Where mini-golf is not only a physical activity, but a memorable experience
Liz Hilfrank
What’s better than going to a mini golf, rock climbing wall, grille and ice cream place and having loads of fun? Knowing that the employees are too. This satisfaction is exactly what you can feel when you head over to Island Cove Adventures on State Road in Vineyard Haven.
Just walking through the doors causes a wave of relaxation to crash over you. A mini-golf enthusiast himself, R. Gosslin saw the opportunity to open Island Cove’s doors 24 years ago, and he hasn’t looked back since.
Mary Gosslin, his wife, was a food nutrition major in college, and after working in a hospital telling people why their diets led them to white walled rooms filled with beeping monitors, she decided it was time to show people how good food can be fun and healthy. So in 2002, she collaborated with her husband to expand mini golf to include a grille and only a grille, don’t even think about a deep fryer.
Mary Gosslin is most comfortable cooking, and her face lights up when she gets to serve children.
“They speak the truth,” said Gosslin. “If it’s good, they tell you. And if it’s bad, they tell you why.”
This two-way didactic approach seeps into every part of Island Cove, and it makes for a place built on respect. As much as they want to teach others, the Gosslins still love to be taught. When M. Gosslin was asked why she loves to come to work everyday, she stated that it was because of the teaching, both with her customers and her employees.
Many of Island Cove’s employees are first time workers, and M. Gosslin makes sure to show them what it means to be a good employee. Taking a mirror-like approach, Gosslin confronts her mistakes in a way that shows her workers it is okay to be wrong, but they need to move on and learn. If people stick around long enough, they can even come to understand the ins and outs of running a small business.
This drive for the best is what keeps Island Cove as a top-ranked mini golf location, even attracting both President Clinton and President Obama to play a round. Knowing that the employees are being treated exceptionally and given opportunities to progress daily, one can feel good about supporting this adventure establishment.
To give a clear example of the relationships built on Island Cove, employee Shawn, 34, began at Island Cove when he was just 14. Today, he continues to work his summers there and will even come in on his days off just because of his love for the place.
That’s just it. Everyone at Island Cove, whether a guest or employee, wants to be there, which is the reason ice cream and hamburgers are allowed in a nutritionist’s business.
With everything all in one place, the Gosslins aim to relieve people of the stress of travelling into town and trying to find a somewhat reasonably priced place to eat.
“You don’t get to mini golf everyday, so you don’t get a hamburger and ice cream either,” said Gosslin. “It’s all part of the experience.”
Hence the addition of the 24-foot rock wall in 2002 as well. It’s all for ease and accessibility. You don’t have to worry about summer traffic when you go to Island Cove because there’s no need to leave until its time for a nap.
Parents themselves, the Gosslins know what kids want and need, and they aim to please. These owners become second parents to everyone who walks through the doors, making mini golf a true family experience.
