Shallow Creek Golf Course to be Transformed into Family Fun Center

The Shallow Creek Golf Course in Jefferson Valley was closed and donated to the town in 2007 and now it is set to become a family fun center, complete with a driving range, short game practice area, mini-golf, laser tag, and a health and fitness studio.

Kevin Chin, a professional golfer, whose proposal town officials have chosen, plans to transform the 12-acre, par 3 course, located on Route 6, off of the Taconic State Parkway and open as soon as next Memorial Day.

He said he first looked at the site as a golf course, but after conducting some research, he said, he found out that the site has "major environmental restrictions."

"It may not be possible to bring back the course," he said. "The last thing I wanted to do was spend years and a lot of money trying to get the proper permits to find out down the road someone says no to something that needs to be done."

Chin's , a Yorktown resident, had proposed to re-establish a restaurant in the existing building and rehabilitate the previous golf course so that it could function once again as a 9-hole, par 3 golf course.

Supervisor Susan Siegel said the flexibility and diversity of Chin's proposal was appealing and ideal for the location. Jennifer Fava, the Parks and Recreation department superintendent said his proposal was recreationally based and would offer various activities to the kids in town. Also, because of the different programs and actvities it would allow for a more profitable market and bring more people to spend money locally. 

"This proposal gave the most wide range recreational use available," Fava said. "It would have very minimal impact and change to the site and the environment. They've been very conscious about that." 

Councilmen Terrence Murphy and Jim Martorano both favored Cambareri's proposal and wanted to give the opportunity to a local resident. The board ulimately voted in favor of Chin's proposal. 

The golf course was donated to the town four years ago, and Siegel said it is not being used and continues to cost the town money to even minimally maintain the grounds. The building is also in need of repair.

Chin, who currently operates a golf instruction business at the Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, said he was familiar with Yorktown and thought the golf course property was "beautiful" and he is excited to come to town full time.

He said he and his fiance, Terri Felton, who is a yoga instructor and certified in integrated nutrition, want to be active in the community.

"Our proposal is to use the open space for bringing affordable activities for all the family," Chin said. "We are working with the First Tee [a non for profit organization] whose junior golf programs offer life skills training, golf coaching and academic scholarships."

Chin will operate the center year-round as a concession. The costs and terms with the town are still being negotiated. 

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