A repeated rain of golf balls plague these Minneapolis neighbors

Residents near Hiawatha Golf Course in Minneapolis experience significant property damage from errant golf balls, particularly from the fourth hole. In response, the Park Board has proposed a redesign that will reduce the course from 18 holes to 9 to enhance the ecological balance with Lake Hiawatha. Neighbors worry that their concerns about safety and property damage may not be prioritized during the redesign process. Previous measures by former golf director Larry Umphrey to move the tees further away from homes temporarily reduced the problem, but golfers later reverted the changes. Rice, a Park Board lawyer, emphasized that the board does not bear liability for damages caused by errant shots.

The redesign aims to satisfy diverse park users, including Black golfers seeking historical recognition and Native American activists focused on lake cleanup. Residents hope the redesign will alleviate their ongoing issues, but skepticism remains about the responsiveness of park officials. This situation highlights the tension between recreational use and community safety in urban park management.