Golf Land Construction In Vernon Hindered By Pandemic Delays

VERNON, CT — An A-frame style ice cream shop could open as early as next month, but construction on the remainder of the former Connecticut Golf Land in Vernon has been delayed because, in the words of one municipal official, materials are simply hard to get.

Vernon Economic Development Coordinator Shaun Gately said Wednesday that the ice cream place, dubbed "Coneheads," could open as early as July. When the arcade, clubhouse and food venues will open, along with the outdoor activities, is a completely different question. Shipping delays for construction materials have placed an indefinite timetable on completion, Gately said.

Gately said supplies are hard to come by because of limited manufacturing activity at the height of the coronavirus pandemic and increased demand now that many restrictions have been lifted.

Demolition work began in November, 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.

Here's a rendering of the clubhouse. The design of the front ice cream shop has since changed: