Link up to delight in the proposed
project ALLEY POND PARK which features an 18-hole miniature golf course, a
nine-hole kiddie course (both designed by Harris Miniature Golf Courses Inc.)
and an 88 tee-stall driving range as well as a pro shop and snack bar housed in
an inviting 2,300-square-foot clubhouse.
In harmony with the land and designed to maximize sunlight, the low-slung,
flat-roofed clubhouse is both inviting and energy efficient. A central glass
atrium captures sunlight all day long. A particularly striking feature is the
high, raking ceiling in the snack bar, flooded with sunlight by the atrium,
and, when the sun goes down, studded with energy-efficient Halogen up lights
which create evening drama.
Clad
in cool, grey concrete and warm, cedar wood accented with bold geometric
windows echoing the building?s shape, the clean-cut clubhouse is designed with
environmentally sensitive materials such as recycled glass terrazzo countertops
and sustainably harvested woods. The stylish, sunny clubhouse includes an
outdoor patio where patrons can sit enjoy scenic views of the garden and kiddie
course.
Architect Paul Athineos swung into action after the client, Bogopa
Service Corporation, asked for an eco-friendly ?green? clubhouse. Athineos
designed a clubhouse that appeals to families, young people on a date as well
as weekend warriors and senior citizens. The clubhouse is a place for golfers
to putter around and have fun. The children can play while their parents sit on
the patio and enjoy the view.
The proposed plan calls for demolishing the existing clubhouse and
relocating the new and improved clubhouse north of its previous location within
a few feet of the existing tee stalls. Why demolish the current building? It?s
a well-known fact that there is now an onsite traffic flow hazard which the
proposed new location eliminates by requiring all drivers to safely exit the
parking lot at the traffic light. While the proposed plan will cost the lease
holder, Bogopa, more to implement, the extra investment insures patrons a
safer, more enjoyable driving experience both on and off the course. The steel-frame clubhouse is clad in
cool grey concrete and warm cedar wood with geometric windows piercing the
fa�ade which allows natural light to flood the interior space. Of course, the
windows (both on the fa�ade and in the atrium) open to allow cross winds to
circulate and help minimize the amount of energy used for heating and cooling.
The smooth concrete finish is durable, fire and insect-resistant (may be
crushed and used for sub-base material or fill if removed). Cedar wood weathers
well in the Northeast. The interior space includes stylish polished concrete
floors, light, bright bamboo floors (bamboo is a fast-growing hallow grass) and
ceramic tile in the restrooms. Countertops for the snack bar, restrooms and
cashier counter consist of recycled glass (see cut sheets in the presentation
booklet).
The
rectangle-shaped clubhouse consists of a snack bar/lounge, kitchen, restroom,
pro shop and staff office all of which is contained with a
2,312-square-foot space. The building
consists of two volumes bisected by a gracious entryway flooded with light
through an glass atrium that runs the entire length (south to north).
The
snack bar/lounge is conveniently located to the right where patrons enter the
building. It contains a seating which can be easily rearranged to accommodate
patrons. An early morning coffee and pastry may be the perfect way to start the
day before hitting a bucket of balls. Alternatively, it makes for a great place
to have a light lunch and cold drinks when golfers are finished.
Adjacent
to the snack bar is the outdoor patio with a glass covered aluminum trellis
faced with wood along its exterior perimeter. This canopy will allow visitor to
enjoy the outdoors even if it rains. The floor surface is gravel base several
inches deep with concrete pavers spaced an inch apart to assist in the overall
drainage and water run off.
The
restroom facilities have a generous amount of space which more than adequately
satisfies ADA
requirements and additionally provides for a make-up counter in the women?s
room. For easy, convenient access, the restrooms are centrally located in the
building yet the entrances are screened by a banquette (high-back bench) and
raised planter for privacy.
The
pro shop is situated on the northwest corner of the building and has adequate
display area for patrons in search of golf gear. Above the pro shop entrance is
a skylight that allows natural light to flood the space. There is a generous
view to the north overlooking the driving range.
The
repair shop is nestled in the south-west corner of the building and provides
for direct access from the pro shop as well from an outdoor pass through. If
patrons need to use the repair service, they can drop off clubs on the way in
and fetch them on the way out after they pay at the cashier?s counter. This
conveniently located repair shop is another amenity for the patron.
Additionally, the awning, which appears as part of the wall when the repair
shop is closed for business, serves to protect patrons from the sun.