Par-King: Where Mini Golf Meets Timeless Memories

As you journey down the road, it’s impossible to miss the vibrant pink castle, an unmistakable symbol that you’re approaching ParKing Skill Golf. George Boznos, the operator and son of one of the original founders, proudly declares, “Everyone knows us as the place with the pink castle.”

Park-King’s Legacy of Mini Golf Excellence

The story of Par-King began in the late 1950s when three brothers came together to establish a driving range named 4G Fairways, an acronym for Georges’ Gorgeous Golfing Garden. To cater to the children of the adult golfers, they added a small mini-golf course at the far end of the property. By the 1960s, this course had garnered recognition as “Minigolf’s Taj Mahal,” acclaimed by the industry’s leading trade magazine as the nation’s most elaborate 18-hole mini-golf course. Originally located in Morton’s Grove, Illinois, Par-King moved to its current home in Lincoln shire. Today, it boasts two 18-hole mini-golf courses, featuring 19 moving obstacles and seven watering holes, and provides a fun and challenging experience for all. Among the many custom-built and unique holes, two have stood the test of time and still stand since the original course: the iconic clown hole and the Humpty Dumpty hole.

Creating Timeless Memories

Boznos explains that the entire facility is disassembled each season, presenting a blank canvas for innovation. This allows them to periodically introduce cutting-edge elements or seek out vintage designs, ensuring the course remains fresh and captivating. Par-King’s evolution into a beloved landmark destination is evident from the countless heartwarming stories shared by visitors. Boznos fondly recalls, “I can’t tell you how many grandparents come in with their grandkids, recounting the tale of their first date here 50 years ago. Now, they are introducing it to their grandkids, who may someday have their first dates here. Par-King is truly a place where cherished memories are made.

Excerpt adapted from Barry Zelickson’s special report for RePlay Magazine.