Pittsburgh Innovation District to offer free mini golf starting Thursday

PITTSBURGH — A new attraction will be coming to Oakland for those who need practice before hitting the links this spring.

The “Oakland Open” will be a free and public nine-hole pop-up miniature golf course that will be coming to the Pittsburgh Innovation District, according to a news release.

The course will be located in the one-block section of Oakland Avenue that is closed to traffic, just south of Forbes Avenue.

“This is our latest investment in Oakland to continue to make it a fun and engaging destination for Pittsburghers and out-of-towners alike,” said Sean Luther, executive director of InnovatePGH, which runs the Pittsburgh Innovation District. “As we all hope for positive changes in the weather and in the COVID-19 outlook going into the spring, the Oakland Open will be the perfect way to safely gather with friends and family outside and enjoy all that the Pittsburgh Innovation District has to offer — food, drink, green space, culture and, now, mini golf.”

Oakland Open is expected to open mid-March and will remain open through April or potentially longer, based on public response. The course will run Thursday to Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 - 5 p.m., with the option of expanding its operating hours based on demand. It may move to a new Oakland location after its initial run.

The course will also highlight local businesses in the neighborhood, and scorecards will offer players special discounts at nearby establishments, the release states.

“The Oakland Open is intended to be a destination for all Pittsburghers and will support local businesses as they continue to manage through the COVID era,” said Georgia Petropoulos, executive director of the Oakland Business Improvement District. “Mini golf here is a great opportunity to showcase the diversity of businesses — and more — in Oakland in a safe way while celebrating the start of spring.”

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Cox Media Group