Lancaster County’s new $18 million entertainment venue has something for everyone from the adventurous to the laid back. Take a walk on the wild side high above the arcade on the ropes course, scale the climbing wall or zoom around the winding go-kart track. Take in a movie in one of six luxury theaters, sip on a signature cocktail while having dinner al fresco or play a friendly but competitive game of miniature golf.
“We wanted to do something for continued growth and for the well being of residents of the Northern Neck,” said Julien Patterson.
He and his wife, Terri Wesselman, held a ground breaking to introduce plans for the COMPASS Entertainment Complex project almost a year exactly prior to the center’s grand opening, which was marked by a ribbon cutting September 4. COVID-19 delayed the center’s expected opening date by a few months but never dampened the excitement surrounding the complex as passersby watched with anticipation the progress over the past year at 100 Entertainment Drive, Irvington.
They packed the place with activities inside and out. “We don’t have another square inch in here” that’s unused, said Patterson of the 28,000-square-foot center.
“As we went along we kept finding the pieces to the jigsaw puzzle,” he said. “We were putting it together for the offering to the community we were hoping for.”
The couple semi-retired to the Northern Neck in 2012 and since have invested time, money and energy into economic growth. A coffee shop, clothing store, art studio and bistro are among their ventures in Lancaster County.
A few years ago an employee suggested to Patterson and Wesselman the area needed batting cages.
“I said batting cages, that’s not enough. We have to offer more,” said Wesselman.
So for three years, the two attended the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) trade show in Florida and studied entertainment centers around the country to come up with a one-of-a-kind complex.
COMPASS has rainy-day attractions as well as outdoor activities and Patterson is pleased to say the center offers a little something for everyone. It’s a place where grandparents can spend time with their grandchildren or where a husband and wife or two people can have a date, he said.
His hope is the center will be a destination and draw visitors to spend money at other businesses in the county, which in turn will increase job opportunities. That has long been his goal with his business ventures in Lancaster County.
Patterson wants to serve as a model and inspiration for other investors.
“We hope this will be a spark for investment and development by others in the area,” said Wesselman.
Already COMPASS has created about 80 new jobs with 22 managers on staff.
General manager Paul Kuhns brings close to 30 years in the entertainment industry to his job.
Family entertainment center manager Ethan Morris comes to the area from the Carolinas and said he “relocated here because I was moved by the message.”
“I was touched by the genuine joy and atmosphere that’s here,” he said.
Things to do inside
COMPASS has six movie theaters featuring state-of-the art sound systems and laser projectors and luxurious reclining leather seats. The seats include food trays so viewers can eat dinner, purchased from either Meridian Bar and Grill or the concession booth.
The projectors offer “nice, crisp pictures with blacker blacks and brighter colors,” said Patterson. The center’s large theater seats 130, while two smaller ones seat 65 each. There are three which seat 45 each. Those can be reserved for private viewing parties by businesses or individuals. One theater can offer 3D viewings.
There is dedicated handicap-accessible seating with assisted audio devices and closed caption options.
“It’s important for people in the community that may have visual, auditory or physical challenges to know we want to give them a quality experience,” said cinema manager Brett Peterson.
The family entertainment center part of the complex includes arcade games, flip-zone bumper cars, three climbing walls, virtual reality games and a kids play zone, along with four private rooms for birthday parties or business meetings.
A multi-level, high-ropes course is above it all and ends with a 180-degree zipline, one of the only ones in the U.S., according to Morris.
Another interesting offering is the Challenge Zone, a tag active obstacle course resembling that of American Ninja Warrior. The obstacle course is the only one in the U.S., according to event coordinator Becki Carrillo.
Outside offerings
An 18-hole mini-golf course with a nautical theme includes water hazards, two decorative lighthouses and a full-size Chesapeake Bay deadrise as part of its landscape.
The first nine holes are handicap-accessible and may be played by people in a wheelchair.
The snack hut at the golf course serves up snacks, ice cream and drinks.
Six batting cages offer both softball and baseball pitches with the batter controlling the speed.
Electric go-karts zoom around a winding, hilly track. There are both single and double-seat karts.
Dining
Meridian Bar and Grill can seat 50 on the patio and 40 inside under normal conditions. The restaurant is operating at 50% capacity per COVID-19 recommendations.
There’s a full service bar offering signature cocktails with several big-screen televisions for game-viewing.
A concession stand offers the traditional butter-smothered movie popcorn, candy and snacks, along with paninis, pretzels, chicken tenders and hot dogs.
