Growing up in Scituate, there are so many exciting places to go as a kid. Around Scituate, one of the best places to go as a kid was Par-Tee in Cohasset. There aren’t many kids in Scituate who don’t have fond memories of playing mini-golf at Par-Tee. Between the mini golf, to the arcade games, to the treasure hunt, Par-Tee has always been one of the most memorable places.
It was most definitely the hot spot to have a birthday party for young kids, but whether for a party, or just for fun, Par- Tee was a place enjoyed by people of all ages. As highschoolers, we have grown up around Par-Tee, and are no strangers to the beloved mini golf course.
Par-Tee is a tradition for many; a place that everyone in Scituate knows. However, unfortunately, this tradition won’t be around much longer. It’s true- the infamous Par-Tee is closing. The owner of Par-Tee, Mary-Anne Crawford, explains why this beloved landmark is leaving Cohasset. “As successful as it’s been, financially, it struggled a bit,” Crawford said.
“They’re trying to find other businesses to fill that space,” said former Par-Tee employee, junior Roger Dawley. “It closed on September 30th”.
Over the 13 years Par-Tee has been in business, the experience has meant the world to Crawford. She shares some of her favorite memories. “If a little kid gets a hole-in-one, it makes him so happy, like he won the Olympics or something. Those things are incredible,” Crawford said. “I’ll hold those memories close to my heart.”
It is undecided what will become of the space after Par-Tee is gone, but after 13 long years, this childhood landmark can definitely never be replaced. It is one of the few places in which practically every kid in Scituate shares memories. “Hopefully it will be another place that brings as much happiness,” Crawford said.
For high schoolers, the Par-Tee days are long gone, but still, it’s hard to let it go. Students share a lot of childhood memories at Par-Tee, and seeing it go is saddening for many. “That makes me so sad,” said junior Erin Gaffney. “Par-Tee was my childhood.”
It’s always hard to see our favorite childhood places close down, because reminds us all that we are getting older, and the places we used to love so much are now just a distant memory. But even after Par-Tee closes its doors, the memories made there will live on.
One of the things that Crawford says she will miss the most is the golf course. But fortunately, Par-Tee will live on. The golf course is being sold to a recreation program in Rhode Island, where it will be used for fundraisers and activities.
“It’s been a tremendous and fun experience. I’m so grateful for everything, and to everyone who came” Crawford said. “I’m going to miss my little golf course.”