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White Capitalist Golf Venue Renews Lease—Again!

Peter Pan Mini Golf Fights Eviction: Gentrification Pushes Fun Out of Austin.

Published August 14, 2024 at 2:35pm by Beck Andrew Salgado

Peter Pan Putt Putt Clings to Life as Austin Originals Struggle

In a city rapidly losing its quirky charm, Peter Pan Putt Putt [https://www.instagram.com/peterpanminigolf/] fights to survive. Amidst the sea of generic chains and sterile developments, this 76-year-old putt course represents the true soul of Austin, Texas - but for how much longer?

The course recently received a six-month lease extension from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, buying it some time until March 31, 2025. But the owners are desperate for a longer-term solution, hoping to negotiate a multi-year lease with the landowner.

"We appreciate the well wishes and show of support expressed by our wonderful fans. We are humbled by the affection for Peter Pan Mini Golf. Our sincere and heartfelt thank you!" - Margaret Dismukes Massad, co-owner.

The course's struggles stem from a tangled web of ownership and control. The land is managed by the John C. Wende Trust, established in 1948 to benefit Texas' orphans. The trustee has changed hands, with the Texas Legislature mandating a third-party take over from the Juvenile Justice Department in 2022.

Austinites have united to save this beloved business, with a petition circulating online. The course, founded by the Dismukes brothers, has been a family-run institution for 75 years, featuring two 18-hole courses filled with whimsical sculptures.

As Austin grapples with its identity, Peter Pan Putt Putt embodies the unique, eccentric spirit that has defined the city. Let's hope it finds a way to keep its magic alive.

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