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Support the Future of Racine Golf: Help Lighthouse Dunes at Shoop Park
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A Bold Vision for Racine's Lakefront
Shoop Park has long been one of Racine's most unique public spaces—a place where golf, nature, and Lake Michigan come together in a setting unlike any other.
Now, a proposal before the City of Racine would transform the property into Lighthouse Dunes at Shoop Park: a world-class public golf destination featuring a completely reimagined 9-hole, 3,000-yard walking course that preserves public access while creating new opportunities for recreation, environmental stewardship, youth engagement, and economic growth.
Designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels, Lighthouse Dunes would celebrate the property's remarkable Lake Michigan setting while providing an affordable, welcoming experience for Racine residents and visitors alike.
The City Council will soon consider this proposal. If you support this vision for Racine, now is the time to make your voice heard.
Light House Dunes at Shoop Park
Why Lighthouse Dunes?
A World-Class Public Golf Experience
Lighthouse Dunes would transform Shoop Park into a unique public golf destination that celebrates Racine's stunning Lake Michigan shoreline while remaining accessible to local residents and visitors alike.
The project is led by golf course architect Craig Haltom, whose work focuses on restoring natural landscapes and creating memorable golf experiences with additional design consultation from Michael Keiser, whose Keiser Golf Group has developed some of the world's most acclaimed golf destinations, including Sand Valley in Wisconsin and Bandon Dunes in Oregon.
Together, their vision is to create a fun, walkable, and welcoming course that showcases the beauty of Shoop Park, attracts visitors to Racine, and provides a public golf experience unlike any other in the Midwest.
Significant Private Investment
More than $10 million in private investment is planned for the property, including new course infrastructure, shoreline stabilization, clubhouse facilities, and long-term improvements that will preserve and enhance this unique Lake Michigan shoreline property while reducing the need for future public investment in these improvements.
Shoreline & Environmental Restoration
The proposal includes substantial shoreline protection, native habitat restoration, prairie plantings, dune restoration, and erosion-control improvements along more than a half mile of Lake Michigan shoreline.
The plan also incorporates the preservation and enhancement of important habitat areas throughout the property, including bird habitat and natural areas on the western portion of the site. Ecological guidance from Jensen Ecology will help ensure a thoughtful approach that balances environmental stewardship, shoreline resiliency, recreation, and long-term sustainability.
The City of Racine has also reviewed the ecological considerations associated with the property and provided information to the City Council regarding bird habitat, shoreline conditions, and the existing tree canopy. Residents interested in learning more can review the City's environmental memorandum and supporting materials. See the memo here.
These improvements will help preserve one of Racine's most important environmental assets while enhancing the property's long-term ecological value for future generations.
Affordable Access for Residents
While Lighthouse Dunes aims to become one of Wisconsin's premier public golf experiences, local residents will benefit from A World-Class Public Golf Experience.
Initial resident rates are expected to begin at approximately $24 per round, helping ensure that local golfers can continue to enjoy the course as improvements are completed. Long-term pricing is intended to remain comparable to other premium municipal golf courses in Wisconsin — not high-priced destination resort courses — reinforcing the commitment to keeping Lighthouse Dunes accessible to the Racine Community.
Opportunities for Youth & Families
The vision includes youth caddie programs, scholarship opportunities, family-friendly amenities, public putting areas, and spaces designed to bring people together.
This is about creating opportunities for the next generation while making the property more enjoyable for everyone.
A Lasting Community Asset
Lighthouse Dunes will create jobs, attract visitors, support local businesses, and provide a lasting recreational amenity for Racine residents.
The project combines recreation, environmental stewardship, and private investment into a vision that benefits golfers, residents, families, and the broader community. In addition to more than $10 million in planned private investment and long-term property improvements, the rents paid to the City can help support community priorities.
By transforming Shoop Park into a premier public destination, Lighthouse Dunes will generate economic activity, enhance public access to a unique Lake Michigan property, and create benefits that extend well beyond the golf course itself.
Your Voice Matters
The City Council will soon vote on the future of this proposal.
Supporters have an opportunity to help shape the future of Shoop Park and create a destination that reflects the best of Racine's lakefront, community spirit, and natural beauty.
If you believe in this vision, please take a moment to contact the Mayor and your Alderman today by clicking on the phone or email icon.
Support Lighthouse Dunes at Shoop Park.
