Midland's Green Acres Mini Golf has reopened its gates following a long hiatus, and many enthusiasts say the 66-year-old local institution is now better than ever.
"This local staple has been under renovation since 2019 and was closed for many years before that," Midland Mayor Patrick Payton wrote on Facebook. "We are so happy to have it open once again!"
Maintaining the course's original look from back in 1955 was the goal for Jeff Beard, one of the partners who oversaw the renovations.
"We wanted to keep the integrity of the original course," Beard told News West 9. "I mean, to be built in the '50s, it's an incredible job that was done then. We didn't want to mess that up."
Beard says he patronized the course in his childhood and even took his future wife there on dates.
“Everybody has their story,” he told Your Basin. “A lot of people have their 'first date' story."
“The remodel that they did, it’s really nice," mini golfer Jaime Jaquez told Your Basin. "It was nice before, but its much nicer now."
No alcohol will be sold at the course because Beard wanted to make it family-friendly.
"One thing I think people learned during the pandemic is the joy of being outside and being with family," Beard told in News West 9. "I think the timing is welcome, and I hope people enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed putting it back together."