The Battle For Hiawatha Golf Course: 5 Shocking New Details On The 9-Hole Redesign And Controversial Future
The fate of the historic Hiawatha Golf Course is hanging in the balance, representing one of the most complex land-use controversies in Minneapolis history. As of late 2025, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is aggressively moving forward with a contentious redesign plan that will fundamentally change the landscape of the beloved 18-hole course, prioritizing ecological sustainability and flood resiliency over historical golfing tradition. The latest proposed designs for the project, now dubbed "Hiawatha Links," were published on August 14, 2025, setting the stage for a final decision in 2026 that will reshape the parkland for decades to come. This article breaks down the fresh details and the high-stakes battle dividing the community.
The core of the issue revolves around the course’s location on a former wetland and its reliance on intensive groundwater pumping to keep the fairways dry, a practice the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has mandated must be significantly reduced. This reduction is the primary driver behind the MPRB’s plan to shrink the course, a move that has sparked outrage among golfers and advocates for historical preservation. The conflict pits environmental necessity against community heritage, with millions of dollars and a century of history on the line.
The Hiawatha Golf Course: A Century of History and Controversy
The Hiawatha Golf Course is more than just a place to play golf; it is a significant piece of Minneapolis history and cultural heritage. Its story is inextricably linked to the city's park system development.
- Location: Adjacent to Lake Hiawatha in South Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Original Land Use: The area was originally a swampy wetland known as Rice Lake, which was part of the Minnehaha Creek watershed.
- Acquisition: The Minneapolis Park Board acquired the land around Lake Hiawatha and Minnehaha Creek in 1922.
- Construction Start: Massive dredging and construction efforts began in 1929 to convert the swamp into parkland.
- Opening Date: The first nine holes of the course officially opened for play in 1934.
- Original Design: The 18-hole course was designed under the leadership of Superintendent Theodore Wirth and with design work by William D. Clark.
- Clubhouse: The iconic Tudor Revival-style clubhouse was constructed between 1932 and 1933.
- Historical Status: The course is recognized for its historical significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
- The Problem: Due to its low-lying position on dredged land, the course has always been prone to flooding, requiring constant, high-volume groundwater pumping to remain playable.
The Radical 9-Hole "Hiawatha Links" Redesign Plan (2025-2026)
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s master plan, approved in 2022, is now moving into its critical design phase. The project, now branded as "Hiawatha Links," is centered on a dramatic reduction of the course footprint to address severe environmental and financial challenges. The new designs, which were released for public feedback in August 2025, detail a future park focused on flood resiliency and ecological restoration.
The key component of the plan is the reduction from the historic 18-hole layout to a more sustainable 9-hole golf course.
1. Drastic Reduction in Groundwater Pumping
The most pressing issue driving the redesign is the unsustainable rate of groundwater pumping. For decades, the MPRB has been pumping massive amounts of water—millions of gallons annually—to keep the 18-hole course dry. The DNR has mandated a significant reduction in this pumping to protect the regional aquifer. The new 9-hole design is engineered to require far less pumping, allowing the land to revert to a more natural, flood-resilient state.
2. Prioritizing Flood Resiliency and Water Quality
The redesign seeks to improve the water quality of Lake Hiawatha and the entire Minnehaha Creek watershed. The plan includes the restoration of historical wetlands and the construction of new flood-storage areas. These ecological improvements will allow the parkland to better absorb and manage stormwater runoff, drastically increasing its flood resiliency during heavy rain events. This shift is a core tenet of the "Hiawatha For All" movement, which advocates for a multi-use park that benefits the entire ecosystem.
3. The New Park Amenities and Multi-Use Space
While the golf course is being reduced, the overall park space is being reconfigured to offer a greater diversity of recreational activities. The new "Hiawatha Links" concept includes plans for expanded trails, new picnic areas, and enhanced natural habitats. This transformation aims to create a true regional park that serves a broader segment of the South Minneapolis community, moving away from a single-use golf facility to a multi-functional green space.
The Community Divide: Preservation vs. Ecology
The MPRB’s plan has ignited a passionate and highly publicized controversy, creating a deep divide among Minneapolis residents and park users. The battle lines are clearly drawn between those who prioritize the historical and cultural significance of the 18-hole course and those who argue for ecological and environmental necessity.
The "Save Hiawatha 18" Movement
The primary opposition to the MPRB plan comes from groups like the "Save Hiawatha 18" coalition and the Bronze Foundation. These advocates argue that reducing the number of holes will diminish the stature and historical integrity of the course. They have pushed for "Alternative 6," which proposes an engineering solution to keep the full 18-hole course operational while still addressing the flooding issues. For many, the course is a cultural landmark, particularly for its role in making golf accessible to a diverse, working-class community for decades.
Indigenous and Environmental Advocacy
On the other side, Indigenous environmental advocates and groups like Hiawatha For All have urged the Minneapolis Park Board to prioritize water quality, wildlife habitat, and floodplain restoration. They contend that the historical practice of draining the wetland is ecologically damaging and that the land must be allowed to return to its natural state to protect the regional environment. This position emphasizes that the long-term health of Lake Hiawatha and the Minnehaha Creek watershed must take precedence over recreational use.
What Happens Next? The Road to 2026
The current phase is critical: the public is providing feedback on the August 2025 proposed designs for Hiawatha Links. The MPRB is collecting this community input to refine the final concept. The superintendent, Al Bangoura, has confirmed the board’s commitment to the 9-hole reduction, despite the ongoing public pressure.
The next major milestone will be the presentation of the final, refined plan to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, which is currently scheduled for 2026. This vote will be the culmination of years of debate, studies, and community engagement. Following the approval, the MPRB will then need to secure the necessary permits from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reduce the groundwater pumping, effectively cementing the course's transformation. The future of the Hiawatha Golf Course—whether it remains a cherished 18-hole landmark or evolves into a flood-resilient 9-hole "Hiawatha Links" park—will be decided in the coming months.
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