Commissioners table Mingo Park mini‑golf vote after residents warn it would harm trails and habitat

The Washington County Board of Commissioners on May 7 unanimously moved to table a decision on a proposed mini‑golf course at Mingo Park after several residents and organized user groups urged the board to reconsider.

"I just believe that that is not the space for it," said a long‑time Mingo Park user, who described hiking and equestrian use on the park’s trails and asked the board to look for an alternate site. Bernie Slaika, who told commissioners he hikes the park several times a month, called it “one of the few pristine natural areas in this county” and said a miniature golf installation would be an unnecessary long‑term maintenance expense.

Nina Bealar, who identified herself as a member of the local dog‑tracking community, said volunteers use a field known to them as "Beginner's Hill" for training dogs and take care to avoid disturbing wildlife. "I hate to see something this big come in and ruin a good area of the park," she told the commissioners.

Chairman Sherman told the audience the board had received a large number of calls and emails on the item and said the three commissioners decided to table the vote: "At this time, we are going to be tabling the vote today till further discussion on the Mingo Creek Mini Golf Course," he said. The board took a formal roll‑call to table the section and recorded the motion.

The proposal had drawn both praise and concern in initial outreach; commissioners said they would gather more information and, if warranted, conduct a poll of residents before proceeding. Commissioner Larry Maggi noted the sheriff's office regularly patrols the park and praised law enforcement for helping make the park safe, but he also encouraged further scrutiny of proposed changes to public lands.

What happens next: The item remains on the agenda for later discussion and the commissioners said they would provide additional information to the public and revisit the question after further review and outreach.