Chamber proposes 'Putts for Paws' mini‑golf at Devendorf Park during AT&T week; commission approves event

Mark Oman and the Carmel Chamber presented a plan for “Putts for Paws,” a nine‑hole miniature golf fundraising event proposed for Devendorf Park on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, timed to coincide with AT&T tournament week.

The plan matters because it is intended to reintroduce a lively downtown activity during AT&T week and provide a family‑oriented attraction for visitors and locals while generating sponsorship support for local charities.

Organizer Mark Oman described the concept as a playful, non‑golf tournament using modified clubs (tennis balls, novelty putters) and nine themed holes (dog and cat motifs) placed around the park perimeter so spectators can watch. The format would be two-person teams playing alternate shots; organizers proposed a cap of about 50 teams (100 players) and a four‑hour window (roughly noon to 4 p.m.). Business sponsors would each fund a hole and could promote products or services at that hole. Spectator entry would be free; only players would pay to enter.

Oman and Chamber staff discussed logistics including food vendors and mocktails, course marshals, vendor staging and contingency plans for light rain. Staff suggested possible temporary street closures (Mission and Sixth Avenue near the park) if attendance requires additional vendor space; staff said such street management can be handled administratively and would not require Council action unless the event footprint expands beyond staff authority.

Commissioners asked about spectator capacity, circulation, park protection and whether dogs would be allowed. Organizers said no live animals on the course but planned promotional dog motifs and optional paid pet items (bandanas). Staff noted they would coordinate MST (bus) stops and vendor placement and would plan course boundaries and crowd marshals to protect park turf.

The commission voted to approve the Putts for Paws event. Vote: Ellen Martin — yes; Jeff Meacham — yes; Judy Refreso — yes; Maria Roos — yes. (Mover and seconder not specified in transcript.)