By Brandi Makuski

“We’ve never done anything like this before, so we’re really excited.”

Aloha Seitz of Stevens Point was standing with her husband, Will, inside the building at 701 Second St. North — the former home of Bernard’s Country Inn, which unceremoniously closed last month after 44 years in business. 

The Seitz’ closed on the property about two weeks ago, and are in the process of renovating the space into an indoor mini golf course. 

The former site of Bernards, soon to be Putt-N-Play. (City Times photo)

“We’re doing a Northwoods theme on 18 holes,” Aloha Seitz said. “We’ll have activities for the little kids to keep them occupied. We’re parents; we know when you go places it can be real expensive and hard for the younger kids to stay interested.”

Aloha Seitz said the family has several weeks of renovations ahead of them, but hope to open for business in the fall. They plan to create league play, and be a destination for families.

“I think it’ll be a hit,” said Will Seitz, noting the nearby SPASH and Pacelli high schools. “But we couldn’t have started this without the help of God and Community First Bank; they believed in us when no one else would.”

Aloha Seitz said the business is getting a hand with renovations from student groups at Woodlands Church, where they attend services, which helps the students work off the cost of church-related trips.

“We’re helping them at the same time they’re helping us,” she said. “We’re big believers in that.”

Putt-N-Play will also have arcade games, rental space for parties, a dining area and concessions. 

Along with golf the new business will have arcade games, concession food, a dining area, and space available to rent for birthday parties or meetings.

“We want to thank God for giving us the opportunity to do something like this, and Community First Bank for believing in us enough to support this business,” Seitz said, adding Mary Wescott at the UW-Extension was also helpful in writing the couple’s business plan.

The Seitz’ also plan to sell off much of what was left behind when Bernard’s closed via a rummage sale on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM. The public is welcome. 

For more information, find the business on Facebook.