The Washington Learning Center Golf Course, financed by The First Tee of Cleveland and expertly managed by Cleveland Metroparks, proudly opened its greens in the spring of 2006. This unique 9-hole course is more than just a place to play golf; it embodies a commitment to youth development and environmental excellence, making it a distinctive Washington learning center golf course.
The First Tee of Cleveland Inc., the driving force behind this initiative, was established in 1999 as an official chapter of The First Tee. This national program is dedicated to fostering character development and essential life skills in young people through the engaging sport of golf. Discover more about The First Tee of Cleveland youth programs and volunteer opportunities.
What sets the Washington Learning Center Golf Course apart is its innovative collaboration with the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Municipal School District, working in close partnership with the Washington Park Horticulture Center. This collaboration transforms the golf course into a living classroom. The horticulture center provides a hands-on curriculum for high school students, offering valuable career skills in areas such as turf management, animal care, greenhouse production, landscape mechanics, and floral design, all within the setting of the Washington learning center golf course.
Further solidifying its commitment to environmental responsibility, the Washington Learning Center Golf Course has earned the prestigious designation of an Audubon International Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary through the Audubon International Signature Program. This certification recognizes the exceptional level of environmental stewardship integrated into every aspect of the golf course’s design and ongoing maintenance. The Signature certification is a mark of distinction awarded exclusively to new developments that meticulously adhere to Audubon International’s stringent planning standards and environmental best practices during design, construction, and maintenance phases. The core mission of the Signature Program is to champion responsible land management practices and promote informed land use decisions grounded in robust scientific research.
Achieving the Gold Signature certification marked a series of significant milestones for the Washington Learning Center Golf Course:
- It became the first 9-hole Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary golf course globally.
- It earned the distinction of being the first Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary in the state of Ohio.
- It stands as the first publicly-owned facility to achieve Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary status.
- It proudly represents the first First Tee project to be recognized as a Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary.
This esteemed certification also positions the Washington Learning Center Golf Course as the ninth Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary golf course in the United States and tenth worldwide, and overall, the fourteenth Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary in the U.S. and fifteenth globally. Furthermore, it is the third Certified Signature Sanctuary overall in Ohio.
Preparing for Your Swing
Before you take to the tee at the Washington learning center golf course, it’s beneficial to engage in a brief dynamic warm-up routine. Explore the recommendations from the experts at the MetroHealth System’s Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute to enhance your golf performance and minimize the risk of injury.
