By Mwangi Ngamate
mwangi@caymannetnews.com

Children in the Cayman Islands will now have a new venue to play with the opening of Kidz Zone next to the Butterfield Rounderabout.

The idea that was conceptualised several years ago and then extended to two other friends has seen the start of a children’s play ground equipped with arcade games and an area where birthday parties can be held.

“Given the current financial climate there were many times that we thought we were out of our minds to take on such a venture. However we decided that it was something that was desperately needed for the children of this country and so we forged ahead,” said one of the partners Cindy Scotland.

There will be no cover charge for children between Monday to Thursday but from Friday to Sunday children will pay $5 each per child between the ages of 2-13 years. To encourage nice family outings children must be accompanied by adults at all times. There will be no cover charge for adults and children below the age of two years old.

The business trio Cindy Scotland, Debbie Ebanks and Stephanie Romano has ensured that the centre will be an exciting and safe place for parents to bring their kids not only to celebrate birthdays but all occasions. Kidz Zone is also a good venue for wholesome entertainment and complete family bonding.

In addition to four party rooms and a jungle gym there are 22 arcade games that include the more popular top of the range Fast and Furious, Drift and Bike.

As for birthday packages, parents have the freedom to create their own packages where they can negotiate with the management the specific services they would like to purchase.

The centre is soon to offer an after school programme as well cultural activities. There will be new games introduced every 6 months, which will be dependent on demand and film showings or movie nights. Wii games and gift cards are now available also.

According to the landlord of the building, Mr Neil Hamaty, Cayman is having a revolution of new businesses in the entertainment industry.

“There is an entire range of non-traditional businesses that is taking place here in Cayman and therefore encourage and challenge people to pursue their dreams. An example of this are the film industry and the Kidz Zone,” he said in a speech during the opening ceremony.

Mr Hamaty noted that Mr Benson Ebanks built the building that houses Kidz Zone some 35 years ago. Hal and Ida Brown later bought the building. His father, Robert Hamaty bought the building and the surrounding land in 2002. August last year Islands Companies moved out and the trio expressed interest in occupying the building.

“You see it takes a visionary to create something like this. Kidz Zone will be a success and I am confident that many of you here today also believe this. In fact I am sure I’ll run into many of you. And your children,” he said.

“We are very grateful to some people and companies who went above and beyond with their support to make this centre a reality. Among them are Cayman National Bank; Island Drafting’s Arnold Berry for the assistance with the required drawing for planning; Advanced Road Construction and Paving Company; Henry McField and crew for the flooring; electrician Osmond Mahew; suppliers: Kirkconnell Home Centre; Progressive Distributors; Fosters Food Fair; the IT technician Morris Martin and Gilbert Nicoletta for Marketing,” said Ms Debbie Ebanks.

If you have children and grand children then be sure to pass the word about Kidz Zone to your friends and family. We can definitely make this a success and provide business revenue to the Cayman Islands,” said Mrs Scotland.