Big Dog Bounce moves to new location

ASHTABULA – Big Dog Bounce has bounced over to a new location.
This past December, the Greater Ashtabula Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the business at its new home at 4322 Park Ave. in Ashtabula. Many people showed up for the ceremony, including local dignitaries.
The building where the business is now located is the former First Congregational Church building, which dates back in 1862.
“It’s a wonderful building, a huge part of Ashtabula’s history,” manager Don Ballard said, noting he’s trying to be a good caretaker of the building.
He noted that the building has been renamed St. Bernard’s, which makes the business known as Big Dog Bounce at St. Bernard’s.
The move comes after a decade of searching. During that time, Big Dog Bounce operated of the Ashtabula Towne Square Mall.
“We’ve been looking for a place to buy for 10 years,” Ballard said.
In addition to seeking a place to own, Ballard said he wanted more space. The new location meets that need with almost three times the space.
The organization youthOPPORTUNITIES! played a crucial role in the acquisition, introducing Ballard to Christian Faith Academy, which owned the building.
“So, we started talking and brought the deal together,” he said.
Big Dog Bounce left the mall Sept. 1 and had a soft opening at the new location Oct. 1.
Greg Church, executive director of the Chamber, spoke at the ceremony and was complimentary of Ballard. He was thrilled to see people enjoying themselves at the business.
“It was really nice to see so many utilizing it and having fun,” he said. “That’s what it’s about. It’s about community and having something that’s very enjoyable for a lot of people. And I really appreciate that about Don, that he works really hard to take care of people. The fact that he wanted to do this for the community and find a space that would adequately do this is really important.”
The business has three party rooms and two play areas, one for little kids six and under and the other for children 7-13 years old.
“We’re real excited about bringing attractions, more stuff to do,” Ballard said.
In addition to various attractions, including inflatables, for the kids to play around on, Big Dog Bounce is moving forward to add more than just these items.
“We just added a rock wall,” Ballard said. A second rock wall is in the works. “We’d like to add a large play structure at some point,” he added.
In addition to being open for birthdays, Big Dog Bounce has an open jump every week Wednesday through Sunday and is starting a monthly membership program where members jump all they want. Also, there will be some extra events and features for members only.
For more information, check out Big Dog Bounce’s Facebook page or the website at bigdogbounce.com
For more information, call (440) 650-5257. Email inquiries can be made through don@bigdogbounce.com.