LJWorld Reader blogs

Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

Matthew,
I post on here to try to get this out on the board.
Good luck.

Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

two more ought to do it

Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

now,we'll see if this gets it on the list.

Amandak (Anonymous) says…

Great idea, but it already sounds a little pricey (i.e. the go carts).

Lawrence needs something like this, especially with gas prices as they are.

Sleepyhead (Anonymous) says…

This sounds fun! We usually drive to Topeka or Shawnee to visit such places! Some of my thoughts:

Will there be batting cages? I could personally spend all day at a batting cage and there really is not a decent one in Lawrence.

Is serving alcohol an option? It would really be a downer if this turns into a hangout for the drunken Greek kids having date parties etc - I'd be concerned about families wanting to go if you've got drunken college folks in the lazertag and go-karts scaring the kids.

…And yes I do agree that the prices you suggest for go-karts do seem a bit high…will both tracks be indoors, or could prices possibly be kept lower with an outdoor track? I'd be a frightened parent if I were taking my kids and their friends to go-kart and dropped $5 to $8/person per race. God only knows how many times they'd want to do it over and over again and some parents may want to avoid that situation altogether.

mommaeffortx2 (Anonymous) says…

my family would definetly love to have this in town we always have to drive to ks for this kind of fun. Build it they will come.

notnowdear (Anonymous) says…

I think it is a great idea, but centers like this have failed in other places in Kansas. Maybe Lawrence has to population to make a go of it.

BigPrune (Anonymous) says…

A retired professor from KU who started a research/marketing company did a study about a family entertainment center in Lawrence. It was done about 8 years ago and they didn't think it was economically feasible. In terms of 8 years, not much of anything has changed in Lawrence, or Lawrence has regressed a little. Do some more research.

One thing, how will you make the outside gas powered go carts earth friendly? Don't they run on lawnmower engines?

denak (Anonymous) says…

Overall, I like this idea but I have to agree with the other parents in that it does sound very pricy. If there could be deals on birthday parties that would be great.

Is there any chance you would get rid of the lazer tag and go for roller skating. Roller skating might actually offer the kids something in the way of excercise as oppose to sitting down at a video game or a go-cart.
Also, I think it might appeal to the girls more than say, lazer tag.

Dena

The_Voice_of_Reason (Anonymous) says…

Hey guys!
Thank you for all of your feedback it’s been very informative. To address some of your questions: We are still deciding if we want to serve alcohol or not but even if we do rest assured track marshals will be trained to pay attention to anyone that has been drinking and we will of course let people know we reserve the right to administer a breathalyzer before they can get on the track. On the subject of batting cages; yes they are still being considered as another option. On the subject of prices; yes there will definitely be deals and coupons we will send out on a regular basis. Plus on certain week nights we will have half price kart racing and mini golf. The reason the prices are a bit high is due to the kinds of karts that we will be running. I edited the blog earlier because I realized when I say go kart someone might envision the Worlds Of Fun karts that putt along at 10mph. These are high end go karts and are MUCH more exciting than your run of the mill karts. But rest assured all measures will be taken with these karts to ensure a safe experience for everyone. I'd be willing to bet the risk of driving one of these karts is much less than traversing E 23rd during rush hour. Plus we will also have kadet karts for the kids that don't go nearly as fast. On the topic of roller skating we did have the idea to have a special night once a month of taking the karts off one of the tracks and renting out skates and letting people skate around the track. I added we could also hang a crystal ball from the ceiling and throw on some Bee-Gees and make it a 70s party :-). But again thank you for everyone’s input and I look forward to reading more of your responses.

Matt

smgkag (Anonymous) says…

No, keep the laser tag!! It's just as much exercise as roller skating!! My boys would LOVE for a place like this to open in Lawrence—would mean we wouldn't have to drive to Olathe.

BigPrune (Anonymous) says…

If you are considering the Twin Oaks Golf Course (since it is about 3 miles east of Harper), you need to keep in mind that people cannot see it when leaving town since it is east of the overpass, and if they miss the exit, they have to get off miles east at the Eudora exit. You need to do something that will have a huge impact and gets attention. I am providing you a link to a Family Fun Center back east. It has a gigantic inflatable building (located in the upper right hand corner of the photo on the link) - it is something that can be seen for miles, and provides all weather activities during the slower winter months, plus it might be an attraction for people who live in Johnson County. As long as it sits taller than the overpass, it would get some attention so people know where to get off K-10. One thing to keep in mind, Lawrence had a roller rink, putt-putt golf course with batting cages, and a bowling alley- ALL were located along south Iowa Street, and all went out of business.

Make sure you have TONS of capital in the bank, because 99% of businesses do not generate a profit right out of the gate, and most take years to turn a profit.

Here is my link:

http://www.familyfirstsportspark.com/FUN…

It was done in phases but looks pretty cool.

BigPrune (Anonymous) says…

Here is the link again, hope it works.

http://www.familyfirstsportspark.com/FUN…

BigPrune (Anonymous) says…

http://www.familyfirstsportspark.com

Click on the “Fun Center” tab

The_Voice_of_Reason (Anonymous) says…

Thank you Prune for all of you candor and yes I've already taken highway visibility into account. You mentioned in one of your earlier posts that a KU professor did a study concerning FECs. Do you have a link to any of that information or could you tell me where you heard it? And to answer one of you earlier concerns about the gas burning karts. I mentioned in the description we are going to try and be incredibly eco-friendly not totally carbon neutral. Besides the gas karts were looking at get around 30mpg so they themselves are very fuel efficient. As for the roller rink, putt putt, and others that have failed. I believe their failure was due to the very narrow range of activities one could participate in. Our success will hinge on the eco-system of attractions we offer. Kinda like something for everyone. Thank you again for your advice.

Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

As I recall, the roller rink and bowling were destroyed to build the Walmart or something. Believe me, the bowling had just been built so to speak, and was full of leagues.
The man who built the roller rink said it was doing well, then he sold it and then some things happened..he said more but I don't remember what.

BigPrune (Anonymous) says…

The_Voice_of_Reason ,
I heard the professor give his talk at a banking seminar. His company had been hired by a couple who also had the Family Fun Center bug for Lawrence. Essentially, he talked them out of it with his findings.

I too have thought about this idea in the past and looked at Twin Oaks as well. For one thing positive, at least my understanding at the time, was the Twin Oaks is under the jurisdictional control of Eudora and NOT Lawrence. Eudora likes and wants businesses and sales taxes, Lawrence does not like nor wants businesses. Not trying to be political, just stating the truth. You have to be very, very wealthy and patient to get something done in Lawrence. I'd think Eudora would be more apt to get excited, however since this sits on K-10 any buildings have to abide by the K-10 corridor standards - the back of the buildings have to look like the front of the buildings.

Wish I could help some more, but my memory just doesn't recollect the retired professor's name. I doubt you could get his information online if you find his company -he'd probably want to sell you his conclusions or update his study for a fee.

The_Voice_of_Reason (Anonymous) says…

Prune,
Your right about that site being in the jurisdiction of Eudora but it is still in the county. Meaning unless it was annexed by Lawrence or Eudora neither city can claim sales taxes for it. City sales tax is 7.3% in both Larryville and Eudora but it's my understanding from the research I've done businesses located outside the incorporated city limits only pay 6.3% sales tax. Yet another benefit of locating there. Plus I have no worries about fitting in with the K-10 corridor standards. I've already spoken with one of the DG county planners and he said this site would work best for what we want to do.

ksdivakat (Anonymous) says…

TVOR….your best bet would be to have the skating rink in there full time and the arcade, and you should consider charging by the hour for the go-karts instead of for 1 race or so, the problem you will run into here is that there are alot of parents who cannot afford even the least expensive thing for their kids to do, er go the outdoor pool. There was an article a couple days ago in the ljworld about attendance at the pool being down this year by almost 4000 people, but they didnt think it had anything to do with the price hike????!!!!! They are also delusional about that, of course its the prices!!!!
But if you can make that skating rink, and call Topkeka, starlight skating rink is the one there, they have great rates and they have been there for years, because everyone can afford to go there. For the go karts, maybe 10$ an hour would be more fesiable than 10$ a race.
I definately think you are headed int he right direction with a family center here, thats for sure, but remember you want to cater to the people of lawrence and not the KU students. If lawrencians view the center as a “student hang out” then your business might not last. Good luck with it! I always wanted to put a sjating rink and a drive inn back in lawrence, can you image the money a drive in would make?? All the nostalgia that goes along with it…..anyway, you have great ideas and good luck to you!

born_to_run (Anonymous) says…

This sounds like a wonderful idea. However, I agree with the people that think rollerskating would be an added bonus (if it's feasible). Also, if feasible, I think charging by the hour (or half hour) for the go-karts would be a better plan for families. The prices you listed sound expensive per race, but I'm sure you are doing your research. I hope this is successful.

d_prowess (Anonymous) says…

I personally don't find the price of the go karts that bad. $10 for ten minutes on the track sounds good, especially for the chance to race all of your friends and have bragging rights once you win!
And people need to remember that it sounds like this will be only one activity of many. So while your kids may only ride the karts once, they will then want to play mini-golf or video games.
I also love the idea of roller skating occasionally. Good luck to you and I can definitely say I will visit.

geniusmannumber1 (Anonymous) says…

Sounds like fun. I'd go.

Also, wanted to point out that you are not conducting a “random survey.”

Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…

I must admit..it sounds like a 'boy' place. If you want families to go, you better have something for the girls to do besides arcade games.
I agree, the prices are too high for most families I know, and I'm out here in far W. Lawrence. I asked an CPA here I know, both parents work, and he said..maybe once a year at most.
If you want a steady crowd..and not just once in a while outings, the prices better be lower.
And if the prices do get lower, but the food is higher to make up for that.. it will never work.

ForThePeople (Anonymous) says…

I have been saying for years that we need another skating rink! I really hope you re-consider having one full-time, as it is one thing that would be used year round! It is disheartening that this community has been without one for so many years!

ksdivakat (Anonymous) says…

I agree with multi, it does kindof sound like a “boys” hangout, with regard to an arcade, you may want to consider that more money doesnt always equal big profits, if you build it they will come, but consider this, if the arcade games were old school quarters, then parents would have no problem handing their kid 10 or 20 dollars to play arcade games as that would keep them busy for hours, and since the price is so low, you wil have more people per capita than if they were .50-1.00.
I have wanted to open a skating rink/putt-putt for about 5 yrs now, but alas, I have not that kindof money to invest, BUT, I have studied it intensely, and I know where the money is to be had, and its with the middle to lower class incomes, its not in the upper class incomes! But again, good luck to you guys I hope that it succeeds!
Just remember, if you want it to be a family atmosphere, then you have to get the “family” there, and if its gonna cost a family of 4 100.00$ for 1 night of fun, then it will only happen once a month, your profits is going to come in the form of repeat customers, as they will, word of mouth, advertise your business and draw the crowd. Also, I would absolutely nix the alcohol idea, thats not really cool to have around teens, and smaller children, alcohol really isnt a family activity.

d_prowess (Anonymous) says…

I agree about the alcohol comment, but I would say you close down the place for under 18 at about 10-10:30pm and open the bar area. This will greatly increase the traffic from the college and 20somethings, while not hurting the families that surely won't be there after 10pm anyway.
Also, I think some people may be underestimating the draw for girls. Video games now seem to appeal to just as many girls as boys. And even some are convinced that they don't, where the teen age boys go, the girls will follow…

booklover (Anonymous) says…

Most of this sounds like a good idea. However, Go carts are motor vehilces aren't they? Have you check about insurance rates if you are serving alcohol? What about liabilty if someone impaired is injured or injures someone else? I think if you have to have the alcohol, (which is tricky because it WILL bring in college kids and increase revenue) you should minimize the risks as much as possible and have adult only nights and times to prevent underage drinking and injury risks to children and teens. If you have special nights for adults, you can have them sign waivers when they enter or hae everything open except the Go Karts. Also, I work with teens and have for years. Lawrence has agreat teen population that is ready and willing to voice their opinions. If you want them to buy into this, and you should, because that is where the bulk of your revenue will come from, you really should make an effort to get their imput. Go to places where teens hang out and pass out surveys or ask them questions. Try the library, the pool, the community center, ball fields, downtown, etc. They will help you up your cool appeal and be a steady stream of free word of mouth advertising. Also, if you do make a go of this please try to make every effort to hire some teens to work their. There are not enough jobs in town for teens and any place that makes a living off of them should make sure to hire them also. Everyone is always looking for new ways to do fundraising so school PTO nights would be a win/win. So would partnering with community agencies and organizations. Good Luck! Feel free to PM me for more ideas. PS. Please PLeeeeaaase bring back roller skating!!!!!!

srj (Anonymous) says…

Sounds like your opening a Powerplay in Lawrence. Great place, kind of expensive.

srj (Anonymous) says…

“Also, if you do make a go of this please try to make every effort to hire some teens to work their”

Funny, I was thinking about Mr. Gatti's. I think when you turned 20, you got fired from that place :)