NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – No, it’s not a new mini golf course that popped up in Bowling Green Park today. That giant windmill is part of a village set up to honor the arrival of the Dutch 400 years ago.

PHOTO GALLERY: Scenes from New Amsterdam Village

WCBS 880 Reporter Monica Miller reports officials didn’t go with a traditional ribbon cutting on opening day of New Amsterdam Village. But, rather, a cutting of the cheese, a 22 pound Gouda to be exact. Dutch Ambassador to the U.S. Renee Jones Bos Henry Hudson failed to find a passage to the East Indies.

“We Dutch are pragmatic. I mean, if you find something good on the way, you don’t regret the fact that you didn’t achieve the other goal. So, it worked out very well for us.”

Paul Redensky and his family stopped by the village after seeing a huge windmill in Bowling Green Park.

“What would have happened if Henry Hudson just missed this place all together?” asked Miller.

“Well, I don’t know? Maybe we would be having this up in New Jersey or something?” replied Redensky.

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