In this day and age, it’s impressive to come across a locally owned activity center that can appeal to a variety of age groups. Shankz Black Light Mini Golf, located on the main floor of Yard Birds Mall in Chehalis, is no exception.
Upon entering the building, you’ll hear the primitive robotic noises of classic arcade games, the clicks and clatter of the air hockey table and pinball machines, and the family-friendly playlist of popular songs from the past 60-some years. It’s a throwback to the local fun centers that nearly every generation encountered while growing up, a place for teens to socialize on the weekends, and where adults can take their kids for a birthday celebration or weekend excursion.
What sets Shankz apart from other local amusement centers is the successful combination of indoor miniature golf set under the ultraviolet glow of black lights. Several murals cover the walls of the course, with images of brightly colored tropical fish intertwined with glowing dinosaurs and jungle animals.
There are no windmills and lighthouses on this course – you’ll have to get through an octopus, elephant and stegosaurus, among many other unique obstacles, when you’re playing at Shankz. Ambient instrumental music is piped in through the speakers, adding to the mysterious nature of the course and providing a soothing element as you prepare to sink your shot.
Owner David Ostrand got the inspiration for opening up a black light miniature golf course during a trip to California with his daughters. “My kids said ‘Dad, if we had one of those at home, everybody would show up.’”
David left the mortgage business, which was “collapsing at the time,” and contacted a theme center company based in Canada that provided him with the golf course materials, sculptures and various decorations. Through the company, David got in touch with an award-winning black light artist to create the detailed indoor murals that would provide the right atmosphere once the purple lights were turned on. After running Shankz in Olympia for five years, David moved into the Yard Birds space previously occupied by a movie theater in 2013.
To get additional feedback and comments regarding Shankz, David took me to one of the banquet tables, where Caiden Schultz was celebrating his birthday with friends. In addition to unanimous praise for the mini golf course, several party attendees mentioned that they prefer the classic arcade games over the latest home and app-based consoles on the market.
“Xbox gets old.” David concurs with their sentiments. “Thanks to Hollywood, the kids know these arcade games, and the parents recognize the games too, so everyone is on the same page.”
After suggesting that Shankz should add a vintage Mario Kart game to their collection, Caiden and his friends showed me the birthday wall, where the guest of honor can literally mark the occasion with a painted handprint and their signature/year of celebration. It’s a great idea and a long-lasting party favor that represents the community-oriented nature of the venue.
Shankz isn’t just a destination for birthdays. Weddings, family reunions, graduation parties and other events have been booked at the center. When these events are booked, David makes sure that there will be social interaction. “It’s really less about the golf and more about different interactions with people, and people having a good time. I’ve had some wedding parties where neither side of the family knew each other, so I would partner up from the groom’s side and the bride’s side, pair them together into teams. By the end of the night, everybody knew each other.”
The leftover theater space is still operational, and is available for events if a group wants to add film or video-based activities to their events. “I ran a slideshow for a sports team who had their end of the season celebration in the theater.” The theater’s former concession stand is now the current Shankz concession stand, and is stocked with Slush Puppies, popcorn and a variety of snacks and drinks. For special events, outside food is allowed.
As you can imagine, David gets very busy when school is out, and the center fills up with local families engaging in summer activities, as well as travelers who stop in while on vacation. In a time where roadside attractions are disappearing with each passing year, there have been instances of people planning their trips around the surviving spots, and Shankz is often included. “I do get seasonal tourists who travel to various miniature golf courses — that’s their theme for the summer vacation.”
Once summer is over, David will be focusing on the next big holiday: Halloween. Every October, David brings out the foam skeletons and life-sized ghoul figures, and the miniature golf course transforms into Haunted Mini Golf, which is a big hit with the Lewis County community and draws many customers and volunteers alike. “Halloween is a big deal here. Everybody loves the haunted course.”
David’s commitment to the local community and the presence of universally loved activities that any age group can enjoy is what makes Shankz Black Light Mini Golf a vital and unique part of Lewis County. “The really cool thing about this place and owning this business is that everybody leaves happy. Nobody has a bad day here.”
Shankz Black Light Mini Golf
2100 N. National Avenue (west entrance of Yard Birds Mall)
Chehalis, WA 98532
360-943-1715
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