by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
At the March 31, 2026, Sanibel City Council meeting, then-Vice Mayor Holly Smith requested and received the council’s consensus to add a discussion item to the April 21 meeting agenda regarding the addition of “miniature golf” as an allowable conditional use within the Land Development Code.
This request was made on behalf of the owners of the Island Cow, who are interested in developing a miniature golf course to serve both Sanibel residents and visitors. The property owners view this concept as a community amenity that would offer recreational activities for both residents and island vacationers.
Currently, the Land Development Code limits conditional uses for recreation facilities to the following: “country clubs, private swim clubs, racquetball courts, tennis courts, or golf courses, or any combination thereof.”
The owner of the Island Cow, Brian Polasek, through his attorney, Raychel Thomas, submitted a project outline, conceptual renderings of the proposed miniature golf course and restaurant enhancements, and a draft site plan. They view this concept as a community amenity that would offer recreational activities for both residents and island vacationers.
Polasek is proposing to add a new conditional use to the General Commercial zoning district for miniature golf. The site plan has not been formally reviewed by the City Planning Department, Public Works, or Natural Resources, and was provided for illustrative purposes only.
The Island Cow property is zoned for both residential and commercial use. The proposed miniature golf development would be located entirely within the parcel’s commercially zoned portion.
There is a long-time debate on Sanibel as to what is an “attraction,” and what is an “amenity.”
The Sanibel Plan rigorously restricts commercial attractions and development to protect the island’s natural resources, capping population growth and favoring nature-based tourism over amusement-style attractions.
Regulations prioritize environmental protection by regulating beach use to prevent habitat damage and managing traffic to prevent overdevelopment.
An “attraction” is something that makes people want to visit a place or do a particular thing; i.e., it’s “bait” to attract visitors.
An “amenity” is a desirable or useful feature of a building, place, or service that enhances comfort, convenience, or pleasure, often increasing its value.
So there’s a difference.
“Our entire island is an attraction, but what amenities do we have,” asked Council member Holly Smith.
Council member Richard Johnson added, “One of the things that’s a challenge is the term ‘mini-golf’ because of what they look like in other places. I think we all agree that it doesn’t fit in our community.”
Johnson suggested using another term: “outdoor recreation amenity.” Council member Laura DeBruce said, “Clarity of language is extremely important. I think we should embrace mini-golf.”
Island Cow owner Brian Podlasek explained that the mini-golf course would be botanical, with extensive landscaping. “It’s something I think the island would be proud of,” he said. “People kind of lack something to do.” He stressed that the course could be enjoyed by residents, children, grandparents, tourists, and visitors alike. “It’s a professional putting experience in a tropical setting.”
The golf course would surround the restaurant.
Council voted unanimously to have this matter proceed to the Planning Commission. Johnson clarified that this is just a category being presented and that each situation will be decided on its own.
A second motion was forthcoming after Planning Commissioner Lyman Welch made a comment. “While you have this opportunity, consider other amenities we could look at at the same time – pickleball courts, outdoor concerts, dog parks.
None of these are specifically in the Code, but could be added as amenities. What other things besides a mini-golf course would be valuable to consider?”
A motion was passed unanimously to direct the City Manager to engage the Parks & Recreation Subcommittee to explore additional opportunities for outdoor recreational activities and to clarify what defines an amenity versus an attraction.
One hope is to attract younger people and families. “We don’t want to turn into a retirement community,” Johnson said.
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