The Natchitoches Lions Club is proud to sponsor teams in the upcoming Cane River Discovery Center Mini Golf Classic, a fun-filled fundraiser benefiting the new Cane River Discovery Center, a flagship project of the Cane River National Heritage Area.

Slated for development on University Parkway in Natchitoches, the Discovery Center will serve as an interactive visitor hub, nature center, and educational space celebrating the cultural and ecological richness of the Cane River region.

The Lions Club is especially proud to support a project that embraces inclusivity.

“We were thrilled to learn that the Cane River Discovery Center will be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities and special needs,” said Club President Nicole Woods. “As advocates for vision health, special needs children and community service, this aligns deeply with our mission and values.”

The Mini Golf Classic brings together local businesses, civic groups, and families for a day of creative fun, with custom-designed holes inspired by the culture, wildlife, and architecture of the Cane River region. Proceeds support the continued development of the Discovery Center, which is designed to serve all ages and abilities through hands-on exhibits and immersive storytelling. Learn more about the Mini Golf Classic at caneriverdiscovery.org

The Discovery Center, currently in the planning and fundraising stage, is a bold reimagining of the CRNHA headquarters. Developed in collaboration with Tipton Associates, Carbo Landscape Architecture, and other partners, the facility will feature inclusive design principles to ensure access for all visitors—especially those with mobility, sensory, or cognitive challenges.

Pictured: Natchitoches Lions Club Board Members Bill Buckley, Sammy Woods, Mimi Stoker, President Nicole Woods, Cane River National Heritage Area Director Rebecca Blakenbaker, CRNHA Team Members Jessica Mullican and Kacy Young; and Lions Board Member Mickey Stroud.