New Look At The Old Connecticut Golf Land Finally Taking Shape

VERNON, CT — The framing for the major structure for the new version of an amusement center at the former Connecticut Golf Land Site in Vernon is finally up — nearly a year-and-a-half after plan to revive the facility was announced.

Materials arrived more than a week ago and on Wednesday, many had been put in place to complement the A-frame style ice cream shop that opened in June.

The ice cream shop was a consolation prize because the project had been hampered by supply chain issues, Vernon Economic Development Coordinator Shaun Gately has said.

Demolition work began in November 2020, roughly two months after applications were submitted to Vernon regulatory authorities by Steve LaMesa and Jerry Fornarelli, the principals of CT Golf Land LLC.

CT Golf Land LLC is leasing the old complex from longtime owner Peter Krause. Golf Land Closed in 2014 after 50 years in business. Its sits on Route 83 in Vernon near the Manchester line.

The initial application hinted that some of the old complex could be salvaged, but the owners went for all new stuff in the end. Gately said most of the old structures were "in rough shape," save for some of the footings.
Golf Land was named for its popular pitch-and-put course, which included one frightening hole that bordered the eastbound lanes of Interstate-84 and another requiring shots underneath live power lines.

The fate of the few remaining holes is still uncertain, Gately said.

The new complex is expected to have a wide array of family entertainment options, both outdoors and in a revamped and larger clubhouse.