Article written

  • on 19.07.2012
  • at 09:15 AM
  • by G. E. Reutter

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category: Slideshow

Smiles and sunshine as newly renovated Burholme Golf and Family Entertainment Center opens [photos] 5

Jul19

The Wesolowski family of Mayfair enjoys a meal at the newly renovated Burholme Golf and Family Entertainment Center. Photo/G. E. Reutter

The humidity was high, temperature scorching and sun blistering on this July afternoon but it couldn’t keep the crowd away from the grand opening of the Burholme Golf and Family Entertainment Center at 401 Cottman Ave.

“This is good for the neighborhood and generates funds for the park system,” Deputy Mayor Michael DiBerardinis said at the opening.

John Kirincich and Ken Sim partners in the new center welcomed the crowd into the newly renovated café and a large friendly staff provided free lunch to all those in attendance. Kinincich said the new owners have invested more than a half a million dollars into the center to include upgrades to the batting cages, driving range and miniature golf park. Sim said the partnership plans to open up a family oriented restaurant soon.

Pa. Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-172; Pa. Rep. John Sabatina, D-174; and Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce President Al Taubenberger also addressed the crowd.

Young Noah Sim cut the ribbon to open the miniature golf course and the kids were off on an adventure – followed by DiBerandinis.

G.E. Reutter resides in the Fox Chase. You can visit him at his website. You can read his Fox Chase articles for NEast Philly here.

  • Tim Kearney

    Not so fast. What the reporter failed to mention is the possibility of selling alcoholic beverages in this “restaurant.” To describe a business as “family friendly” and show pictures of kids in your report of the Grand Opening steers the story away from the sale of alcoholic beverages, the hours of operation and bad behavior of some brought on by alcohol consumption.

    I think NEast should report on: 1) whether the owners are going to try and sell alcoholic beverages; 2) what are their planned hours of operation; 3) is there a time and place for public input; 4) why did these two men get the contract (the park consession) and not the previous owners; 5) how is the Park Conservancy involved; 6) what money and how much money goes to the Park system and where does that money get spent (in Burholme Park ??? or somewhere else??); AND 7) Are the owners applying for the privilege to sell alcoholic beverages? and what is this process? and how can the public be involved? SAVE BURHOLME PARK!

  • http://www.GreatPaRE.com Philip Cunningham

    Well sometimes I just can’t say it better Tim way to go all the time and money spent to save the Park now this comes along sure is funny how things are kept under wraps till it’s too late to do anything about them. Look out Lawndale you got your first STOP and GO at Benner and Rising Sun Complete with bulletproof glass and that is right across the Street from an L&I office. You see the community doesn’t want something but it still goes though. Who has the power it’s not Burholm or Lawndale residents Again way to go Tim

  • Gary Martinez

    Great report George. I had the opportunity to attend the Grand Opening and was amazed at the changes. It’s no longer the dirty worn out eyesore that it used to be. Thanks John & Ken for investing in my community and making the Burholme Golf and Entertainment Center a place where I can be proud to bring my family and friends.

  • http://www.neastphilly.com g.e. reutter

    the contract was awarded by a bid process, the park conservancy and recreation department had a large presence at the grand opening, operating hours are on the door and at their website http://www.golfburholme.com There are plans for a restaurant with alcohol, however it is in the formative stages. As far as where the amount of funds generated for the recreation department you can check with the recreation department.
    This was not a detailed article, simply about a new business opening and the facts are the place was loaded with kids and families at the grand opening. I would suggest Tim and Phillip stop by and talk to the owners as this facility is used by numerous members of the community and I am sure the owners would appreciate input from civic leaders such as Tim and Phillip.

  • Alan Kraus

    Thanks Tim, you caught the charade Parks & Recreation played with the Burholme Golf proposals. Open the bid process and if your vendor can’t get the lease, void the proposals and reopen the entire process. This is precisely what happened. The old Fairmount Park Commission is gone now but the old way of doing business survives. After all, this is Philadelphia. And having a beer and a shot with your hot dog or hamburger is a done deal! This was included in the new lease the second time around. All the new “partners” have to do is transfer a licquor license to the park. So much for fine dining. CHEERS!

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