In the early 1980s, the Town of Haverstraw purchased a portion of the Letchworth Custodial Property from the state of New York. As part of the agreement, the area was designated "Parks and Recreation". Town supervisor Philip J. Rotella and councilman Thomas Lawless decided to use it as a public golf course and brought it architect Hal Purdy for the design. The 6,517-yard, par-72 course opened in 1984 as Minisceongo Golf Course. The town retained architect Stephen Kay to build new bunkers, tee-boxes, and to redesign several holes. That work was completed in 2003, which was when Haverstraw officials decided to rename the course in honor of Mr. Rotella.

The non-resident walking rates are $48 on weekdays, then $58 on weekends and holidays (carts are $34). Resident, junior, senior, and twilight rates are available.