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Merrimack Valley Pavilion Expected To Open In November

Family recreation center to feature laser tag, mini-golf, arcade and snack bar.

 

With each passing day, Gary Brown's vision for the property at 2087 Main St. is becoming closer to reality.

Some time in November, Brown is expecting to open Merrimack Valley Pavilion, a family-friendly recreation complex featuring a multi-level laser tag arena, a miniature golf course and an arcade. The complex will also feature a snack bar.

"We’re hoping to be completed (construction) in early November," said Brown. " And then with time (to acquire the) occupancy permit. Hopefully we'll be open soon after that."

The property, which had once been the home to the New England Grand Prix go-cart track, had been vacant for many years. Brown bought the property from a bank in September 2011 and in February 2012 he submitted his plans for Merrimack Valley Pavilion to the Planning Board.

Not only did Brown completely renovate the existing 5,000 square foot building, he put on a 4,000 square foot addition.

Brown says that in some ways the facility will be unique in New England. In addition to being multi-level, the laser tag arena will be themed, though he hasn't yet revealed what that theme is.

"This will be as close to a Disney-type themed arena as you would hope to get in New England.

Likewise, the mini-golf has a fun "tropical island" theme, including a running river and even "geysers."

The sports cafe will seat 70-80 people and will feature plasma TVs, ice cream … make your own sundaes, frozen yogurt, pizza chicken fingers and fries. There will also be an outdoor seating area.

Brown has already begun the process of hiring a staff at MVP, having interviewed "close to 80" candidates. He expects to carry a staff of around 25 people.

"The tough part is I'd love to hire everybody but you can't," said Brown, who added that his staff will be made up largely of high school students. "We'll probably do two waves of hires. We'll do the first wave for the opening but then in 9 or 10 months when some of these kids are going off to college, we'll do a second wave."

For more information on the Merrimack Valley Pavilion, you can follow them on Facebook by clicking here. The MVP web site is www.playatMVP.com and should go live in next week or two, said Brown.

Related Topics: Economic Development, Merrimack Valley pavilion, New Business, Small Business, Small Businesses, job growth, and tewksbury economy

Ray

7:32 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012

For all those residents who have always asked for a place for family's and kids to have fun. Well, here is your chance to support our new local business. Thank you Mr. Brown for your generosity to help our town grow and support the local youth!

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Chris

9:06 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012

This should be an asset to all businesses along Route 38 as well, as more traffic means more customers. Sounds like a great place for kids.

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Mike

10:05 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Finally there is a recreation place again in Tewksbury it's been a very long time since the last one when Finland closed down this will be way better anyway

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Mario Marchese

10:13 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012

I think this is great not only for the Town but the kids as well. Looking forward to the grand opening. Only wish we could have something like this in Wilmington.

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Karyn

12:04 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Certainly close enough to the Wilmington line to be an asset...bring us your business!

Marilyn

11:08 am on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Terrific! someplace fun to take the kids and great for adults as well. Hopefully it won't just be a hangout.

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Italian Mama

12:00 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

Thank you for helping make Main Street a little better. Of course, not to mention a place for families to go together..ps i dont do drop offs.

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SD From T-Bury

12:06 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012

So very very excited for this! Thank you Mr. Brown! We look forward to enjoying MVP!!!!

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Vini Messina

11:20 am on Saturday, October 13, 2012

Are you hiring part time help? I run a non--profit organization in Tewksbury called Friends of Special Ed Kidz. I have worked with kids most of my life

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The Cella's

12:07 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012

My husband used to go to Grand Prix as a kid and is psyched (as am I, to have you open a family-friendly facility so close to Wilmington!! Lets just say it brings the kid out in us!! We've been watching the progress all Summer and can't wait till you open your doors for business! As it's already been asked with two of our kids birthdays approaching...Will you have a special "birthday party package/area?" If so, we're ready to be your first booking - how do we sign up for something in November?

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