By Mark Hansel
NKyTribune managing editor
The new Defy Florence indoor active entertainment park is now open in Florence.
The facility at 4999 Houston Road is on the site previously occupied by Babies ‘R Us.
Florence Mayor Diane Whalen and Defy Florence General Manager Jonathan Castro (holding scissors) are surrounded by employees as they cut the ribbon on the new facility on Houston Road (photos by Mark Hansel).
Defy Florence features a ninja course, euro trampolines, foam pits, slacklines, freestyle obstacle course, parkour area and a number of other activities.
“Defy Florence offers people of all ages and interests the opportunity to push their bodies and minds as they test their skills with tons of active entertainment activities,” said Jonathan Castro, Defy Florence Park Manager. “Defy Florence is the perfect venue to get people out of the house and enjoying an active lifestyle in a thrilling, family-friendly environment.”
Defy Florence is owned by CircusTrix, which has more than 320 facilities worldwide and more than 45 million guests annually.
Each CircusTrix park is constructed to ASTM (industry) standards, making it an ideal environment for those looking to enjoy themselves in a padded environment.
Defy Florence has trained team members monitoring the park at all times to ensure that necessary safety precautions are taken.
The facility opened on November 8 with ribbon-cutting that included Florence Mayor Diane Whalen, Defy Florence employees and other city officials.
Whalen said the City embraced the opportunity to fill a vacant property in a high-profile location with something new.
“The really cool part about this is the fact that its entertainment,” Whalen said. “It’s the kind of thing that people have been asking us for, someplace to go where they can have fun, take the kids and just enjoy. Taking a building like Babies “R Us, converting it into a special place where kids can come and have fun is just what we’ve been looking for.”
Castro said opening the facility in Florence has been a great experience.
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A video collage shows some of the features of the new Defy Florence indoor entertainment park in Florence, which is now open
“The public has been awesome. They keep thanking us for building something like this in the tri-state,” he said. “We’re just really glad to be here and provide a safe well-maintained facility that is going to be allow everyone to come here and have a good time.”
The entertainment area can accommodate 200 people at a time.
Defy Florence is located at 4999 Houston Road, in the space formerly occupied by Babies ‘R Us.
Ticket prices for one- to two-hour sessions vary slightly in price based on age. Grip socks, which are available for sale on site are required, but can be reused.
Frequent visitors can also choose from one of three monthly packages, ranging from $20 to $45.
“Everyone kind of finds their own thing to do – mom, dad kids, college age – everyone is coming here finding what they are comfortable with and having a good time,” Castro said.
Whalen said motivating children to engage in activities that promote exercise and physical activity can sometimes be a challenge, but Defy Florence adds an element of fun.
“You saw the faces of the kids that are in there, they are having a blast jumping around, so I think there will be a line of people waiting to be here,” she said. “I can’t wait to bring my grandkids over and let them try it out.”
Contact Mark Hansel at mark.hansel@nkytrib.com
