West Des Moines “eatertainment” venue Smash Park is announcing its first franchise location in Pella. Thanks to a collaborative community effort, the Pella location will launch Smash Park’s national expansion plans.

Franchisees Dr. Luke Ballenger and Brian Seidl of West Des Moines are working closely with Smash Park to bring the popular concept to Pella with support from the city of Pella and prominent local employers Pella Corporation and Vermeer Corporation. It will be located just south of Highway 163 at exit 40 in the Prairie Ridge Development, and the project is slated to break ground in June.

Ballenger, who grew up in Pella, said the city holds a special place in his heart. “We love the community of Pella and are thrilled to play a part in its growth,” he said. “Smash Park is a unique concept that will add a whole new dimension of fun to complement the existing attractions. It offers an incredible variety of entertainment and recreation options – there will be something for people of all ages and interests to get excited about.”

Nicolle Picray, Brand Communications Manager at Pella Corporation said that enhancing local recreational amenities helps the business attract and retain top talent as well. “It’s important that our current and future employees enjoy a high quality of life both inside and outside the workplace. We look forward to the new experiences Smash Park will bring to the Pella community.”

Smash Park CEO Monty Lockyear said the broad local support and alignment with the company’s growth plans made Pella an ideal strategic location. “We wanted our first location to be in close proximity so we can provide elevated support to our first franchise. Pella and the surrounding area have many unique qualities that make it a great fit, and the city and business community were extremely welcoming.”

Lockyear said the Pella location offers Smash Park the opportunity to scale a redesigned model for smaller markets, helping to establish the flexibility of the concept in different physical footprints.

The Pella location will have many of the same entertainment options as the original West Des Moines location including craft food and drinks, pickleball courts, a variety of indoor and outdoor games, party and event space, an exclusive 21 and older Paddle Club section, and space for live music events. After opening, long-term plans for the Pella location include adding sand volleyball and miniature golf.

Monty and Kerri Lockyear opened the original 47,000-square-foot West Des Moines Smash Park location in the fall of 2018.