Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
Andover’s future mini golf course, Mega Pines, was presented with an Attraction Development grant by Kansas State Tourism that totaled $50,000 on Friday, December 6.
“By supporting our local attractions with these grants, we are able to create transformative experiences that draw more out-of-state visitors and enhance the quality of life for local residents,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said in a press release. “Our goal is to amplify the unique aspects of all regions of Kansas, ensuring each attraction serves as a powerful catalyst for economic development and community pride.”
Owned by Augusta residents Kelli and Todd Miller, who also Snoasis mobile shaved ice stand and Rose Hill Strike Zone batting cages, Mega Pines is a one-of-a-kind miniature golf course set to open east of Andover in May 2025. Mega Pines originally began as a traveling mini golf course that the Millers would rent out to groups who wanted to add a little outdoor fun to their event. While customers enjoyed the rentable course, Kelli thought a permanent course would add a lot more family fun and tourism to Butler County.
Kelli promises the course to be fun for the whole family, donning 18 National Park themed outdoor holes chock full of education-infused fun as the first installation. Later installations will include 18 American History themed outdoor holes, and an indoor 9-hole course centered around Kansas. Mega Pines is located just east of Andover on 14 acres, incorporating the Kansas landscape into the course.
As the Millers are on par to open in May, a big expense is the course itself. The course is unlike regular mini golf courses in which it will be weather permeable, allowing water to flow freely throughout the course itself, allowing a longer life for the course. Made in Michigan by Adventure Golf & Sports headquartered out of Traverse City, the course will take time to complete and ship.
The grant the duo received will go towards the expense. The Kansas Tourism team visited Mega Pines on Friday to present the check. A total of $401,067 was awarded to 13 organizations this round.
“This is a very limited grant, and we have some limitations on how we can give out the funds,” said Bridgette Jobe, Director of Kansas Tourism. “But we really like the project.. We want our (Kansas) visitors to stay an extra day and to have a reason to come back and stay longer.”
Although the course won’t be ready until May, Mega Pines is already open for family fun this winter. The location boasts a large variety of yard games, inflatable courses that include a 36-foot slide, playground, and a new activity, GellyBall. GellyBall is similar to paintball but uses water gel beads that are soft and don’t hurt upon impact of the body. The Augusta Lions Club is also selling Christmas trees at Mega Pines in addition to the already full gift shop that is overflowing with local youth entrepreneur crafts and souvenirs.
Mega Pines is located at 1802 SW Highway 54 in Andover and is open for winter fun Monday-Friday, 4:00-8:00pm and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00am-8:00 pm. Inflatables are not available Monday-Thursday unless a group reservation is made ahead of time. For pricing and more information, visit https://www.megapinesgolf.com.
