Full Breakdown
Cincinnati Plans Temporary Mini-Golf Course at The Banks
7/3/2026, 4:00:28 PM
New Mini-Golf Installation at The Banks: Core Details
Cincinnati officials announced a proposal to install a temporary mini-golf course on the Lot 18 site at 55 E. Freedom Way. The project would be a three-year, lease-based installation located in front of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, where the former Skystar Wheel once stood. The city, Hamilton County and the Freedom Center would partner with real-estate firm Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate to develop the attraction while the long-term Banks Master Plan proceeds.
Context: The Banks Development and Master Plan
The Banks is a mixed-use entertainment district along the Ohio River that has hosted restaurants, a concert venue, a Ferris wheel and other family-oriented amenities. The district’s Master Plan, updated in recent years, calls for additional “activation” of underused spaces to sustain visitor traffic and support surrounding cultural institutions. The proposed mini-golf course is presented as a short-term fill-in that aligns with the plan’s goal of expanding family-friendly options.
Principal Stakeholders
- Mayor Aftab Pureval – City of Cincinnati’s chief executive.
- Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate – Private developer partnering on the lease.
- Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas – County official supporting the project.
- Woodrow Keown Jr. – President and COO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – Museum adjacent to the site, slated to receive financial benefits from the lease.
Timeline of Key Actions
- Thursday (announcement) – City and partners publicly reveal the mini-golf proposal.
- July 17 – Planning Commission scheduled to consider the lease agreement.
- Post-July 17 – City Council must vote to approve the lease before construction can begin.
Lease Terms and Site Details
The agreement outlines a three-year lease for Lot 18, a grassy parcel currently displaying the “Sing the Queen City” sign. The site sits directly opposite the Roebling Bridge and the Freedom Center, offering visibility to riverfront pedestrians. Financial terms include a commitment to generate revenue for the Freedom Center during the lease period, though exact figures were not disclosed.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Pureval described the project as an “exciting way to bring even more life and activation to the Banks” and emphasized its potential benefit to local residents and organizations. Jeff Anderson highlighted the course as a “family-friendly addition to the entertainment offerings.” Woodrow Keown Jr. framed the venture as evidence of the value of public-private partnerships for community benefit. Hamilton County Commission President Dumas called the attraction “family-friendly” and said it would “bring people together and create new energy along The Banks.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources present a consistent description of the proposal; no dissenting opinions or alternative figures were reported. Specific financial projections for the Freedom Center and projected opening dates remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This can be an exciting way to bring even more life and activation to the Banks as we keep building our long-term vision,” — Aftab Pureval, Mayor, City of Cincinnati
- “We believe this fun, engaging putting course will be a great family-friendly addition to the entertainment offerings at The Banks,” — Jeff Anderson, Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate
- “This project represents the value of public-private partnerships for the benefit of the entire community,” — Woodrow Keown Jr., President & COO, Freedom Center
- “Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas said, “Lot 18 Mini Golf is exactly the kind of family-friendly attraction that brings people together and creates new energy along The Banks.” — Stephanie Summerow Dumas, Hamilton County Commission President
Upcoming Steps
The proposal will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on July 17. Following commission approval, the City Council must vote on the lease. If authorized, construction could commence later in the summer, with the course operating for the duration of the three-year term while the Banks Master Plan continues to evolve.
