After months of construction fencing and curiosity from passersby, Alley Pond Golf Center in Douglaston is back in action following a top-to-bottom overhaul that borough officials say cost about $10 million. The driving range and clubhouse have been rebuilt around modern practice bays and refreshed public spaces that aim to cater to both serious golfers and casual family outings. Management has started a soft opening while crews finish additional family-friendly features, including a new mini golf course that officials say is on the way.
And up next in the renovation will be a brand new mini golf course for family outings or couples on a date night.
— Queens Borough President Donovan Richards (@QnsBPRichards) July 24, 2026
So if you’re trying to turn those pars and bogeys into birdies and eagles, this is the place to be. pic.twitter.com/3OS7RiiqwF
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced the reopening on X on July 24, saying the overhaul cost $10 million and “includes state-of-the-art simulators, ball tracking technology and new furniture,” according to X. Richards also teased a “brand new mini golf course” that he pitched as a go-to spot for family outings and date nights.
The center’s revamped site bills the venue as “Est. 1949 · Reimagined 2026” and highlights driving-range bays, golf-simulation rooms, mini golf, a restaurant and retail, noting it is “Managed by Knox Golf Academy” with “Soft Opening Now” hours, according to Alley Pond Golf Center. The site lists the Douglaston address and a full schedule of hours for the soft-opening phase.
How the overhaul came together
Public procurement notices show NYC Parks and the Mayor’s Office moved in 2025 to award a long-term concession to Knox Golf Academy, clearing the way for private investment and renovations at the long-running range. As laid out in The City Record, the notice described an intent to grant a 20-year license and detailed guaranteed annual fees to the city.
What to expect at the reimagined range
On top of the high-tech practice bays and simulators, the updated Alley Pond is promoting an on-site restaurant and a fashion shop, with local job listings indicating that operators are hiring front-of-house, operations and golf staff as the venue ramps up, according to postings on Job Today. Soft-opening hours currently run daily, and management says the new mini golf attraction will debut once construction wraps.
For now, the facility is operating in a soft-opening phase at 232‑01 Northern Boulevard in Douglaston, and both officials and the center’s site indicate more programming and a full public opening will roll out as renovation phases finish. This story will be updated as more details, including pricing, reservations and a timetable for the mini course, become public.
