Two Newtown, CT Parents Open Community Arcade: Can Games Help People Heal?

In an effort to help the Newtown, Connecticut community heal after the December shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School, two parents—Andrew Clure and Scott Cicciari—have opened the Sandy Hook Arcade Center (SHAC).

The arcade’s website states, “As parents and Newtown residents of over 10 years we continue to grieve along with our neighbors and the world for the tragic events of 12/14/12. The world has been inspired by the strength and unity of our Newtown community and the support has been wonderfully overwhelming. We struggle to find a road or path to help us to move forward as we are enveloped by the love and donations that have been pouring in from literally everywhere.

“The core value of Newtown has always been family and in this time we find comfort in being together, neighbor to neighbor. With that thought in mind we want to draw on our passion and experience to build the Sandy Hook Arcade Center for the children and families.”

The arcade features over 22 games and attractions—many of which were donated by major game companies—including Pop-A-Shot basketball, the crane game, Pac-Man Battle Royale, pinball, air hockey, foosball, Xbox Kinect consoles, and a state-of-the-art photo booth. Geekosystem points out, “Not surprisingly, there’s not a plastic gun in site of any of the photos” on SHAC’s website or social media profiles.

SHAC is open Wednesday through Sunday and is free to Newton residents. Admission fees from non-residents, as well as donations through the website, keep the arcade running.