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Adventure Zone entertainment center opens partially with two mini-golf courses

Calling it "baby steps",  the owner of Adventure Zone decided to open the entertainment center partially May 1 by opening the two mini-golf courses.

J.R. Phillips said he talked to city representatives to make sure he could open the courses as part of the re-opening allowed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

"Our golf courses are about three times the size of regular mini-golf courses so there's no danger of people infringing on other's personal space," Phillips said. "We can sterilize the counter, the golf balls and putters or they can bring their own if they feel more comfortable so they don't have to touch anything."

Masks are required and gloves are available. 

The owner of Adventure Zone, a local entertainment center, said he opened partially with much caution for the safety of employees and guests.

Phillips said the two 18-hole courses span about 1 1/2 acres which makes it easy for each group to social distance at each hole. Groups must be no more than four unless it's a family.

He said he wants to make visiting the entertainment center as safe as possible for both his employees and patrons. There is an employee making sure people are keeping six feet away from each other and children are staying with their parents.

"I know people have been locked in their homes for two months and wanting to get out and still be safe as a family. So we really considered our options," he said.

People are welcome to drop by or call in advance to see if play space is still available.

Phillips said he could open the bumper boats and go-carts but is choosing to keep them closed until he can figure out the best way to safely operate them.

The entertainment center, which has been in operation for 18 years, was also set to open a new virtual reality game that cost $100,000 about a week before spring break.

Adventure Zone on the West Side has opened partially by operating its two expansive mini-golf courses.

Phillips said Adventure Zone has been able to maintain some business by keeping the restaurant open for curbside as well as delivery through Grubhub and DoorDash. Mini golfers will be able to dine inside and outside on a limited number of tables.

The restaurant is known for its $1 on tacos Tuesdays and on Thursdays.

"We've had some really good days with big orders coming through," he said. "I feel like we're an octopus surviving on one limb."

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María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @EPTMaria on Twitter.

If you go:

What: Adventure Zone (only golf courses and dining area are open).

Where: 251 Redd Rd.

Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. every day.

Details: Make sure to wear a face mask, gloves are available. People are welcome to bring their own golf balls and/or putters.