The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks,
The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and
spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."
At the intersection of Reed Station Road and Route 13, just east of Carbondale, there is a little place for fun with a name that says it all.
Fun World is a place where visitors can play classic video games in the section called "Game World." They can also enjoy a game of miniature golf in "Golf World." Not too long ago, patrons could go-kart in "Kart World."
"This place is a lot of fun," said Eddie Mead, owner of Fun World. "The go-karts are done for good, though."
"Kart World," a quarter-mile mini-racetrack was shut down last year after it became too costly to run.
"The liability and operating cost just became too much," Mead said.
Although the track is no longer in service, many patrons still enjoy coming to play a game of miniature golf on either of the two 18-hole terrains. The course is reminiscent of a jungle, just the way Mead likes it. There are giant faux elephants, rhinos, zebras and mushrooms that populate the holes and seem to stand guard amid the swing of putters.
"This is our first time here," said Kevin Towery, a visitor from Hawaii. "The scenery is great, and I like the shade from the trees."
Towery's 5-year-old son Johnny added, "I just like to play golf."
Mead has operated Fun World for a decade and says it is somewhat of a family business.
"My Dad owns one in Jonesboro, Ark., and my sister just opened one not too long ago," Mead said.
Each family member has opened a business near a college town.
"I get a lot of university students and local families," Mead said. "The location is good."
Mead is an avid golfer and says that his mini courses can become a competitive battlefield at times.
"I like to refer to it as miniature golf, not 'Goofy golf,'" Mead said. "Every hole can be made a hole-in-one."
The course is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11a.m. to 10 p.m. It is $5 per person for the first game and $2.50 for the second game.
Players may also purchase an all-day pass for $10. Children under 6 play for $1 per game. "Golf World" and "Game World" are open under Fun World year-round.
