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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Bounce! Trampoline Sports hopes to open the business, located in half of the building, by late Novembber, said Bill Merrill, managing partner.<\/p>\n
Merrill described it as a family-focused indoor recreation facility.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
There is a separate unrelated proposal for an indoor trampoline park on Avocado Street, involving an unrelated developer.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Councilor Bud Williams praised the family focus, calling it a win for the neighborhood and city.<\/p>\n