More than trampolines: How new Kennewick venue will entertain Tri-Citians of all ages

The big, boxy building rising next to Interstate 82 in west Kennewick will open as an all-ages entertainment venue when construction wraps in about four months.

The new business, named Quake the EPICenter of Family Fun, will open by late June or early July, said Paul Knabe, spokesman for the group of owners behind the privately-funded venture.

Quake will have trampolines, currently being manufactured in Montana. But it’s much more than that, said Knabe, dismissing suggestions it’s “just a trampoline park.”

Quake aims to entertain everyone within its 40,000 square feet.

Toddlers to golfers

A dedicated toddler zone will have a play area and bouncy house and will be a place where small guests can play without being overrun by big ones.

Quake will offer bigger guests the choice of laser tag, a ninja warrior course, virtual reality suites and a “substantial” number of arcade games.

There will be golf simulators, as well as a second floor beer and wine balcony overlooking the play areas below.

Party rooms for kid events and conference rooms for grown-up ones round out the lineup. Professional lighting systems will hang from the building’s steel roof trusses for light shows and events.

Quake is being developed by 5D Contractors Inc. of Kennewick and is visibly taking shape shape near the Clearwater Avenue-I-82 interchange off Badger Road. The location, 106904 E. Detrick PR SE, is east of Kennewick’s Cottonwood Elementary School.

Benton County issued a building permit for the $6 million project and workers broke ground in September.

The team expected to complete the building shell and pour the floor in late February but were delayed by the late winter cold.

Knabe said equipment is on order and the opening is in the works, including hiring 35 to 40 staffers.

Alaska roots

Quake is owned by nine investors, including Knabe’s partner, Merry Holmes. It is independent and unaffiliated with any existing chain.

The core group met when they worked together at a Home Depot in Alaska. They broke off to develop a pair of trampoline parks for another company.

Tracy and Donavan Nickerson were part of the original group.

The couple said they enjoyed developing the two parks and contemplated what they could do to build on the basic concept. More amenities was the answer.

They formed a business and named it “Quake,” honoring the 7.0 earthquake that struck Anchorage on Nov. 1, 2018.

“We wanted something fun that’s exciting,” said Holmes.

They began looking for a location four years ago, concentrating first in Western Washington. Nothing worked.

Demographics, growth

They shifted to the Tri-Cities, where Knabe had attended Kennewick High School before moving to Alaska. He and his family have since moved back

They liked the 300,000-and-growing population and local demographics. They began looking at property and accumulated new investors along the way.

They made unsuccessful offers, which led them to 5D, led by Mike Detrick, which dedicated 2.6 acres it owns on Detrick Road to the project.

Holmes said she’s humbled by the community’s embrace since Quake began sharing details on its Facebook page.

“Everyone I’ve met wants to hear more. It’s very gratifying to be loved,” she said.

Follow its progress on Facebook.