After the tragic shootings in Newtown, Connecticut last December, many wondered how a town could begin to heal after such a loss. Two Newtown residents think they have the answer, and that answer turns out to be games. This weekend was the opening of the Sandy Hook Arcade Center, a new not-for-profit arcade named for the elementary school where the shootings occurred.
The arcade was founded by Andrew Clure and Scott Cicciari, both long time residents of Newtown. On the arcade’s site the two say:
As parents and Newtown residents of over 10 years we continue to grieve along with our neighbors and the world for the tragic events of 12/14/12. The world has been inspired by the strength and unity of our Newtown community and the support has been wonderfully overwhelming.
They also say that family has always been a core value of Newtown, and Clure and Cicciari say they wanted to build the arcade for the children and families. Residents of Newtown get into the arcade for free, while non-residents pay an admission fee. This fee helps keep the arcade going, but they also accept donations through their website that they say have “been pouring in from literally everywhere.”
The arcade’s site does not list all of the games, but they do say that the focus is on family-friendly all-ages play. A quick look at their Facebook page shows arcade basketball, air hockey, foosball, racing games, and even arcade version of Doodle Jump and Temple Run. Not surprisingly, there’s not a plastic gun in site of any of the photos.
The arcade is open five days a week, with hours Wednesday through Sunday. If you’d like to donate to arcade you can do so on their website here.
(Sandy Hook Arcade Center via Polygon, image via Facebook)
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