Photo: Contributed
When the Energyplex Entertainment Center closed on March 18, it was a few days after the busiest two-week period of the year.
The spring break is a boon to business in Kelowna as families flock to the McCurdy Corner facility to play laser tag, run around the four-story playground, and do some rock wall climbing, or one of the many other fun activities. The COVID-19 pandemic essentially ended that fun before it began, and it also kiboshed the school trips that are usually taken in April, May, and June. Due to this financial emergency, Energyplex had to remove the trampoline and airbag. At the moment this is still a game studio, but owner Erik Brouwer says they are excited to be working on a new plan for this area.
Photo: Contributed
Caro and Erik Brouwer
Energyplex is a family business as Erik and Caro Brouwer owned the entertainment center from the Netherlands not long after arriving in Kelowna in 2011. Now that the Brouwers Energyplex have made their own mark, attractions include Lasertag, SkyTrax high wire climbing, Ballistix ball shooting arena, 30 foot rock wall, four story playground, game studio, and arcade area.
“Every year we’ve added a new activity,” says Erik, noting that many of the new attractions appeal to older children.
And then when the pandemic hit everyone was silent. The Brouwers had to lay off 35 employees, but as evidence of the working environment at Energyplex, several of those former employees returned multiple times to volunteer their time and help with upgrades around the building. The concession has a modern look and menu, several areas have been painted and the place has been cleaned from top to bottom.
The Brouwers hope everyone will have a ball again after the facility reopens for operations. Now that it’s operational again, steps have been taken to ensure everyone’s safety. Staff wear masks, the number of people in certain areas is limited, every customer is screened, there is one-way traffic throughout the facility, tables have been distributed, and touchpoints and equipment are constantly being cleaned.
And of course, everyone is asked to adhere to the rules of physical distancing and disinfect their hands.
“That is the responsibility that has got us this far and that will help us maintain the level of security we are currently seeing across BC,” says Erik.
Energyplex has also resumed its summer camps for children ages 5-11. Parents can book a place on weekdays, drop off their children at 9 a.m. and pick them up by 5 p.m. The camps are a great way to get the kids active again and come back with friends.
To celebrate the reopening, Energyplex is running a competition for two full-day tickets, including Lasertag and SkyTrax. To enter, click here.
Photo: Contributed
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