HILLSDALE — Silos Fun Park in Hillsdale will soon break ground on its newest expansion: a laser tag arena and two ax-throwing lanes.
Donna and Brad Olmstead own Cottage Inn Pizza, which bought Silos Fun Park in 2019.
“Ever since then, we’ve been thinking about how we can expand the business,” Donna said. “We have tried to breathe life back into, paying lots of attention to the family atmosphere.”
Donna said the response from the community has been great so far since it was first announced on Aug. 7.
“We are very excited to finally be able to announce that all the paperwork was finalized today for the expansion of our new building on the property,” the statement said. “We are very excited to start this new chapter and add to our attractions here at the park.”
Donna said they were originally hoping to break ground in August but that had to be pushed off until September or October. They still hope to stay on track to open in February 2024.
The construction will not affect the Cottage Inn Pizza or the other attractions at the park.
Currently, most of Silos Fun Park, except for the Cottage Inn Pizza and the arcade, are only open in the summertime.
“In Michigan, there are only about three good months during the summer that business can come in,” she said.
Donna said they hope this newest addition will help make the business less seasonal.
Because the building they are looking at renovating and expanding is over 20 years old, Donna and her husband were able to reach out to the city and apply for a program to offset the cost of the renovations.
“It qualified for commercial rehabilitation, which is a 10-year commitment to do something with the property’s assets,” Donna said.
Donna hopes this newest addition will bring in not just community members, but groups and families from nearby towns.
“We want it to be a destination that people from towns like Coldwater or Jackson are coming to,” she said. “After it’s done, you would easily be able to spend a whole day here.”
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The laser tag arena will fit about 24 people at a time and there will be an upper and a lower deck, allowing for larger groups to play together.
Donna said they are excited to be able to bring another fun activity to Hillsdale.
“There are just very few things that families can do in Hillsdale. With this expansion, we’ve tried to think about all the different ways we could bring families together when they come in,” she said. “Ultimately, we’re here to support the community, families first, and that is what is important to us.”