Business partners Aryn Hawks and Derek Savas could have opened a certain moneymaker with their purchase of a vacant lot on Valley Road in Middletown.
But after years of success with other businesses, they wanted to create something for families, especially youths, whose options for recreation on Aquidneck Island have been dwindling by the year. In most cities and towns in Rhode Island, there are bowling alleys, trampoline parks, or laser tag – things not available once you cross Newport Bridge.
“We wanted to create something for the kids. This is really about community,” Hawks said.
The 22,000-square-foot, 18-hole miniature golf course has nautical themes among the obstacles. An empty rowboat sits along one of the holes. There are bridges and empty lobster traps.
The partners had planned on opening Lucky Puttz in early August at the latest. After the permitting process in Middletown, where developers must go through boards and commissions to get final approval, the partners had to contend with the coordination of construction, labor, materials and, finally, Rhode Island Energy to finish electrical work and installation of the waterfall.
The course was designed by New Jersey-based Harris Inc. and will be open year-round.