Resident proposes low-cost ‘kick golf’ course at War Memorial Park

Bob Hinn told the Little Rock Parks and Recreation Commission he would like to develop a low‑cost “kick golf” (also called “kickoff”) course on roughly 10 acres along Markham at War Memorial Park, and asked the commission for permission to continue planning and modest city support.

Hinn introduced himself as a golf‑course superintendent with 40 years’ experience and described kick golf as a short par‑three format played to flags rather than holes. He said holes average 50 to 75 yards, that the game lowers barriers to entry compared with traditional golf, and that it can accommodate children, seniors and casual players who would not normally use a golf course. Hinn said he previously ran a league at a par‑three course and that the activity drew families and provided low‑cost exercise.

Commissioners asked practical questions about current activity, overlap with other park uses and what city resources would be needed. Hinn said no organized league is active at present and that his plan would rely primarily on volunteer labor and personal equipment; he cited occasional needs such as borrowing a sprayer or small mowers and minimal supplies (flags, T‑markers). He told commissioners the disc‑golf installation near War Memorial occupies a different area and would not block the kickoff layout he envisions.

The presentation did not include a formal cost estimate beyond Hinn’s comment that capital needs would be minimal; he said maintenance would largely be mowing lanes and maintaining one or two acres of higher‑quality turf inside the larger parcel. Hinn offered to draft more detailed plans and has videos and a social‑media presence documenting prior leagues.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the proposal at the meeting; staff and commissioners asked follow‑up questions and indicated they would consider logistics, scheduling, and whether the proposal would fit into existing park plans and maintenance budgets. They also discussed safety, access and possible coordination with ongoing disc‑golf and trail projects in the War Memorial area. The commission asked staff to continue reviewing the idea and indicated they would expect a more detailed proposal and a clear statement of requested city resources before making any formal approval.