Mini-golf development underway in east Springfield

A 36-hole miniature golf course themed with U.S. and international tourist attractions is coming to east Springfield.

Getaway Golf is scheduled to open May 1 after a couple soft opening events at 3833 E. Sunshine St., near Blackman Road, said owner John Reinart.  

Reinart said the 2.6-acre business on land he bought two years ago will feature two 18-hole courses. One will be themed with U.S. tourist spots, including the Gateway Arch, Statue of Liberty and Golden Gate Bridge, while the other will have international destinations, such as the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa and Machu Picchu. Getaway Golf also will have a 1,600-square-foot clubhouse with two meeting rooms.

“Traveling has been a been part of my life,” he said of the inspiration for the course. “We wanted to do it right.”

Wildwood, New Jersey-based Harris Miniature Golf Inc. installed the course, and Springfield-based Elemoose — which has done work for Bass Pro Shops — is designing the themes. BP Builders LLC is handling construction work, with design by Arkifex Studios LLC.

Reinart said Getaway Golf would have 12 features on both courses, as well as an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant course that uses nine holes of each.

Declining to disclose investment costs, Reinart said the course is his first business venture.

“I’m only 24 years old,” he said. “This is the beginning for me for hopefully a pretty bright future.”