holes and greens had to be changed. Fortunately, Ed Collins had a computer program that could lengthen and shorten connections between holes and readjust the planned angles without destroying the 12:1 ratio.

Once the technicalities were accomplished, the committee was faced with planning the design theme of the 18-hole course. They brainstormed about the likes and dislikes of miniature golf players and who they wanted to attract. They called supply companies, read catalogues and considered approximately 30 ideas. Each idea was evaluated as to whether it could be accomplished as a practical matter and without enormous financial outlay. The committee kept coming back to two main themes: historical events and the unique qualities of area towns. In order to come up with the desired 18 holes, they decided to merge history and geography and focus on the individual towns in a 40-mile radius around Macomb and the landmarks of those towns. There were many contacts with different towns to discuss landmarks.

Park District staff built most of the structures that were to be on the course, but there was also community support. Macomb High School shop students built a replica of Sherman Hall, one of the first buildings on the Western Illinois University campus, located in Macomb. They also built a replica of the McDonough County Courthouse, located in the center of the Macomb business district Among other holes, there is a Mississippi riverboat and a tunnel representing the early days of the underground railroad. The committee also created what they refer to as the regional advertising hole where the decorations are changed to represent area special events occurring throughout the spring and summer seasons, such as a hot air balloon festival and the annual town festivals.

Improvements were constantly being made during construction. The concrete path throughout the course was poured so as to avoid lips between the concrete and other areas to insure smooth wheelchair access. Park District staff checked this by sitting in wheelchairs and maneuvering through the course.

Lamoine Valley Special Recreation Association clients also tested the course prior to opening. They discovered that, while many obstacles had been removed, one remained. There was no easy way to get a golf ball out of a hole after play. The committee ultimately created a solution: they attached suction cups to the handles of the putters which could easily be inserted into a hole to retrieve a ball.

Perhaps the most ingenious idea was the solution used to allow wheelchair access to the greens. Edging was necessary around the perimeter of each hole to keep golf balls in the area, but that same edging was the main barrier to easy use of wheelchairs. Guided by the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the committee "invented" a gateway edging. One of the edges at each hole was attached like a gate on a hinge. To enter and exit each hole, the golfer places his or her putter in a hole in the board and swings it open for wheel chair access.

The new course has been well received by all local residents, including Senior Olympians and people with physical disabilities. It has also been financially successful. Even during the flooding rains of 1993, this outdoor, weather-dependent facility generated enough income to meet all expenses. The committee, not willing to rest on past success, is in the process of discussing making the golf course accessible to people with visual impairments. Judging by their achievements thus far, it seems likely that they will soon meet this goal.

Gayle Tronvig Carper is the Board Attorney for the Macomb Park District and an Associate Professor in the Law Enforcement Department at Western Illinois University. *

Illinois Parks & Recreation * May/June 1994 • 21