LINCOLN – While the state is slated to announce later this week its plans and protocols for Phase 3 business reopening – which includes indoor recreation facilities – one such facility here has already opened the doors in a limited capacity.
R1 Indoor Karting co-owner Mike Hezemans confirmed Monday to Providence Business News that the 100,000-square-foot facility reopened on June 12, only allowing go-kart racing on an “invite-only” basis. The restaurant at the facility, located above and overseeing the go-kart track, is not operational, Hezemans said, and the facility itself is only open Thursday through Sunday.
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Hezemans said approximately 50 to 60 member customers were at the facility Sunday, much lower than the 300 customers R1 Indoor Karting normally receives during business hours.
“The good thing is that we are doing it slowly is so that we can get people back to work,” Hezemans said. “We have a huge problem in that we have all new people [working].”
All recreation and entertainment establishments, except those operated by the state, are not permitted to reopen during the state’s Phase 2 reopening plan, according to ReopeningRI.com, and only outdoor recreation – including outdoor go-kart tracks – are allowed to be back in business at this time. ReopeningRI.com’s Phase 2 plan does not explicitly mention indoor go-kart tracks as an example.
Hezemans said he asked Lincoln about reopening R1 Indoor Karting and, according to the co-owner, the town told him that “no approval was necessary” in order to reopen. He also said he didn’t receive approval from the state but R1 Indoor Karting “didn’t ask.”
Hezemans argues that if the state can allow Twin River Worldwide Holdings Inc. to reopen its two casinos – which reopened June 8 to limited capacity and one of them is located in Lincoln – then so can his go-kart facility.
“If Twin River can open up, with very old people [attending] and [there is] a very-big risk factor [for illness], why not me?” Hezemans said. He also said if the state comes after him for reopening prematurely, he’s prepared to fight it legally.
It is unclear if R1 Indoor Karting is in any violation with the state over its reopening. R.I. Commerce Corp. and Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday.
James Bessette is the PBN special projects editor, and also covers the nonprofit and education sectors. You may reach him at Bessette@PBN.com. You may also follow him on Twitter at @James_Bessette.
Thanks for mentioning the ability of Twin River to open. Surprise surprise. Bowling alleys and billiards should be able too as well. Great job!