It’s a popular school holiday pastime for Ashburton young ‘uns, but they may soon find themselves feeling a bit deflated.

Bouncy castle hire business Pop Up Playground, run by parents Amber and Shane Scarth for the last four and a half years, is closing up shop after these school holidays.

Their kids are growing up which meant it was time to pass the business on, Amber said.

“They’re more into sports and Scouts and stuff, and we can’t do everything.”

Hires see a boom over the warm summer holidays, but fewer bookings are made throughout the year and especially in winter, Shane added.

Amber began the business after her dad had a birthday party with bouncy castles.

They purchased Pop Up Playground from its previous owners in 2020, and have collected 23 castles over their run.

Shane said they’ve set up at events for Talleys, Ruralco and Fulton Hogan, and have become very connected in the community since.

“A lot of people see it as a shame, but they understand why we’re doing it.”

Amber said there’s been some interest in the business since they put it up for sale.

If no one picks it up all the castles will be sold, and the business will close for good.

“It’ll be sad to see it go if nobody takes it on, but it is what it is unfortunately.”

During these school holidays, Ashburton Paintball has been set up alongside the Pop Up Playground in the Sports Hall on Tancred St.

Managing director Daryl Kingsford ran into the Scarths at national children’s days events and A&P shows.

Kingsford said it’s a loss for families in the area.

“It’s very disappointing.”

“There are not a lot of things for kids to do in Ashburton. That’s one of the main reasons we approached Amber to create an entertainment centre for the children during the school holidays.”

Amber hopes the business will be given new life, but regardless is “really grateful for the community, and the support we have had in the last four and a half years”.

By Anisha Satya