New look arcade welcomes back gamers

The pop culture and gaming hub has undergone some changes during lockdown

Play Back Gympie owner Aisha Belling

POPULAR arcade Play Back Gympie have finally reopened their doors after being closed for more than two months during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Arcade owner Aisha Belling said they reopened the arcade at midday on Monday with a few changes, and she was excited to welcome in her first customers.

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Ms Belling said the retail section of Play Back Gympie had always remained open but the arcade had been closed since March 23.

She said they took this time to add some new additions to the arcade and make the necessary changes to comply with social distancing rules.

“The announcement that restrictions were easing two weeks early took us by surprise,” she said.

“We had to scurry to get everything back together, but it went really smoothly.

“While we were closed we also installed some new games and people noticed which was nice.”

Aisha Belling is excited for customers to check out their new arcade games. Picture: Shane Zahner

Currently the arcade is allowed 15 customers at a time, and Ms Belling said there is no need to book in.

“There’s no bookings needed, no time limit on playing, most people stay their 15-30 minutes and then leave,” she said.

Play Back Gympie also host after school games, birthday parties and special events which will be resuming as restrictions ease further.

“Our gathering nights that are held after hours may reopen next week, as it’s easier to limit who comes in during after hours events and we are allowed 20 people in those,” she said.

“But birthday parties and after school games will be Stage 3.”

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