(Pictured, left sandtrap, right clubhouse)
Scheduled to open this July, the exterior of the Dyker Beach Park Junior Golf Course has been completed. Located on 14th Ave, and Poly Place, when it opens, all kids aged 6-17, can bring a parent and use it for free. Currently, a clubhouse learning center is under construction.
Many are excited by the project. Mayor Bloomberg hopes “To be able to introduce more young New Yorker’s in all five boroughs to the great game of golf.” (http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/index1.aspx?BD=19655).)
However, some residents wonder at its usefulness. Not everyone shares Bloomberg’s enthusiasm. Brinda Onisco, an administrator at P.S.112 , wonders, “What do they need a golf course for? Couldn’t that money go to schools, who are dealing with some major budgets cuts?” The Project is expected to cost over $3 million for construction, with another $3 million being put away for future costs. The project is receiving $1.5 million from the state; the difference is being raised by Senator Marty Goldman and the Cityparks Foundation.
Still, residents have other questions. “Whose gonna come all the way out here for golf?” asks Eric Eaton referring to the relative inaccessibility of Dyker Heights. “You gotta take a local train to a bus (B8) at the end of Brooklyn!” Dyker Heights can be a hard place to get to, especially when you don’t have a car, (like the average teenager). Eaton is referring to taking the R to 86th in Bay Ridge; an alternative route is to take the D train to New Uctrect and walk. “It’s a big waste of time, and money,” he decides.
Opinions vary, on the value of a kids’ golf course, but it is a fact that outdoor activities improve psychological, and physical health. (For more on benefits of golfing http://ezinearticles.com/?Health-Benefits-and-Golf&id=218442
Mary McKie is a mother of 3; two of her children, are teenagers “I wish I could get them out!” she says heartily “but to be honest, I feel like, there is less and less for them to do.” There has been a decline, in recreational activities as banks, and chain stores begin to dominate this part of Brooklyn.
“We used to go bowling, and skating, now all I see are big chain stores!”There’s softball and football leagues, but McKie comments “Not everyone is into that, and things get too competitive.”The Cityparks Foundation responded to the questions raised, by calling them “fair,” but they would not give a quote.