May 28—San Joaquin County youngsters will have the next four weeks to come up with a name for the newest attraction at Micke Grove Regional Park.

The county's parks department is holding a contest for children younger than 17 to name the new miniature golf course at Micke Grove.

All children need to do is submit a creative name online at tinyurl.com/MGRPgolf with a brief, one-paragraph statement as to what inspired the moniker.

The winner will be recognized at the golf course's grand opening.

General Services Department assistant director Connie Hart said construction is expected to begin in August and be finished in December or early next year.

The full, 18-hole miniature golf course will be located next to the Micke Grove Zoo in the southwest corner of the park, replacing the Fun Town amusement park that closed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The course, according to the parks department, will feature zoo-themed animal sculptures, interactive play features and landscaping inspired by habitats inside the zoo.

The 18-hole course will be open to players of all ages, but there will also be a smaller, nine-hole course designed specifically for younger children and families.

"This fun and educational space will combine the joy of mini golf with the natural wonder of wildlife," the parks department said. "It's designed to inspire exploration, imagination and memories that last a lifetime. Think wild. Think whimsical. Think zoo meets mini golf."

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors approved $ 1.3 million for the course in 2023.

Previously known as Funderwoods, Fun Town had been in operation for more than 60 years, and underwent a revamping in 2006. At that time, the tilt-a-whirl, roller coaster and Scrambler were replaced or refurnished, and new attractions such as kiddie cars and a whale ride had been added to the park.

After the park closed due to COVID, all the rides and attractions inside Fun Town were sold by the owner in 2021.

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