Fun
Factor City of Firsts Adventure Park Features Revamped Facilities and New Amenities Writer / Julie Yates Photography Provided
City of Firsts Adventure Park is gearing up for its second season of affordable family fun. Located at 409 Arrow Street on the site of the old Kokomo Raceway, it is a destination where both residents and visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of activities for all ages. The determination and hard work of Jesse Gonzales and his parents Robyn and Danny, after they assumed ownership, breathed new life into the venue. “Our son Jesse and his family moved back to Kokomo a few years ago and felt disappointed in the absence of family things to do right here in Kokomo, specifically outdoor activities that were affordable,” Robyn says. “They lived close to the old raceway that was once a thriving place to play, and thought it was a shame it was just sitting there falling apart. After making their thoughts known
to my husband Danny, the two of them decided to see what they could do about it.” When the family bought the property in late August of 2018, they pushed hard to get the park ready to open for the 2019 season. They rebuilt areas around the mini golf courses, repaired the batting cages by adding new nets, and renovated the go-kart track. Old outside fencing was removed, and when the winter weather made it impossible to work outside they focused on the building interior, which houses an arcade and party room. “We never thought it would be easy and it wasn’t,” Robyn says. “Most people would have likely had to hire out what Danny and Jesse did on their own. There are blood, sweat and tears embedded all over the City of Firsts Adventure Park. We landscaped the whole park, thanks to David Lind. He hauled in 22 tons of river rock and lots of mulch to accomplish that 14 / 2020 DIRECTORY AND RELOCATION GUIDE
