Sometimes, a place can hold so many of our memories that, when that place is gone, we can’t enjoy ourselves the same way again.

For generations of Northeast Michiganders and visitors, Lee’s Miniature Golf Course has been such a place.

For many of today’s grandparents, parents, and kids, summers in Alpena meant a run through Lee’s course before or after a lazy day in the sand on Starlite Beach.

Some worried the landmark spot might not open this summer after tragedy struck the previous owners. But, as News staff writer Steve Schulwitz reported recently, Dave Dargis has purchased Lee’s and promises to spruce it up while maintaining its historic charm.

“Places like this mean everything to our community,” Dargis told Schulwitz. “It’s part of our history, part of who we are, and a part of our childhood.”

We couldn’t agree more, and we’re so glad to see the golf course saved for yet another generation to enjoy.