Last week, my fellow fellows and I completed our first challenge working with the Detroit Collaborative Design Center and a small nonprofit called Bleeding Heart Design. BHD is trying to inspire change in blighted neighborhoods through community-focused art projects. Perhaps the most famous work of the organization thus far is the “We Need” wall located in the Lindale Gardens Community.

The “We Need” wall was very simple in concept—provide a place for residents to identify what they think their community needs. The result? The wall filled up in just a couple of days with answers ranging from money to love to religion. Seeing the wall in person, I couldn’t help but think of what my answer would be. Surely not restaurants/bars as there are plenty of fine options in the city already. Quality housing for sure, but this is actively being worked on. After a few days of thinking, I came to the perfect answer…mini golf.

And not just any ol’ putt-putt course, but a jaw dropping one like those found in Myrtle Beach. Before you dismiss this idea as just plain crazy, hear me out. I think there are some great reasons why a mini-golf course belongs in the city. Consider:

• There are currently no casual, family-fun entertainment options in the city. This would provide families a reason to spend a day in Detroit or a place to hang out before/after sporting events.
• One of the more expensive parts about setting up a course—land—happens to be cheap and plentiful in the city.
• This would create summer jobs for responsible youth—another scarcity in the city.

So who’s ready to join me in this venture? Anyone have Dan Gilbert’s number? I’ll run it if he wants to fund it.

What do you think Detroit needs?

Tom can be reached at thomas.schuelke@challengedetroit.org in case Dan Gilbert (or anyone else) wants to talk mini golf. Or just play a round.