New owners overhauling former Camelot Park
Oct. 25—Major upgrades are underway that will spruce up the former Camelot Park entertainment center along California Avenue and make it a destination for not just kids but adults, too.
Santa Clarita-based MB2 Entertainment has put in all-new batting cages, bumper boats, a racing track with carts and other equipment since buying the somewhat dilapidated property next to Highway 99 early this year.
A whole new video game arcade is next, along with ax-throwing booths, beer and wine service and a restaurant expected to offer better food than had been available previously.
The new owners hope to open the center by around Thanksgiving, then continue improving the property with diversions that may include laser tag and an area for private events. The property's miniature golf course is expected to remain.
"I feel every town needs a family entertainment center outdoors attraction," MB2 co-owner Will Miller said Wednesday. He added that the improvements are expected to add up to $1.5 million or more.
MB2 launched in about 2007 with an indoor cart racing facility in Southern California, co-owner Chris Brooks said. Since a pandemic-induced slowdown, he explained, the company has upgraded a family entertainment in Santa Clarita that's similar to the plan for the former Camelot Park.
The addition of ax-throwing is a nod to the new ownership's desire to cater to adults along with the younger age groups that have long been the facility's mainstay.
Niall Bavaro, assistant general manager at the MB2 in Santa Clarita, said the center will use real axes sharpened for the task, along with electronic displays allowing various modes of competition and tracking of where strikes land.
Including more grown-up activities will put the entertainment center — MB2 Entertainment will be its new name — in direct competition with The BLVD, Dave & Buster's and other local businesses that offer arcade-like activities to kids as well as adults.
Bavaro noted the food that will be served at the former Camelot Park will be similar to the menu at the Santa Clarita location, meaning higher quality than typical kid-focused fare such as slices of pizza and nachos. There will likely be wings and sandwiches, he said, as well as carne asada, Mexican-style tortas and appetizers.
Ownership deliberately opted not to add a full bar, in consideration of the mixing of adults, children and axes, Bavaro noted.
"It definitely makes it a little more enjoyable when you can eat and drink there," he said.
