Get ready to grab your putters and unleash your wild side—Micke Grove Regional Park’s brand-new zoo-themed mini golf course officially has a name, and it’s AWESOME. After weeks of imagination, creativity, and dozens of clever ideas from local students, San Joaquin County has crowned the winners of its Mini Golf Naming Contest… and the results are pure safari-themed perfection.
Introducing the future fan favorite:
FunTown Safari Miniature Golf!
This playful, energetic name is the brilliant combination of two student submissions:
- “Fun Safari Mini Golf” by Natalia Ruiz Duran of Leroy Nichols Elementary in Lodi
- “FunTown Miniature Golf” by Grace Gianelli of Venture Academy in Stockton
Together, their ideas brought the perfect mix of nostalgia, fun, and adventure—paying homage to the whimsical spirit of Micke Grove’s historic FunTown Amusement Park while tying in the excitement of the beloved Micke Grove Zoo.
⭐ Runners-Up Who Brought the Creativity
Two more students earned recognition for their imaginative submissions:
- 1st Runners-Up: Everly Compton (Lodi) & Javier Ruiz (Stockton) with “Swinging Safari”
- 2nd Runner-Up: Violet Weidman (Ripon) with “The Putting Zoo”
50 students from across San Joaquin County joined the contest, proving once again that our community is bursting with talent and excitement for local parks and recreation.
What Will FunTown Safari Miniature Golf Include?
This isn’t just a mini golf course—it’s shaping up to be one of the most fun family attractions in the region. The new facility will feature:
- 🐾 A 9-hole kids’ course perfect for little adventurers
- ⛳ A full 18-hole course for older kids, teens, and adults
- 🎉 Reservable event space for birthdays & celebrations
- 🧒 Children’s play zone
- 💦 Water features
- 🎨 Art installations
- …and a whole lot of safari-themed surprises!
Whether you’re a casual putter, a competitive golfer, or just in it for the fun photo ops, FunTown Safari Miniature Golf promises to be a must-visit destination for families across the Valley.
Plan Your Visit
Micke Grove Regional Park…