Downtown Kingston begins summer celebrations with mini golf course

Downtown Kingston is getting ready for a fun-filled summer of events, activities, and programs for locals and visitors to enjoy.

As part of these plans, Sydenham Street between Princess and Queen will be transformed into a safe, walkable community space, with the first of many installations going in this week. Kingston Mini Putt, an 18-hole mini-putt, will open to the public this Friday, May 19, 2023, at 10 a.m., the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Area (BIA) stated in a media release. 

“Post COVID, there has been a real desire in downtown cores across North America to create safe and engaging outdoor community spaces that are pedestrian-friendly,” said Marijo Cuerrier, Executive Director of the Downtown Kingston BIA. “When the road was upgraded a number of years ago, bollards and interlocking brick were installed with the intention that the street would be regularly closed for pedestrian-only events.” 

This past winter, the Downtown Kingston BIA earmarked Sydenham Street as an ideal location to pilot a summer-long community space activation, according to the release. In the spring Dan Rittwage, the owner of Kingston Mini Putt was looking for a space for a new entrepreneurial adventure for him and his partner, Sherry, and was connected with the BIA.  

“It was a happy accident! It is a great fit for the area and a nice complement to the other activities we have planned,” Cuerrier expressed. 

In addition to the mini-putt golf course, the BIA noted that plans are underway for a sitting area, complete with bistro tables, chairs and umbrellas, and a designated play area for young children. There will also be a small stage for live entertainment, including the popular Silly Sounds on Sydenham, kids’ musical entertainment every Saturday morning at 10 a.m., and Sounds on Sydenham, performances by local singer-songwriters at 1 p.m. 

“We loved the BIA’s plan of creating a community gathering space on Sydenham,” said Rittwage. “Our business just happened to fit in perfectly. We are really looking forward to meeting people in the community and helping make it a big success.” 

Mini putt will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. until September. Admission prices are $9 for adults, $8 for students aged 12-17, and $7 for youth aged 4 to 11. Children aged 1 to 3 are free.