers with information about the feature and what it represented, this was accompanies by QR codes allowing people to find out more information from our client’s website. This is a very popular feature for school groups to learn more about their local area in a fun and engaging way.
The Results
The course was an instant hit immediately getting large numbers coming through the door. UrbanCrazy, together with Dragonfly Leisure held a BMGA event there in the course first season. Spinner wheels at the start of each hole add extra excitement with further challenges meaning every game can result in a different experience. As well as the barge feature, the mineshaft hole has also become iconic for its SFX. Players at the start of this hole are invited to push down on a plunger that then triggers a spark with explosive results.
And Finally...
The course held its first tournament with the UrbanCrazy MiniGolf Masters taking place in association with the BMGA, less than six months after opening. Despite the three back-to-back thunderstorms and the biblical heavy rain that descended on the course, spirits could not be dampened, and three rounds of intense putting ensued. Murray Thompson was the eventual winner, battling the elements and other players for first place.
