Jun. 23—Causeway Fun Mini Golf and Arcade will hold its grand opening on Saturday, June 28, following a soft opening earlier this month. The location, which consists of an 18-hole course and a building with several arcade games, is the passion project of owner Thomas Sallinen. In an interview with Lakes Region Now, Sallinen recalled writing his senior thesis on the mini golf business, stating that it was a business that not only served as a good way for people to go out and have fun, but also one that was accessible to anyone.
Sallinen said that he was not the first owner of the miniature golf course, which was built in 1998. A previous iteration of the site closed in 2011, sitting vacant for more than a decade. A year ago, Sallinen got in touch with the owner of the property, Wayne Warren, and made an arrangement to lease the land.
After leasing the property, Sallinen said it took about four months to get the course up and running, having to install all new artificial turf, lighting, a new deck, and clean up the existing concrete and rocks. However, he did say that the course was professionally designed, so being able to get the greens fitted for the holes was not a huge undertaking. In particular, he mentioned that No. 18, the "Finale Flick," has a sand-based putting surface comparable to one that could be found at a Professional Golfers' Association golf course, and that regular golfers had complimented him on how real the turf feels.
When asked about what Causeway was doing to stand out in Naples' crowded miniature golf market, Sallinen compared it to the restaurant business, saying that everyone has to have their own little niche. One particular advantage that Causeway has, in Sallinen's eyes, is its location, easily reachable by foot from both Naples' central causeway, as well as being accessible to boaters on Long Lake and Brandy Pond. In addition, the course, he said, has excellent views of the lake, with the White Mountains being visible on a clear day.
Opening day will feature a DJ serving as emcee for a hole-in-one contest. A prize of up to $1,000 is possible for anyone who gets a hole-in-one on the 18th hole. A dozen area businesses have also contributed free swag and gift certificates. Sallinen said he intended to make it an event centered not just around the miniature golf course, but also the businesses and community of the Causeway, noting that the 3/4-mile strip had "something for everybody."
"I'm a true believer that the Lakes Region is just one of those beautiful places in Maine, or the world," Sallinen said.
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