3 minute read
Prepare to Be ‘Eatertained,’ Westerville
Fun seekers will have nearly 50,000 more reasons to visit Westerville this summer. With over 42,000 square feet of indoor and 15,000 square feet of outdoor entertainment space, Smash Park expects to open on the southeast corner of Polaris Parkway and Cleveland Avenue as soon as August.
Smash Park anticipates upwards of 10,000 visitors per week. Dubbed an “eatertainment” destination, Westerville Smash Park will include four indoor and two outdoor pickleball courts, a full-service restaurant and bar, a separate 21-and-older bar called the Paddle Club– and a dog-friendly patio. Activities will include ax throwing and duckpin bowling. Plans also include private karaoke suites and event spaces. A packed programming schedule includes weekly sports leagues, trivia and brunch bingo.
The Westerville location is Smash Park Entertainment Group’s first venture in Ohio. CEO Monty Lockyear says he was especially attracted to Westerville’s focus on community engagement and family fun.
“It was clear that Westerville emphasizes a high quality of life with excellent parks, recreational facilities and cultural events. It’s a place where people can enjoy a good balance between work and leisure, and this provides a perfect setting for Smash Park to provide new and exciting experiences that go beyond the traditional options,” said Lockyear.
The venue sits on approximately 3.5 acres in Westar Place, a humming business district with high-profile corporate headquarters like DHL Supply Chain North America, Vertiv, Central Ohio Primary Care and OrthopedicONE. It is just down the road from the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel, 409 Altair Parkway.
“More than ever, companies are choosing locations where they know their employees will want to come into the office," said Westerville Economic Development Director Rachel Ray. "Many companies are uncomfortable with return-to-office mandates, but places like the Westar business district offer a wide range of amenities that encourage and may even incentivize employees to want to work in the office a majority of the week because of all the great things they can do independently and collaboratively with coworkers.”
Lockyear says the building will feature a unique layout compared to other Smash Park locations. Plans incorporate the existing pond, fountain and bridge. A pedestrian path connects the space to the Cleveland Avenue sidewalk and the COTA CMAX rapid transit bus stop near Altair Parkway.
The company expects to hire 100 people for the location, which Lockyear envisions as a family-friendly social hub. He says Smash Park’s brand centers on community as well as creating opportunities to deepen family and social connections.
“Community-building is a cornerstone of the Smash Park brand. We host local events, tournaments, and live entertainment that we hope will enhance Westerville's cultural and recreational offerings and provide residents with unique options for leisure and entertainment,” said Lockyear.
For updates about the opening and league registration, visit www.smashpark.com/westerville.
