One of the biggest recreational projects to come to the Albany area is official, and it’s called Grand Island Park. The new indoor-outdoor facility will be like nothing the area has seen before. This article takes a look at what it includes, what it will be like, and when people can expect to visit.
Grand Island Park will sit on the former Grand Island Golf Course property, taking advantage of its expansive acres of space.
And the park will need much of that space, as it will include a new indoor skating rink, 12 pickleball courts, a patio area with food and refreshments, and a gamified golf driving range with a restaurant, delivering a ‘Top Golf’ like experience.
Grand Island Park will be built by Grand Island Group LLC, co-founded by Terry Ho and John Senkbeil. It is scheduled to open its doors in 2024.
The Skating Rink
Before the announcement, the community was still feeling the sting of the recent and sudden closure of Stardust 2, the area’s only skating rink. But now the landscape for family fun looks a bit different.
Grand Island Park’s on-site skating rink is set to bring back the fun and nostalgia of skating in an all-new facility. The skate center will include party rooms and a game room.
“Although it’s a brand new facility, we will not go up on price! I want it to be affordable just like before!” Terry Ho told 229 Life in a statement.
Pickleball Courts
In addition to the skating rink, Grand Island Park will include 12 pickleball courts. Six of the play courts will be covered and the other six will be uncovered. Visitors will be able to purchase play passes or memberships for use.
Golf Gaming Facility
Likely the most anticipated feature of Grand Island Park, a golf gaming range similar to ‘Top Golf’ is planned for the property. It is expected to have 15 to 18 bays for players with dining service available at each one. Gameplay will feature state-of-the-art technology for those at the range.
In a joint statement, developers said while the scale of the facility will be smaller than its metropolitan counterparts, the innovation and quality will be unparalleled.
Site Development
Grand Island Park is a complete reimagining of the old Grand Island Golf Course, which closed its doors to the public in 2016. The property, which sits within the bounds of Lee County, was originally closed and rezoned for commercial use by county administrators. The county wanted to build a hospital there, but those plans did not go as expected. Since the original property is so big and Grand Island Park is only part of it, Lee County could still build on the rest of the land in the future.
According to Grand Island Group, the park will be built in phases, the first including the skating rink and golf gaming facility. Current documents show the pickle ball and wiffle ball features would come in subsequent phases.
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Developers hope Grand Island Park’s initial phase will serve as a catalyst for future entertainment developments in the area. Details are still being finalized for the project.
Terry Ho and John Senkbeil said they envision transforming the region into a premier entertainment hub, “allowing local residents to enjoy a diverse range of leisure activities without having to travel long distances.”
They also provided the following mission statement for Grand Island Park:
“Our mission is to preserve and nurture our beloved park, transforming it into a safe and welcoming sanctuary for all citizens. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy these beautiful venues free from the fear of crime or drug-related issues. We strive to create an inclusive and judgment-free environment, where all citizens can find solace and joy without any concerns. Through collective efforts, we aim to enhance the quality of life in our area, fostering a sense of community and unity among our residents.”
What part of this project are you most excited about? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Featured images courtesy of Grand Island Group
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