The Washington Golf Learning Center, financed by The First Tee of Cleveland and expertly managed by Cleveland Metroparks, opened its doors in the spring of 2006. As an official chapter of The First Tee, established in 1999, this facility embodies a national commitment to fostering youth character development and essential life values through the engaging sport of golf. For those interested in enriching young lives, explore The First Tee of Cleveland youth programs and volunteer opportunities.
The Washington Golf Learning Center distinguishes itself through a unique collaboration with the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Municipal School District, partnering with the Washington Park Horticulture Center. This innovative center provides high school students with invaluable hands-on curriculum in diverse fields such as turf management, animal care, greenhouse production, landscape mechanics, and floral design, nurturing crucial career skills.
A testament to its commitment to environmental excellence, the Washington Golf Learning Center is recognized as an Audubon International Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary. This prestigious designation, awarded through the Audubon International Signature Program, acknowledges the exceptional environmental stewardship integrated into the golf course’s design and ongoing maintenance. Signature certification is exclusively granted to new developments meticulously designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with Audubon International’s stringent environmental standards and planning principles. The core mission of the Signature Program is to champion responsible land management practices and informed land use decisions rooted in robust scientific research.
Achieving the Gold Signature certification marks several significant milestones for the Washington Golf Learning Center:
- The World’s First 9-hole Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary golf learning center.
- Ohio’s First Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary.
- The First Publicly-Owned Facility to earn Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary status.
- The Inaugural First Tee project to be recognized as a Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary.
This esteemed certification places the Washington Golf Learning Center as the ninth Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary golf course in the United States and tenth globally, and overall, the fourteenth Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary in the U.S. and fifteenth worldwide. Furthermore, it stands as the third Certified Signature Sanctuary overall in Ohio.
Maximize Your Golf Learning Experience: Warm-Up Essentials
Before you begin your golf learning journey at the Washington Golf Learning Center, incorporating a brief dynamic warm-up is highly recommended. Discover expert-backed routines from the MetroHealth System’s Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute designed to enhance your golf performance and minimize the risk of injury.
