Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

NEGAUNEE – Time to play some putt-putt golf in Negaunee! Yes, you read that right. I know it’s winter, but you can actually hit the ball around this time of year, even with all of this snow!

Not outside, but inside – with the opening UP Fun With Friends, one of Negaunee’s newest businesses.

They offer more fun activities than just indoor putt-putt golf. They also have a climbing wall, gymnastics, cornhole, as well as a huge inflatable obstacle course. The facility even has a space for birthday parties!

 “This is a place built for families to have fun together,” owner and operator Dell Kab said.

 Dell, originally from Northern Africa, moved to the US some time ago. He moved to the Negaunee area around 2009. He decided it was time for a chance of pace after working as a corporate manager at Lowes for 20 years.

 “I always thought something was lacking here. People told me all the time there’s nothing to do, especially in the winter”, Dell said.

 Dell knew that there were plenty of outdoor activities year-round, but not many indoor options. His envisioned creating a family-friendly, healthy entertainment and activity option. Having a young child of his own, Dell truly believes in the value of strengthening family bonds by having fun together.

 UP Fun With Friends offers fair prices. There’s even a family membership option. Members have unlimited access to all activities, every day, during business hours.

But there’s always the option to stop in and pay to play. Dell wanted to make sure that his service was not just a treat that you could afford every once in a while, but an affordable activity that families can do on a regular basis.

 With his vision and hard work, Dell embodies the true spirit of the American Dream. As I talked to him, I could tell he believes in an America where a business owner can work hard every day to make that dream come true. He said the US is amazing, and the mural of a large US flag painted on the wall of his business makes that statement abundantly clear.

 UP Fun With Friends is located along the US 41 corridor in Negaunee, near the Border Grill. They are open Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday 11am to 8pm, closed on Mondays.

 I urge you to check out this wonderful family-friendly place. It offers different, unique, and much needed indoor entertainment all year round. It offers something for everyone and won’t disappoint. Negaunee had the outdoors down, now we have something to do inside during these cold months. Forge Your Adventure today in Negaunee!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Nate

Heffron is city manager of the city of Negaunee.