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Former NASA astronaut, wife operate local business
By MARIE STEMPINSKI
| Article published on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/043008_lle-03.jpg) |
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| Photo by MARIE STEMPINSKI |
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| Andrew Allen, left, and wife, Brenda use one of the Bounce U inflatables. |
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LARGO – A former NASA astronaut who once flew on the Atlantis and the ill-fated Columbia space shuttles has opened an indoor inflatable entertainment facility here.
Andrew Allen, a Marine Corps veteran and one-time Honeywell vice president, and his wife, Brenda, have teamed up to run a Bounce U franchise located at 7200 114th Ave.
Allen was a NASA astronaut from 1987-1997 and Brenda is a former engineer for payloads at the Kennedy Space Center.
Individuals and groups can visit Bounce U to enjoy the giant inflatables, practice coordination, improve fitness and participate in team building. The business also provides catering for parties and even provides clowns, face painting and competitive games.
Allen has business experience that includes heading a nonprofit corporation to managing maintenance on space shuttles.
It was Honeywell that brought the family to Pinellas County. The youngest Allen children, ages 7 and 4, often are at Bounce U along with their parents.
“After Honeywell we decided we wanted a business we could run as a family and dedicate that business to families,” Allen said.
Allen said parents and grandparents enjoy the obstacle course, the 20 foot high slide or using oversized gloves in the boxing ring. The facility offers a dodge ball stadium, spider climb and T-ball.
Some adults use the equipment for working out, which is why a fitness program soon will be added.
Bounce U is open for parties, corporate activities, group events or for individual use. Allen said the facility is popular with groups such as the YMCA, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and schools.
Parties include time on the equipment and the “Party Room” that comes complete with a throne for the guest of honor. Staffers offer food, cake and ice cream.
“We provide goodie bags, face painting, magicians and clowns, just about anything anyone would like,” Allen said.
He stresses that cleanliness is important at Bounce U.
“We keep the equipment clean,” Allen said. “If you have white sox when you come in, it will be white sox when you leave. We’re also very conscientious about safety.”
Allen said Bounce U is chaotic at times.
“Our ‘Party Pros’ are mostly high school and college age,” Allen said. “Parents and event planners can get involved or just sit back and relax.”
One of the neatest things, Allen said, is to watch parents and grandparents with the kids.
Bounce U is open 7 days a week. Most parties are on the weekends between 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. There are also open times for individuals or groups on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A “Family Bounce” is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Call 548-5867 or visit www.BounceU.com and then select “Largo.”
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Article published on Wednesday, April 30, 2008
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