Despite COVID-19 restrictions, huge family entertainment center progressing, to include life-sized catapult

Despite issues concerning COVID-19, a huge family entertainment complex is making progress.

According to Silver Stone Castle Family Entertainment owner and president Joe Estrela, there are some exciting developments regarding the progress of the entertainment center at 358 G.A.R. Highway in Swansea.

“It has been a long haul with obstacles being addressed on a regular basis. Fortunately, with the help of the Swansea officials and Water department who have continued to work, even though isolated during this horrific pandemic, they have helped us get through the worst of the permitting process with the State. Of course, building on a state highway can be challenging, slowing progress to a crawl and causing such delays. Especially now, progress is even slower than usual due to everyone working at half capacity along with accommodating the Governor’s necessary mandates, but we are still hopeful.”

At a Swansea town meeting in May after the majority of voters approved a zoning change that allowed the expansion of the complex, Estrela stated that parts of the complex could be open by July. Due to the issues and current climate, Estrela didn’t want to set a new timetable, but is hopeful to open by the end of the year.

“We have been able to do site work as well as finish up work on the castle gardens. The life size catapult will be going in shortly and we have approved the Castle Dragon construction.”

Estrela will soon be holding a contest to name the dragon which will watch over the Castle tavern.

Last year construction began taking place off site.

The complex will be a medieval castle full of family entertainment.

The 3-5 million dollar 80,000 square foot complex will contain fun for all ages including a two story go cart track, laser tag arena, bumper cars, dance floor, stage for musical acts, and an area for pub style food. Part of an 8,000 square foot indoor heated pool will have a cathedral ceiling. Estrela is also considering having kayaking available in the river.