The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR)- In the heart of the Alleghany Highlands, a transformative family entertainment center is poised to redefine community recreation in the highlands, offering a multi-dimensional experience that promises to breathe new life into the entertainment of the area. Mountain Rush, a meticulously planned facility spanning 31,000 square feet across three floors, represents more than just a business venture. It’s a community-focused vision born from a desire to provide meaningful recreational opportunities for local families and youth. The project’s founder, Richard Mansell, an assistant pastor at Covington’s Calvary Baptist Church, first conceptualized the idea in 2012 after recognizing a critical gap in local entertainment options of the Covington area.
“We wanted to create something that would give kids and young adults a place to hang out, something beyond the existing fun of our bowling alley or movie theater,” he explained during a recent discussion. What sets Mountain Rush apart is its comprehensive approach to community engagement. The facility is designed to cater to a wide age range, with a primary focus on individuals aged 5 to 25, while accommodating all ages in the community. Mountain Rush will be opening in strategic phases as the state-of-the-art facility brings new attractions online. Phase one, which is set to open in April, will have arcade games and other intensely fun and engaging activities. Future phases will feature a roller-skating area on the second floor, more arcade games, and versatile event spaces.
Other coming attractions include a retro analog floor with pinball machines and a sci-fi level featuring cutting-edge attractions like laser tag and a unique starship bridge simulator, which will be the only commercially available version in the United States. One of the most innovative soon-to-come features will be a custom ramen bar, inspired by Mansell’s own life experiences while living in Japan. The culinary offering aims to provide a unique
dining experience, with plans for a commercial-grade noodle-making machine allowing customizable meals.
Aside from the unique, they will also offer more commonly known dining options such as nuggets and sliders. Community involvement is central to and at the heart of Richard’s Mountain Rush concept. The founders have already generated significant local interest in this project, with Mansell giving much credit for the help he’s received thus far in his venture to 410 on Main Co-Founders Gray Lane and David Bostic.
There’s currently a waiting list of potential employees and eager participants who want to be a part of this innovative and fun center. The project has also garnered support from local businesses, with plans in the initial stages of operation to source food and catering from nearby establishments like Lucas and Friendly Fork.
“We’re trying to do everything local as much as possible,” the founder emphasized, highlighting the project’s commitment to supporting the regional economy. The facility’s development hasn’t been without challenges. Navigating city regulations and building codes required careful communication with local officials, particularly given previous scrutiny over building inspections in Covington. A three-year temporary certificate of occupancy has been obtained, with an ongoing collaboration with city zoning manager Eric Tyree to ensure compliance.
The goal is to demonstrate that rural communities can create innovative, high-quality experiences that rival urban entertainment centers. Safety and inclusivity are paramount. The founder, a father of three daughters, has designed the facility with family safety in mind. Employee stations are strategically placed to provide maximum visibility, and security cameras will ensure a safe environment.
The membership model is another innovative aspect. Plans include a gamification approach, where members can earn ranks and skill levels through participation in various activities. The facility hopes to integrate community initiatives like library reading contests and Bible memorization programs into this Mountain Rush system. Pricing is being carefully considered to ensure accessibility for everyone.
“We want to provide a quality experience that’s affordable for local families,” Richard explained. Membership options and day passes will provide flexibility for different budgets. The project has already generated significant buzz. Residents have expressed excitement about having a high-quality entertainment option that doesn’t require long drives to larger cities like Roanoke or Lynchburg. As Mountain Rush prepares for its soft opening in April, the community watches with anticipation. It represents more than just an entertainment center – it’s a potential catalyst for community
engagement, youth development, and local economic vitality.
“This is only the beginning,” the founder said, noticeably excited about what has been accomplished so far. For a rural community hungry for innovative recreational options, Mountain Rush promises to be an area game-changer.
Photos courtesy Mountain Rush
