News

Contractor on board to build new minigolf course for $350,575

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 4, 2022

The city now has a design-build contractor in place to construct the new miniature golf course at Edwards Park for $350,575.

Based in Wildwood, New Jersey, Harris Miniature Golf Course Inc. has built more than 900 courses over the past 35 years across the U.S. and in more than 20 foreign countries.

The City Council voted unanimously Thursday night to approve the contract with Harris. The course is expected to be ready for play in time for the start of the 2023 season on Memorial Day weekend. The new course replaces the Laura E. Corn Minigolf Course, which will be removed to make way for a new Fire Station 1 at Boyd Park.

"We have seen miniature golf evolve from small wooden facilities to elaborate contoured courses featuring interactive water systems and breaking greens," wrote Patrick Boylan, vice president for sales. "The game no longer appeals to just children. Miniature golf has become a serious business."

An on-site foreman and crew, who are "masters of concrete" and experts in carpet, will stay in frequent contact with city officials as the project progresses, the company said in its statement of qualifications. In designing and building a course, the contractor focuses on playability, access, topography, drainage, landscaping, water features, lighting and overall esthetics. When the course is complete, the city will get Harris's marketing plan, which highlights income-producing programs course owners have used througout the country.