Plans to open a new trampoline park in Chatham are bouncing ahead to the new year.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff confirmed with CK Mornings with Chris, Allanah, and Matt on 94.3 CKSY on Wednesday morning that the new Flying Squirrel Sport location at 730 Richmond Street in Chatham is aiming to open in the Spring of 2024.
Don Tetrault, owner of the Tatro Group of Companies, announced on May 1 that he was partnering with Cody & Luke Schueler and their team from the Flying Squirrel to open the new trampoline park. At that time, their stated plan was to have the facility open in September 2023.
Canniff said now that we are into November, he called Tetrault and told him the public is "screaming for an update" and was told that the opening is being pushed back because the owners are bringing in some new equipment from Europe.
"We'll have here in Chatham-Kent one of the most modern facilities in North America with the equipment they're bringing in," said Canniff. "On top of that, they've increased the size... it's going to be 46,000 square feet."
Canniff said in addition to the new trampolines, the facility will feature new arcade games, a climbing wall, and a beanstalk.
"I asked Don [Tetrault], 'What's a beanstalk?'" said Canniff. "He said, 'I'm not sure either, but it's going to be really cool.'"
Canniff also promoted the facility as a big draw for families and visitors -- even from London and Windsor -- adding that it will be the best Flying Squirrel facility in southwestern Ontario.
"It's going to be the next wave of great things," said Canniff. "There are already other businesses saying 'I want to come to Chatham-Kent because this is here.'"