David Solari didn’t intend to become the manager of the city’s mini-golf course on East 24th Street. He just fell into it.
The city needed someone to work during weekends, and he was available. “I didn’t think it would turn into a job,” said the local activist, who sometimes criticizes city policies. “I thought I was going to do this as a favor.” Listed as a seasonal employee, Solari became a minor political issue when budget-conscious Councilman Gary La Pelusa listed the position as “patronage.”
Solari has been active in politics over the last few years, but often as a critic of the administration. Last year, he ran for Hudson County clerk as a Republican. He has run for other offices, both local and statewide, over the years. He’s even been tossed out of meetings for his sharp criticism of city policies.
“This is not a patronage job,” he said. “I’m just doing it because nobody else would.”
Although he has put in a lot of hours during the first few months, Solari believes he will be working less at the facility as he finds new people to work.
Since the nine-hole course opened on July 22, he does not yet know how it will do after school starts up again. “We’ve been doing very well here during the summer,” he said.
Bringing people to Broadway
The mini-golf course was constructed on a portion of the municipal parking lot as a way of bringing people into the Broadway shopping area.
Public officials believed that as kids played there, parents might also stop off and do some shopping. Solari said the course itself seems to be covering its expenses, taking in more than $300 a day. In its first three weeks of operation, the course has brought in nearly $8,500 and an average of about 120 patrons a day. Solari makes about $10 an hour, but seems to have taken a serious interest in the course, even walking some patrons through some of the interesting challenges.
The course was constructed by Harris Miniature Golf, Inc. using a $200,000 state recreational grant. The landscaping is maintained by the city’s Public Works Department.
Solari said if funds are available, the city might even expand the course next year.
As the year progresses, the summer schedule will be modified to accommodate students, although rules at the course do not allow children under 10 to play without an adult.
To spark interest, the facility offered an incentive package that allowed players two games of golf for $3 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. After 4 p.m., players pay $3 per game.
“Even though we just opened, we’ve already got regular customers. People who come here everyday to play,” Solari said.
Twists and turns
If asked, Solari will show you some of the curious twists and turns of the course, little tidbits that help a player score higher. For instance, hole number three requires a golfer to steer the ball over a small bridge to avoid a stream of running water and to get to the green where the hole is.
“Most people will try to avoid the water,” Solari said. “They think that if they get the ball in the water it will get washed into the big pool.”
But when Solari hits the ball, he deliberately sends it into the middle of the rushing water, not over the bridge. The ball gets pushed out on the green by the water, nearly falling into the cup as a hole in one. Several other holes have similar tricks.
The course, while designed to be a challenge in some areas, also reflects its roots in Bayonne, using a large rock from the former Military Ocean Terminal as a centerpiece, and other materials from around town.
Solari, who seems as happy as any of the kids, knows that his role will diminish as the city hires other workers to fill in some of the slots and as winter comes, ending the season until next spring.
“It’s wonderful seeing the people who come here, but eventually I have other things I’ll need to do,” he said.