The city of Ronceverte is experiencing new growth, with old buildings being restored and new businesses moving in.
Gateway Industries is joining the efforts with the construction of a new entertainment center on Island Park.
Gateway Industries is a non-profit organization that provides employment and vocational services to individuals with disabilities. They have been part of the Ronceverte community for 45 years and employ around 43 individuals. Mini-Golf by Jardin will be another source of revenue for the program and will also provide multiple opportunities for employment.
Mini-Golf by Jardin will feature an 18-hole miniature golf course, a batting cage with a pitching machine and a game room. The course will highlight the city of Ronceverte – from the logging boom that created it to replicas of its present-day buildings. Each hole will promote a different aspect, with displays and informational plaques. There will be a picnic area and garden landscaping.
“This is going to be an alternative source of revenue to support what we do. Everything that we do is to support the aspect of keeping the disabled working – all of our goals are to promote and support that venture,” said Gateway employee Mark Mengel.
The course is under construction at the site of the former municipal swimming pool and, more recently, by Jardin by the River. The sidewalk and putting green are finished, and powerful lights are being installed that will allow for night golfing.
“We also have a large model railroad planned, which will travel throughout a portion of the course, and one golf hole will circle the newly recreated Bill Boone Memorial Fountain,” said Mengel.
Gateway Industries is also selling commemorative bricks that will border each hole. The bricks are $50 apiece, and every cent will go toward funding construction of the course. Members of the public who want to add their names to a brick are encouraged to contact Gateway Industries.
The course is expected to be finished and ready to play by spring of 2025. It will be open to the public every day of the week.
“Ronceverte is doing its best to revitalize itself, and we want to be a part of that,” said Mengel. “We want to be a draw to Roncevete.”
