BlastZone Fun Park, formerly Stop n Sock, is “swinging” forward with technology that takes family-friendly recreation to a whole new level.
There have been a lot of upgrades made to the property at 100 Wise’s Grove Rd in New Brighton. Changes that are certain to catch your eye. Be sure to stop by this weekend for the last round of Halloween Festivites including the Haunted Maze and Zombie Shoot (featured later in the article).
Ryan Errett, co-owner, said although he realizes that people will always know the location and will probably always call it Stop n Sock, BlastZone Fun Park is merging ahead is nothing like the old Stop n Sock.
“In changing the name, I wanted people to understand that we’ve done a lot of work here and the new name signifies that … a new start,” he said. “It’s not just the run down range of decades past. Everything is working great, and we are adding technology to make the experience the best it can be.”
Errett said they are also excited to announce that BlastZone Fun Park will be getting a new restaurant: K-Grill2Go, which will offer Korean style cuisine. Patrons will be able to try the delicious foods when the K-Grill2Go opens on November 1.
“There will be tables where people can sit inside and eat,” he said. “You will be able to order your food at the counter, sit down, and they will bring your food to the table.”
Errett said they have signed a long-term lease and have done a lot of amazing renovations to the restaurant area. K-Grill2Go also has a location in Slippery Rock.
But eating is just a part of the BlastZone Fun Park experience as there are so many fun options for families.
Driving Range
Errett said the Driving range has been completely redone. All 20 bays have been equipped with Trackman simulators, and 10 of the bays have touch screens. Trackman technology has reshaped the way golf is practiced and played by providing insights and improvement opportunities for golfers of all levels.
In addition to Trackman, he has added Power Tees to the range. Power Tee is the fastest way to a better golf swing. The automatic teeing system greatly increases efficiency through streamlining, automation, and labor-saving methods.
It’s great,” he said. “You dump balls into the machine, and it automatically tees it for you. You don’t have to bend down. Our boost in technology has been really appealing to the youth.”
Errett is also working on adding heat to the range to allow for Winter golf.
“It’s happening this year,” he said. “It’s one of the biggest things that can make a difference here. BlastZone Fun Park hopefully will no longer be seasonal with that. In the future, I would like to do a winter league for golfers.”
18-Hole Mini-Golf
Errett said BlastZone Fun Park offers the traditional mini golf that everyone loves, and the course has been revamped.
“We want to continue work on waterways to get them up and running again,” he said.
GellyBall
GellyBall is a lower-impact, shooting game for all ages and features battery-powered blasters that launch hydrated gel orbs at targets or other players in a variety of game scenarios.
“They do hurt but not as much as an impact like paintball,” Errett said. “And it does not stain clothing. 5-year-olds do GellyBall and 40-year-old guys even do it.”
GellyBall ammo is 90% water, biodegradable and non-toxic.
Paintball
Errett said that Paintball is new to the lineup.
“We now have Paintball where the pitching hut used to be. We just kicked kicked it off a month ago.”
Errett said he hopes the interest in Paintball grows as the public becomes aware that it is offered.
Axe Throwing
Also new is Axe Throwing. Errett said the Axe Throwing hasn’t been marketed too much yet, but they have installed four targets.
“I went Axe Throwing in Cranberry and had a lot of fun,” he said.
According to Errett the option to throw Axes at BlastZone is just an example of variety available for all members of the family of any age.
“While my kids are playing mini golf, I can throw Axes,” he said.
He said he is pleased to be able to offer all the options to fit a variety of interests.
Glow Golf
BlastZone Fun Park offers Glow Golf on Friday and Saturday nights. The range is filled with black lights and UV activated golf balls.
“It’s like cosmic bowling,” Errett said. “It’s something fun and different everyone can enjoy glow golf.”
Haunted Maze and Zombie Shoot
The special October event, the Haunted Maze and Zombie Shoot ends this weekend, but it has been a great seasonal addition, according to Errett.
Fun Park goers can make their way through the haunted maze that is full of real-life actors and then finish with shooting the zombies (actors) with GellyBall guns in the shooting area.
“The actors are really great and can adapt to all scenarios for all ages,” he said.
They might play a more scary role for adults and a mild role for the kids. Errett said the kids are actually able to control the scenario with glow sticks. He said the kids are provided with a glow stick that they can use to signal the actors to stay away.
“We are always mindful of catering to a younger audience while making it fun for all ages involved,” he said.
Errett has a wife and four young kids, and his family serves as the inspiration behind the activities and themed events offered at BlastZone Fun Park
“It gives families the ability to do something together where everyone can enjoy it,” he said.
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This sounds wonderful.lived here 35 yrs and have watched so many things come and go in that area. I wish you the very best and success in this new adventure
I love the videos!!! It looks like a great time. We need something in this area for families!
Wishing you all the best!!
Amy Smith