Official envisions miniature golf at Love-Hatbox

By Kim Hunter
Phoenix Staff Writer

June 27, 2008 11:45 pm

— The Muskogee Parks and Recreation director’s latest idea for a new project at Love-Hatbox could be profitable, as well as provide another outlet for fun.
Mark Wilkerson said talks of a miniature golf course may be put in motion if funding can be produced. The construction will not be as much as the cost of the water park. Wilkerson said the estimated cost to build the course is around $200,000. It would be placed next to River Country Water Park, which already has some necessities the golf course could use.
“The cost of the golf course will be less expensive, because we have the things we need already,” Wilkerson said. “We have lights, concession, restrooms and sound system.”
River Country Water Park is only open for about three months out of the year. Because it closes at 6 p.m. during the week, a miniature golf course could provide recreation opportunities into the evening.
The proposed golf course also will open up doors for more summer jobs for students.
“The golf course would be opened around the first of April to October, and that will be more part-time employment,” Wilkerson said.
The course will consist of 18 holes and will make its way to the maintenance building and back around. Wilkerson had envisioned the course wrapping all the way around the park, but that may cost too much to build. He also wanted to keep the concentration on the golf course.
Wilkerson said the average income for the water park is anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 for the 100 days it is opened. He said the golf course could do just as well.
“The course will be a money maker,” Wilkerson said. “It will be another attraction and family oriented.”
The course has yet to be approved and still stands as a conceptual plan. Wilkerson said that there are enough existing funds from the water park revenue so that the parks department could just borrow it and pay it back. He is ready to get this idea off the back burner.
“I’m ready to get city approval and the final cost,” said Wilkerson. “Build it in the winter months and open in spring.”

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