Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 1, 1995 TAG: 9504030041
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: BRIAN KELLEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Chuck and Jane Jones first announced plans for their Fun Challenge indoor playground, arcade and restaurant in August. Back then, they hoped to open by Christmas.
But a delay in rerouting a major power line around the 2 1/2-acre property slowed the development. Montgomery County approved a special-use permit for the project, located behind Marketplace shopping center at U.S. 460 and Peppers Ferry Road, in October.
Chuck Jones said Thursday the business is still on track with the same philosophy: to provide a fun, safe place for children ages 6 months to 16 years, including the handicapped, to romp.
The Fun Challenge center will be an independently owned version of Discovery Zone Inc., the national chain that opened one of its FunCenters in Roanoke County near Tanglewood Mall in November. Jones said his business will be the only one of its kind between Roanoke and Winston-Salem, N.C.
The Joneses plan to set their admission prices lower than those of the Discovery Zone, which charges $4.99 and $5.99 per child during the week and more on weekends. They'll also differentiate themselves by appealing to teens.
``We still want to have a teen night,'' Chuck Jones said. ``We realize the need in this area. There's just nothing for teens to do.''
Jones envisions a Saturday night setup for teens with a disc jockey, and pizza for sale. He wants the emphasis on the teens' having a good time while remaining orderly.
A coach, former college football player and father of two small children, Jones said he and his wife intend to build links between the Fun Challenge center and the community.
The new building will be located just north of the recently relocated State Electric Supply Co. building and Lowe's home improvement center, off an extension of Arbor View Drive. Work on the grading and foundation for the new building should start by mid-April. Jones hopes to have a ``soft opening'' by early July and a grand opening a few weeks later.
by CNB