CLEARLAKE — The long-awaited return of a local family-fun center was realized Friday with opening of Tatonka Land Miniature Golf and Zippy Pets in Clearlake.
The location, formerly known as Jules Miniature Golf, was closed for about 20 years, but with several months of restoration, the miniature golf course reopened with many of the original statues restored and attractions added to the fun center.
“We are right in the heart of the Clearlake, where all the fun begins,” Bunnie Carter, owner, said. “It”s been a year since we started this dream and now it”s finally a reality.”
Carter and Robert Coker started their business venture in Clearlake with the opening of Tatonka Trading, a variety retail store. Carter said their business plan soon grew into a dream to provide the youth with a safe place to play and work.
“The youth of this area really need something like this,” Carter said. “We are hoping it takes off so we can hire more kids. We want them have a place where they can look forward to coming to work and place where they can have fun.”
Carter said all of the original statues on the course suffered vandalism and were either stolen or destroyed throughout the 20 years the course was closed. She said she and Coker were successful in locating and restoring a few of the original statues. “Some guests may remember the giant bear and butterfly and the castle, which have all been restored,” she said.
Along with the reopening of the golf course, Tatonka Land also enjoys the addition of Zippy Pets.
The battery-operated animal rides can hold up to 300 pounds.
Children can ride them on their own or with their parent, Carter said.
Carter said her goal was to keep prices affordable for families. She said for $5 guests can get an 18-hole round of golf or a ride on a Zippy Pet.
Special prices are available for birthday parties, office parties, family reunion or other events. Carter said Tatonka Land will also host special events.
“We look forward to having special events for the community like tournaments, senior and kids days and adult nights where the ?big kids” can ride the Zippy Pets,” Carter said.
Coker said Tatonka Land will honor Jules Free Game cards. “Bring the card down and we”ll give you your free game of miniature golf,” he said, adding that other Jules Miniature Golf memorabilia is being sought. He said depending on the item, it too could be worth a free game of golf.
Tatonka Land also offers sponsorship opportunities. Strohmeyer”s Plumbing, Calpine, Three Sisters and the Wade Family have signed on to sponsor holes on the golf course. Hole sponsorships begin at $500.
A local youth is complementing the entertainment opportunities at Tatonka Land with his own business venture. Eli Wade, 13, owner of Frost Bites Snack Trailer is providing food and beverages at the fun center.
He offers real snow cones, hot dogs, soda and other creations that he has designed.
Frost Bites is open from 3:30 to 8 p.m. during school hours. On weekends, Frost Bites will host the same hours as the golf course.
Tatonka Land Miniature Golf and Zippy Pets is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Hours of operation are subject to change. The fun center is located 14240 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.
For more information, please call Bunnie Carter at 994-1661.
