RIVER VALE, N.J.—It was déjà vu all over again for the township’s proposed mini golf course, nearly two years to the day that the council first rejected an overpriced bid for the much-sought-after mini course.
In March 2019, councilmembers rejected a lone $2.89 million bid to build the mini golf course at the township-owned River Vale Country Club, at 660 Rivervale Road. On March 8, 2021, they rejected a $1,639,000 bid to build a similar course with fewer amenities.
The price was still too high, said township Business Administrator and CFO Gennaro Rotella, following revised bid specs for the project. Only one bidder replied to the borough’s scaled-back bid specs.
“The administration has reviewed the submission and determined the bid from Athletic Fields of America is over the cost estimate for said project and recommends rejecting the bid pursuant to [state law],” said the council’s March 8 resolution.
Rotella said another plan might soon be unveiled for public use near the township-owned River Vale Country Club. He declined to elaborate.
Two years ago following the first multi-million-dollar bid, council members expressed hope that costs would come down significantly during bidding with revised specs. But that did not happen.
Township officials and planners had once envisioned an 18-hole mini golf course to be built at property on River Vale Country Club. The first nine holes would be ADA-compliant, according to previous plans.
Plans included a waterfall and water feature, and 20-foot-high by 20-foot-wide clubhouse/storage area.
Local officials, viewing the mini golf course as a profit center, hope to bring individuals and families to the country club/golf course area.
If the miniature course came into being, it would be the second publicly owned facility in Bergen County. The other public mini course is in Paramus.
Two years ago, Rotella said no taxpayer dollars would fund the proposed mini course. Instead, he said, funds generated by the township’s golf course and a $50,000 county open space grant would be used.
River Vale Country Club, a semiprivate 18-hole golf course welcoming public daily fee golfers and seasonal members, reopened on Friday, March 26. The club’s website says it anticipates being able to open the bunkers for play in mid-April.
“We will be re-opening the course with all previous Covid rules and precautionary measures in place. Face masks are required in all common areas such as parking lot, pro shop window, snack house window, etc. The locker rooms will be open for use (with exception of the showers) and a mask is required. The on-course bathrooms will re-open once the temperature is consistently above freezing. Our staff will continue to wipe down surfaces on a frequent basis,” the club says.
Check out the club’s website, rivervalecc.com, for spring happenings, leagues, clinics, summer camps, and more