Who remembers when the parking lot out front was a bumper-boat pool, or sitting in the go-karts when the fumes from surrounding karts came spitting at your face. It’s been a long time of scattered renovations for Star Land, but the most recent changes are the biggest by far. Where a two-story driving range once stood, an all-season sports complex is now in place. From basketball courts to laser tag, the University Sports Complex has it all.
Junior Ben Mclarey is one of the many athletes who have been able to use this complex since it opened just a short time ago. “Its sick. There are so many courts in there that can be used for almost anything,” Mclarey said.
These facilities are impeccable. Everything clean, neat, and always open. Even if you are not part of one of the teams practicing at the “U”, you can go over to an open court or turf and practice alone, or with friends.
Along with the major addition of the sports complex, other attractions were updated in the mini-park itself. To start off, if you are looking for a quick and fun time, jump in line at the new go-karts. The new karts are equipped with a ‘boost’ button, so in case you weren’t going fast enough before, you can now fly around the corners and scrape your way along the guardrail. Another updated attraction would be the mini-golf courses. One of the two older courses was removed, and the other was enlarged and updated with water features.
Many might be asking where the laser tag and arcade went since the other buildings were under construction, but no worries they are still there and better than ever. Both a new laser tag room and a new arcade were built into the sports complex on the hill. With all of the sporting events occurring this time of year, you may not be able to play all the games at once.
Up until recently, Star Land may have been viewed as a run-down kind of place where you only went if there was nothing else to do, or maybe only go for the go-karts for a few minutes. With the new passes and updated attractions, Star Land has become a way to spend your afternoon. Sophomore Alana Burke recognizes and is excited about the drastic changes; “It’s so different from the old one. The old one was so sketchy, especially near the driving range. It had a creepy clown skee-ball that I specifically remember being weird. I’m happy they redid it but it’s kind of a weird combination of fields, courts, and an arcade” Burke said.
In case you get hungry after your fun-filled afternoon at Star Land, food services, another major enhancement, are now offered at the park. There is a large selection to choose from inside the sports complex, from snacks to drinks to meals.
The new Star Land is hardly recognizable. If you have not yet visited and find yourself bored on a Saturday afternoon, head on down and your day will go from boredom to pure excitement instantly.