Page 38 - BusinessWest July 7, 2021

Sports & Leisure
Play Time
Indoor Activity Centers Look to Bounce Back After Pandemic
Among the industries battered by the pandemic and the ensuing economic shutdown, indoor recreation centers — from bowling alleys to trampoline rooms to roller rinks — took a massive hit last year, forced to close for longer than most other businesses and then tasked with navigating a very gradual ramp- up to normal operations. Now, a month after the final restrictions were lifted, the owners and managers of these businesses are grateful to be fully open, with a renewed understanding of the value of play in people’s lives.
BAy Mark Morris
fter a successful 2019, Jeff Bujak looked forward to 2020 as a chance to further grow Prodigy Mini Golf and Game Room in Easthampton. Then the pandemic hit.
“In the beginning, we were told to shut down for 15 days, and I said, ‘OK, let’s do it,’” Bujak recalled. When two weeks stretched to
four months, however, he became worried about his business surviving.
He wasn’t alone. Every business that offers indoor entertainment was affected
by the lengthier-than-expected, state-mandated shutdown to control the spread of coronavirus. Rob Doty, managing partner at Bounce! Trampoline Sports in Spring- field, said his doors remained closed just two weeks short of a full year.
“We had just installed a laser-tag arena,” Doty said. “We were getting it up and running for the season when we had to shut down.”
Like Bounce!, Interskate 91 North closed the roller-skating rink at Hampshire Mall in March 2020 but was allowed to reopen in October. Management held off opening until after Thanksgiving, but then had to shut down again when COVID- 19 infection rates began to climb.
“To follow the guidelines, we stayed closed for a few more months and opened again in late March,” said Sarah O’Brien, sessions manager.
Meanwhile, Sarah Blais, general manager of Spare Time Bowling in Northamp- ton, said her facility remained closed until late July 2020, and then, by mandate,
Sarah Blais says it’s good to hear activity again
at Spare Time Bowling.
38 JULY 7, 2021
SPORTS & LEISURE
BusinessWest