Business Review: Soar Trampoline Park

This was the last day of school for three of my grandkids, with an early out day to kick off the summer break. I picked Joey, Oliver and Aubrey up from school and heard about their last day as sixth, fourth and third graders.

After dropping off backpacks at home, we launched into fun mode with a trip to Soar Trampoline Park, located at 1502 S Madison in Webb City Missouri. The kids have been to this unique park several times, however it was a first visit for me. I was excited to check this place out.

Business Review Soar Trampoline Park

We arrived at Soar just after they opened for the afternoon. A steady stream of enthusiastic kids filed into the lobby area. Happy to be out of school, happy for an hour or two of unbridled free jumping, the throng of kids brought a lively, contagious energy into the building.

As we waited in line for wrist bands, I looked around. The large warehouse style interior was brilliantly lit and decorated in purple, lime green and dark blue. The area was divided into sections. There was a large foam pit and a scaled down version for small children, a dodge ball arena, basketball hoops, a room with a swinging air filled plank to jump over and a huge free form area with platforms, all equipped with trampolines in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Business Review Soar Trampoline Park

Business Review Soar Trampoline Park

My grandkids bounded away as soon as they had their wrist bands on. I declined to jump, but I strolled through the facility, snapping pics, watching the kids, and laughing as they flipped and somersaulted and bounced high into the air.

Business Review Soar Trampoline Park

Business Review Soar Trampoline Park

Business Review Soar Trampoline Park

Joey spent most of his time in the dodge ball arena. Two staff members watched over the games, helping to divide the players into teams and calling out when a player was hit by a ball and eliminated. Joey was an excellent team member. Watch him for a few seconds HERE.

Oliver divided his time among several areas. He enjoyed playing dodge ball with Joey, spent time jumping with Aubrey and struck out on his own, leaping into the foam block pit. Catch him HERE. He’s the second child who shows up in the video, and Aubrey is in the background at the end.

And Aubrey stayed in the free form area. She instantly made friends, as she often does. The girls practiced backflips, cartwheels and somersaults. Aubrey was in cheerleader mode, prepping for football season this fall. Watch her moves HERE.

Business Review Soar Trampoline Park

Business Review Soar Trampoline ParkIt gets intense in the dodgeball court but it’s all good fun.

We had a fun afternoon. I enjoyed watching the kids as they celebrated the beginning of summer. I was extremely impressed with Soar Trampoline Park. The staff members were all friendly and helpful and very safety minded. The facility was bright, clean and in great condition. And it looks like they will be expanding soon, adding a ninja obstacle course.

Soar will begin their summer hours, opening earlier in the day, on June 5. They have weekly specials and host birthday parties. Visit their Facebook page for more details, or their website HERE.

I would have loved a trampoline park such as this one, as a child. I was always climbing and jumping and trying flips and stunts. Soar provides a fun and safe environment for kids, or an adult’s inner child, to move energy and jump, jump, JUMP! We will be back.

Business Review Soar Trampoline Park

Business Review: Empire Market

I was thrilled to attend the opening day of a fresh new business in Joplin. The Empire Market, located at 931 E 4th Street, celebrates all things locally grown and made. Housed in a repurposed historical building, Empire Market provides a space for regional growers, artists and artisans to offer their produce and wares.

Business Review Empire Market

I love seeing an old building rehabbed and used in a new way. This full brick warehouse style building was built in 1907 and originally housed The Joplin Casket Company. Empire Electric Company took it over in 1916. They graciously donated the building to the Downtown Joplin Alliance in 2016, who came up with the idea of creating a four season market.

Business Review Empire Market

The Downtown Joplin Alliance has this vision for the market posted on their website:

The Empire Market will be an economic and community centerpiece that strengthens and engages the entire city.  A vibrant four-season market where  you can find the best of what this area has to offer; produce, meats, cheeses, wine, beer, crafters, artisans and any number of other vendors, set up in a collection of permanent and rotating stalls. In conjunction with that, we will become a basecamp for entrepreneurs and makers of all types.  This will be the place to find affordable workspaces, meaningful resources, and a diverse community of passionate individuals who are focused on creating long-lasting, impactful businesses for Joplin. This is truly a game changer for the next generation of entrepreneurs and creatives in Joplin.

I love that grand vision!

Opening day appeared to be a huge success, judging by the filled parking lot and the number of people inside the market. It was a lively, friendly atmosphere that greeted me as I entered the wide door.

Business Review Empire Market

Business Review Empire Market

I was at Empire Market an hour after the doors opened and some vendors were already sold out or low on product. That’s a good sign! The market features a variety of booths with a wide assortment of products including farm raised meat and eggs, crafts, art, clothing, vegetable and herb plants, coffees, sauces and salts, and bakeries featuring traditional goodies, cute iced cookies and health conscious gluten free treats without added sugar. Fresh produce will be available in the Market beginning in May.

Business Review Empire Market

Business Review Empire Market

Today, the Mayor of Joplin was present at the opening, giving an official proclamation. Young trees were being given away by the Missouri Department of Conservation and live music was offered. I enjoyed the energy within the space and look forward to the inclusion of produce in the near future.

Empire Market invites Joplin to “grow with us!” I’m excited to watch them grow and be a part of that growth.

Business Review Empire Market