If you think it’s impossible to impress children in today’s digital age, this incredible resort is proof that it’s possible when you mix novel outdoor activities with attractive green spaces. These property owners made a crucial decision to do away with an outdoor amenity that visitors simply were not using enough. And they converted that space into a One Club Park-Golf Course. The decision has paid off because this innovative use of outdoor space is wildly popular with families who have never seen anything like this novel outdoor game they can enjoy with their kids.
Challenges
Since there are only a handful of these Park-Golf Courses in the U.S., we were starting with little knowledge about how the space would be used. We had to determine if the landscaping would get trampled by foot traffic, or if the specialized golf clubs would make huge divots during each round. It would prove to be a learning experience for our company as well as the property owners.
Several last-minute changes were expected due to the novelty of this hybrid park and golf course. We went in expecting those final changes just before the course was opened to the public. However, it was impossible to imagine the details of those future pivots we’d need to make.
Those challenges were on top of the extreme heat of the Orlando area. Plant health care would be impacted by extreme summers. Irrigation would have to be adjusted to combat drought conditions while still meeting sustainability goals. Not to mention the pounding the grass would take from extreme heat combined with the unknowns of foot traffic. Those factors would make meeting the upscale expectations even harder.
Results
Yellowstone Landscape has overcome many of these challenges with our proven systems. Other obstacles that came with this rare outdoor amenity, so we developed nuanced approaches, as you see in the following results.
- Our Orlando team studied the game of Park-Golf (invented in Japan) to help predict turf issues.
- We tweaked a couple of aspects of our turf program to adapt to player behavior.
- Yellowstone leadership assured the client that our turf program would produce healthy grass, while being upfront about the unknowns of installing an outdoor game area guests were unfamiliar with.
- Close communication with the property managers ensured we had everything ready for opening day.
- Also, we have adapted our maintenance schedule to avoid interfering with the golf games.
- Native and drought-resistant plants have cut down on maintenance.
- Wildlife in the area is a hit with guests, and our plant selection aims to protect animals while avoiding damage to landscape elements.
- Integrated pest management protects valuable trees on-site while not relying on high-volume spraying.
- Quick turf repairs happen because of our monitoring during routine maintenance.
- Smart watering principles save precious water and reduce water bills for the client.
- Comprehensive landscape planning makes sure this upscale property meets visitors’ expectations at each of the unique resort sections.
- Yellowstone Landscape’s hurricane and tropical storm response experience means less downtime for our client when storms strike.
Resort Accolades
“Resort is gorgeous and well-maintained, the grounds are very clean.”
“The resort is beautiful. Lots of tropical scenery.”
“The golf & pools are our favorites!”
Pride Built Here
This property owner could have easily rested on the resort’s established laurels. The property was already popular with visitors from every part of the country. Yet, the client took a chance, believing they could create something fun, fresh, and surprising that would wow families looking for new ways to connect with each other.
Was Yellowstone Landscape the right company for this innovative project? Absolutely, but not because we knew the first thing about One Club Park-Golf. We were “rookies” at the game just like everyone else because there are only three courses in America, judging from limited data available on the sport.
Sure, we have vast experience and expertise in designing and maintaining some of the top resort properties in the U.S. That was critical. But as a company, we knew the number one ingredient needed for this one-of-a-kind landscaping project was the ability to listen and understand the client's goals.
This case study shows the power of communication—no matter if you operate a resort or a chainsaw. Yet, if you want to see the true results of this case study, we suggest visiting the resort with your family to test your Park-Golf game and make some memories together.
If your property’s outdoor amenities are not getting the usage you’d like to see, Yellowstone Landscape can help you with ideas to get higher engagement. Contact us today for a consultation.
