Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
A miniature golf course in the middle of the Kansas prairie has opened over the weekend near Andover. The 18-hole course, which owners Kelli and Todd Miller promise to expand later on, dons a National Park theme, complete with animal and environmental detail.
Mega Pines Mini Golf has been in development since last May and came to fruition with a grand opening on May 4. The Millers said that the grand opening was a huge success – pulling in customers minutes before opening until a few minutes after closing time. The entrepreneurial couple also owns Snoasis mobile shaved ice stand and Rose Hill Strike Zone batting cages.
The mini golf course is a one-of-a-kind course that takes putters through different National Parks one put at a time. Each hole is designed after a different park, complete with life-like animal statues and environmental and landscape changes. The Millers filled space between the holes with freshly shaved wood chips that take you into the red woods and even planted three real red wood trees to truly immerse putters.
As putters make their way through the course, they learn facts about each park and even the animals. Some historical figures can also be seen along the way, such as Theordore Roosevelt and Lewis and Clark.
Before Mega Pines was a thought, the Millers rented out a mobile mini golf course – which got Kelli to thinking that a permanent course would really serve a need in the Butler County community. Her goal was to open a destination miniature golf course to take travelers and residents off the highway and into nature to enjoy time with family, friends and the fresh outdoor air.
The course is located just east of Andover on 14 acres of land that incorporates the natural Kansas landscape into the park. Aside from the mini golf offered, there are larger than life yard games available for play and other items for children such as playhouses, disc golf and more. A unique feature is gelly ball that’s available to rent. Gelly ball combines paintball with the gel-like orbeez balls. The same fun with less pain and punch so all ages can enjoy it.
Later installations of the park will include an 18-hole American History themed outdoor course, and an indoor 9-hole course centered around a Kansas theme.
Mega Pines Mini Golf is located at 1802 SW Highway 54 in Andover and is officially open for fun. Due to both owners being school teachers, the course is open for limited hours during the school year. Until school is out, the course is open Monday-Friday, 4pm-8pm, on the weekends in May from 10am-8pm. Once school is finished for the year, the course will be open Monday-Friday from 10am-10pm, or later for special events and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00am-8:00 pm. For pricing and more information, visit https://www.megapinesgolf.com.
