It’s been two and half years in the making, but the $6 million, 16,000 square foot, kid-themed Jackson Court project is nearing completion. Developer Wayne Jackson said the project will open its doors in late February.
Jackson Court is slated to include a 5,000 square foot laser tag facility, a "Jump-n-Jacks" play area with a variety of rides including a 40 foot long inflatable pirate ship, over 50 arcade games and a two-lane bowling alley. More attractions will be added prior to opening.
Jackson said the complex, located on a 10-acre lot between Motel 6 and Pierceville subdivision on Hwy. 17 in Richmond Hill, will include at least two restaurants. Charlie’s Grill Subs has signed on, and Jackson is in the final stages of bringing the Atlanta-based all-you-can-eat pizza chain Stevie B’s to the complex.
Jackson said he plans on making Jackson Court a birthday party destination spot for the Coastal Empire.
Jackson, a home builder, acknowledged that investing in a project of this magnitude with today’s economy is a gamble, "but how can you go wrong when you’re dealing with children and recreation. Regardless of how bad the stock market and the economy gets, the one thing that doesn’t get cut out of people’s budgets is things to do for your kids. As a father, I know I’ve done without in the past in order to do for my kids."
Jackson said the home building business has been a tough one to be in the last couple of years, which got him thinking outside the box. He said he has always been involved with programs for special needs kids and recreation, and this is an extension of that.
Jackson said he is sparing no expense in order to make Jackson Court a top-notch facility. This includes purchasing laser tag outfits that cost $2,700 and investing in a $75,000 computer system. The system will allow all transactions in the play areas to be compatible with cards that the kids will carry and be able to charge up or redeem for prizes at the redemption center located in the center of Jackson Court.
-Read more in the Bryan County News.