The targeted opening date is fall 2023 for the Unleashed Play Arena in a former Longs Drugs location at Herndon and Marks avenues. Graphic by Cynthia Padilla

A former Longs Drugs store in Northwest Fresno is being renovated for excitement as Unleashed Freeplay Arena, which will include obstacle courses, an arcade, food and more.

A departure from the trampoline parks sprouting up around the Valley, Unleashed Freeplay Arena will have ninja obstacle courses, an 8,000 square-foot indoor inflatable, “launch slides,” warped walls, jousting, stunt falls and more. The local owners hope to offer a type of entertainment formerly dreamed about by children in ‘80s fast-food play places and the likes of the now defunct Discovery Zone entertainment facilities.

Owner, co-founder and Valley native Aaron Tucker opened the first trampoline park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, prior to returning to the Valley, and says he and his partner Ash King both have ideas that will be combined to attract as many customers as possible to the Save Mart-anchored Sunset Square Shopping Center at Herndon and Marks avenues.

 

It aims to be different than some of the other active entertainment offerings around town.

“We’re kind of going all in on the interconnected, maze-like massive indoor play structure experience that’s more self guided,” Tucker said. “It will be the largest interconnected play structure in the Central Valley.”

Located at 7057 N. Marks Ave., the 27,000-square-foot former Longs Drugs will see major renovations before a targeted opening in early fall 2023.

Permit approvals have delayed the process, but renovations are now underway on what will be a full overhaul of the space.

“Everything that’s within our control goes quite quickly,” Tucker said. “It’s more so just getting the approvals and the contracting with the city and the state.”

Tucker and King both have experience in the entertainment industry in trampoline parks. King also owned and managed a trampoline park in St. Louis.

 

Despite both owners having previous experience in trampoline parks, Tucker said that Unleashed Freeplay Arena will be trampoline-free, instead featuring everything from stunt walls to an arcade.

Unleashed Freeplay Arena will also feature a full-service cafe selling pizza, fried chicken, Icees, frozen yogurt and more.

In addition to cafe space, Tucker added that there will be four party rooms for everything from birthday parties to corporate events.

Overall, the vision Tucker and King have for the business will cater to all ages.

“Our concept is meant to serve not just little kids and not just older teens,” Tucker said. “There will be something for everyone to do in the park.”

While pricing is still being determined, Tucker said tickets will start at around $23 for a 90-minute pass, with memberships offered eventually.