SCOTCH PLAINS — The recreation commission on Monday discussed the future of the mini-golf course at Shady Rest Country Club, which has struggled financially since its opening in late 2006.
At the commission’s meeting, it was noted that the course, situated at the corner of Jerusalem Road and Plainfield Avenue, has had declining revenues the past few years, dropping from $12,000 in 2021 to $8,000 over the past 12 months. Commission members talked about whether to invest the necessary funds to upgrade the 18-hole course — which is in need of new carpeting along with other repairs — or close it and replace it with a putting green or practice area for golfers using the ninehole regular course.
“It’s looked so bad for so long, nobody wants to come here,” commissioner Colleen Gialanella said, adding she was “surprised it’s made money.” She also said the mini-golf has “never really been given a chance to be successful” and “been terribly neglected.” But she said that replacing it “will be expensive.” Commission Chairman Mike Walsh agreed, saying that the cost of completely removing and replacing the course will be “extraordinary.”
Recreation Director Julie Buonaguro said that, “we don’t want it sitting here rotting away” and told the commission her department is looking at ways to improve the course and the costs involved. The carpeting “should all be replaced,” she said, and told the commission she is starting to get quotes for that project. If enough pricing information is received before the commission’s Monday, May 13 meeting, a special meeting may be called to review it.
She added that the annual Senior Soiree set for the end of this month usually includes use of the mini-golf course, but will not this year due to its condition.
Commissioner Clare Rauseo said upgrading the course could help attract younger players to the course and also expose them to the history of the country club itself, which was founded in the early 1920s as the first African-American-owned country club in the United States. “It has potential,” she said, “if it’s marketed right.” She urged that repairs be done in time for the Fourth of July fireworks held at the golf course or at least for next year’s Easter egg hunt to be held there.
Commission Vice-Chairman Tom Donatelli said that, “fixing it up and getting it functional” is the best way for the commission to proceed, and Chairman Walsh said the goal should be getting the course operational by summer with some short-term fixes.
In other business, the commission will recommend to the township council that rental fees for picnic areas at the parks be increased and that, if it is legally allowed, that out-of-town groups not be permitted to rent. “Towns have their own parks,” Mrs. Gialanella said. Councilman Matthew Adams agreed, saying the current $175 picnic fee is not enough when factoring the cost of cleanup and wearand- tear. The commission also discussed boosting the fees for use of the Shady Rest clubhouse for non-residents.
