Pros 
Cons A Course Lost to Time: The Story of Randall’s Island Miniature Golf
Randall’s Island Park Miniature Golf Course, once a beloved recreational spot in Manhattan, currently exists more as a placeholder than a playable venue. With a meager 2.4-star rating, the complaints aren’t about the course itself – a detail frequently lamented by former patrons – but its consistent, years-long closure. Located at 1st Dr, New York, NY 10035, this miniature golf course hasn’t seen a putter swung in anger (or for fun!) since 2018. The central issue? Drive Shack, the company holding the lease, has seemingly abandoned development plans, shifting focus to more profitable, high-end mini golf experiences predominantly in the Southeast US.
Former visitors fondly recall a casual vibe, complete with a "tiki-type bar" offering beers and snacks. It wasn’t a pristine, flawlessly maintained course, as one review notes ("Even when the astroturf was looking beat up, my friends and I had a great time."), but it provided accessible outdoor fun. Its absence is acutely felt, especially given the surge in golf’s popularity spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. The course catered to a demographic that clearly misses its presence.
Here's a quick timeline of the situation, as uncovered through public information and reviews:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2018/2019 | Course closure begins |
| 2021 | Drive Shack acknowledges lease, offers no timeline for reopening |
| 2024 (July) | Randall's Island Park Alliance confirms Drive Shack has dropped development plans |
Frustration with Drive Shack’s Handling of the Lease
A significant portion of the negativity surrounding Randall’s Island Miniature Golf directs itself towards Drive Shack. Reviewers express dismay at the company's seeming lack of urgency, characterizing their strategy as prioritizing upscale venues elsewhere while neglecting their Manhattan commitment. The 3Q21 earnings call revealed a simple "having a lease" mention, devoid of any concrete reopening projections. This has left the community – and the city – in limbo.
The sentiment isn’t simply impatience; it's a call for accountability. One reviewer, claiming employment with the City and DCAS, directly labels the situation “embarrassing." There’s a strong argument being made for more stringent lease agreements, including penalties for prolonged periods of inactivity.
“There should be a clause that charges a penalty for days out of service, which is pretty typical for commercial leasing when the landlords actually care about being part of the community.”
This highlights a perceived failure in due diligence by Randall’s Island Park Alliance in vetting Drive Shack’s long-term commitment to the space. Reviewers suggest that allowing Drive Shack to simply hold the lease without actively developing the property represents a disservice to the local population.
A Community Resource Lost & Unequal Access Concerns
The closure isn’t just about a lost leisure activity; it’s about unequal access to recreational opportunities. Multiple reviews point out that such a prolonged shutdown "would never happen on the main island of Manhattan or in a more affluent neighborhood." The loss of the miniature golf course – and its accompanying driving range – represents a disparity in recreational resources.
The course filled a valuable niche, providing an affordable and accessible outdoor option for families, friends, and individuals. Without it, the community lacks a comparable venue. There's a palpable sense of frustration that a space dedicated to public enjoyment is being wasted, especially when other areas of the city are flourishing with similar amenities. The desire to simply reopen the driving range – even without fully rebuilding the miniature golf – underscores the community's need for even a partial restoration of this recreational space.
Here's a list of what residents specifically miss:
- Affordable outdoor recreation.
- A convenient location within Manhattan.
- A relaxed, casual atmosphere.
- The driving range, even as a standalone option.
- A local gathering place.
The Future Remains Uncertain & Calls for Alternative Solutions
As of July 2024, the situation appears definitive: Drive Shack has abandoned plans for the property. This confirmation, reported by the Randall's Island Park Alliance, lends even more weight to the criticisms leveled against the company. The future of the land remains unknown, but the overwhelming consensus among reviewers is a desire for a swift and effective solution.
Many advocate for the City to aggressively pursue options to terminate the lease with Drive Shack, opening the door for a developer genuinely invested in fulfilling the recreational needs of the community. The prevailing sentiment is that the land deserves to be utilized for the public good, providing a valuable amenity that has been sorely missed for far too long. The prolonged closure of Randall’s Island Miniature Golf serves as a cautionary tale regarding the importance of thorough vetting processes when awarding public land leases and the potential consequences of prioritizing corporate strategy over community needs.