SPRINGFIELD — Plans for a family friendly indoor trampoline park were approved by the City Council on Monday night by a unanimous vote, generating no public opposition.

City councilors said they were pleased that the cinema property at 1250 St. James Ave., adjacent to the Springfield Plaza is planned for a positive reuse after the cinemas closed in January.

Bounce! Trampoline Sports hopes to open the business, located in half of the building, by late Novembber, said Bill Merrill, managing partner.

Merrill described it as a family-focused indoor recreation facility.

Under conditions suggested by the Hungry Hill Neighborhood Council, no alcohol will be served in the trampoline area, and the entrances and exits will not be changed without city approvals.

There is a separate unrelated proposal for an indoor trampoline park on Avocado Street, involving an unrelated developer.

Albany Road-St..James Avenue LLC was granted the special permit for the Entertainment Cinemas site. The company is an affiliate off the new ownership of the Springfield Plaza.

The business will have large-format trampolines for uses such as slam dunk basketball, hoops and foam pits, trampoline dodge ball courts and ninja courts.

Councilor Orlando Ramos said there is always a concern when you see a building like that go dark such as when Entertainment Cinemas closed. He said he is pleased a positive reuse is now planned.

Councilor Bud Williams praised the family focus, calling it a win for the neighborhood and city.

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