Uncertainty Surrounds Austin’s Beloved Peter Pan Mini-Golf Amid Lease Renewal

Peter Pan Mini-Golf, a beloved landmark in Austin, Texas, has called the corner of S. Lamar and Barton Springs Rd. home for an impressive 75 years. The establishment, founded by Glenn Dismukes and his brothers, Jack and Clifford, in 1948, gained immense popularity after World War II.

Throughout its long history, Peter Pan Mini-Golf has remained in the Dismukes family and has preserved its original charm. The Texas Juvenile Justice Department owns the property, and the adjacent land is also under its management. However, with the lease set to expire in March and an empty lot next door, speculations about the future of this iconic business have arisen.

It is worth noting that the John C. Wende Trust currently owns both properties, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. As part of an effort to enhance the department’s operations, the trust management is in the process of being transferred to a third-party trustee, as mandated by the 88th legislature. The agency has expressed its intentions to discuss lease renewal once the new trustee is in place.

In the midst of these discussions, three longstanding businesses on South Congress have recently closed their doors: Tesoros Trading Company, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, and South Congress Books. As the landscape around them continues to change, Peter Pan Mini-Golf has remained a nostalgic piece of “Neverland” for both locals and visitors alike.

The appeal of the miniature golf course lies in its ability to transport people back to their childhood. Margaret Dismukes Massad, the current owner, acknowledges this sentiment, stating, “People love coming back to the place they visited as kids. They love returning and bringing their grandkids to experience the same joy.” Therefore, the Dismukes family aims to maintain the business’ low-key, old-school atmosphere, hoping to retain its devoted customer base.

As the transition of trust management occurs, the new trustee will assume responsibility for overseeing both properties and their respective leases. The trustee will be tasked with determining the best course of action for these properties on behalf of the trusts’ designated beneficiaries – the orphans of Texas. John C. Wende, who passed away in 1953, established the trust in his will to provide financial assistance for higher education or vocational training to Texans who have lost a parent.

Peter Pan Mini-Golf’s legacy as a nostalgic and cherished establishment hangs in the balance during this transitional period. While the fate of the lease remains uncertain, the Dismukes family remains hopeful, placing their faith in the hands of a higher power, as manager Julio Massad notes, “For us, it’s all good; God’s in control.”

Over the years, the Peter Pan Mini-Golf property has generated funds through leases, contributing to the trust’s mission of aiding orphans of Texas. The trust’s enduring commitment to supporting education and vocational training has provided invaluable assistance to those in need.

As the community eagerly awaits further developments, the question of whether Peter Pan Mini-Golf will continue its long-standing legacy looms in the minds of many Austinites. The nostalgia and cherished memories associated with this iconic venue are undoubtedly treasured, and the hope is that it will endure for future generations to enjoy.