A $5 million development project is coming to town that could potentially solve an age-old complaint that many Richmond Hill residents have: ‘there’s nothing for our kids to do here!’
Two years ago, developer Wayne Jackson started planning the kid-themed Jackson Court. After being stalled by land studies on flood elevation and soil and changing banks, ground was broken on Tuesday. Jackson projects the facility will open in nine months.
Jackson Court, which will be located on an approximate 10-acre lot between Motel 6 and Pierceville subdivision, is slated to have a 9,000 square-foot ‘Lasertron’ laser tag facility, a 5,000 square-foot ‘Bounce Town’ inflatable playground and an indoor batting cage. Completing Jackson Court will be restaurants and shops. Among those already signed up are Wing Stop and Power Smoothie Café.
Jackson said he is working with a jewelry store and three additional restaurants that seem to be serious about signing on. In addition, a facility called ‘Cyber Sport’ may be coming to a 3,000 square-foot plot at Jackson Court. Jackson said it is a bumper car game that involves a team of 10 and may include other games as well.A flyer advertising the ground breaking called Jackson Court "the most exciting kid friendly project that has ever come to Richmond Hill." Mayor Richard Davis said he concurs with that slogan.
"I’m excited about it, and it should be a great addition for the children of Richmond Hill," Davis said. "It takes a lot of faith to invest in a $5 million project with today’s economy. Wayne has a big heart for children, so I hope this pays off for him."
Whatever the final results may be, Jackson said he plans on constructing "top-notch state-of-the-art facilities" in order to both draw folks from other areas and to keep locals from choosing similar out of town destinations.
The plaza itself will be built with a Ford-era themed exterior.
Jackson has also contemplated developing a large tract of land next to the project, owned by Johnny Carnes, who partnered with Jackson to create Jackson Court. Jackson said a roller rink or bowling alley are two possibilities currently being considered for the tract.