STEPHEN HEMELT: At It Fun Jumps opens in orange with “excellent” response.
Published Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 12:06 p.m
Constable Pamela Thomas called it “excellent” when we had the chance to speak this week.
“We had a good crowd there with quite a few kids,” he told me. “It went very well. The kids came in and enjoyed the games. We had corn dogs, chili dogs, and everything was free: free games and free snow cones and cotton candy. They enjoyed themselves.”
Thomas was talking about At It Fun Jumps, a new state-of-the-art arcade that opened for kids and teens.
The location at 1607 14th St. in Orange held an open house on Sept. 9, and the event was so popular that there was spillover until Sept. 10, according to Thomas.
The turnout, thankfully, met Thomas’ expectations and hopes.
“I really wanted the kids to come out and have a place to be comfortable,” she said. “They were excited, the children and the parents. Some parents even came back Saturday saying they saw it on the news or read about it in the Orange Leader. They were overwhelmed by how good it looked. No one knows what it really looks like on the inside when you only see it from the outside. When they got inside, they said, “This is really, really nice.”
Organizers said the atmosphere at At It Fun Jumps is one where children, teenagers and parents can enjoy themselves in a safe environment. (Tiffany Murphy/Special to the Leader)
The fun aesthetic reflects a gamer’s dream room with big, comfortable chairs and sound equipment. The site also features high tables, lounge chairs, a concession stand and bounce houses.
A It Fun Jumps exists as a place where young people can have fun while enjoying a casual environment where parents also feel confident about the safety of their children.
“Parents are excited to be able to take the kids to a safe place and not have to worry about them getting in and out of the building,” Thomas said. “They know there’s always someone watching them. Parents really like that.”
The venue is currently open from 5pm to 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 3pm to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
“Right now, we’re doing $10 for two hours, but if we’re not busy, these kids can play until we close,” Thomas said with a laugh. “I’m very excited. Yes sir.”
For more information, call 310-869-7122.
Thomas, who is married with two teenagers, became a trooper in 2002 and has received several awards, including the Captain’s Award and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award.
She has a degree in psychology and is studying for her master’s degree.
Stephen Hemelt is the publisher of Orange Newsmedia, which produces Orange Leader and orangeleader.com. He can be reached at stephen.hemelt@orangeleader.com.
