[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 81 (Friday, June 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF COOL CREST

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                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2000

  Ms. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, June 23-25, marks the 50th 
anniversary of Cool Crest Garden Golf and Game Room. This venerable 
complex is the oldest family entertainment center in Missouri's Fifth 
District. This Independence, MO business has provided families and 
teens a high quality, fun, and safe area to spend time seven days a 
week.
  Cool Crest opened in 1950 with two miniature golf courses and 
sprawling manicured gardens in the countryside of Eastern Jackson 
County. Today, apartment complexes and businesses have replaced the 
fields as the area around Cool Crest developed. King and Inez Patterson 
owned and operated the business from its beginnings, and Inez continued 
to operate Cool Crest after the 1986 death of her husband. The business 
was in the Patterson family for 46 years before Inez sold it to Frank 
and Jennifer Licausi in 1997. In keeping with longstanding tradition 
which demonstrates her committment to the company, Inez continues to 
work in the gardens. Because it remains a family-owned business, Cool 
Crest maintains its unique personal touch with its customers.
  Over the years the business has expanded to include two more 
miniature golf courses and a state of the art game center. Through all 
the years, the fun, family-oriented atmosphere and safe environment 
remained constant. Because of Cool Crest, Independence and surrounding 
area families have a secure area where kids can play miniature golf and 
video games away from gangs, violence, drugs, and other negative 
influences. The miniature golf courses are challenging and unique, as 
they are surrounded by the flowing beauty of manicured gardens. Various 
challenges found on the courses include a moving rocket, an animatronic 
alligator, and the Eiffel Tower. The video games are cutting-edge to 
keep players of all ages satisfied.
  I applaud the vision and dedication of the Patterson and Licausi 
families. The efforts of the Licausi's will ensure Cool Crest's mission 
to provide quality family entertainment in a clean, unique, and safe 
environment is afforded to all of its visitors.
  Cool Crest truly is a local landmark, and I congratulate Patterson 
and the Licausi families on their first half century of keeping 
families entertained and safe. I am confident the next 50 years will be 
as memorable and productive in the established Cool Crest tradition.

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