Soaring insurance costs force Albany Indoor Adventures closure just weeks ahead of busy school-holiday period

Escalating insurance costs amid public liability concerns have led to Albany Indoor Adventures closing its doors, with owners of the popular play centre telling the community it may remain permanently closed. A statement issued by the AIA owner James McLean on Sunday announced the immediate temporary closure of the business with a “very heavy heart”. He said the business had recently been informed its liability insurance would no longer cover its ninja obstacle course and that the issue was “fast becoming a ‘deal breaker’ for many businesses”. “We have since tried numerous insurers who have all declined to cover our ninja course regardless of cost,” he said. “Insurance brokers have told us that this situation has eventuated in part due to the growing industry of ‘ambulance chasing lawyers’ who have been pushing for bigger and bigger claims for smaller and smaller incidents. “Our rock climbing and playground components of our operation are still adequately insured but are just not viable to operate without the popular ninja obstacle course.” A clear stipulation on the business’s website indicates a waiver must be signed before taking part in any of the centre’s activities, with the exception of mini golf. The waiver includes a stipulation that users would “forever hold harmless” AIA “from all liability claims or demands of any nature no matter how it may arise”. Mr McLean said the worst injury suffered at AIA during four successful years of business, a fractured ankle, compared favourably to those that occurred at the nearby skate park. “AIA owners and team wish to thank the many families, schools, social groups and individual customers who have enjoyed the centre over the past four years and especially the hundreds of kid’s birthday parties celebrated,” he said. “From our perspective we are personally gutted about this situation but we are also very proud of the unique blend of fun and fitness the centre has brought to the Albany community.” News of the business closures led to past patrons expressing their sadness on social media, with a number quick to offer potential solutions and thank the owners for what they had provided the community. The statement issued by Mr McLean said there was still a “glimmer of hope” the centre could be operated by a not-for-profit as they have would “have much more favourable insurance options available”. “We’re asking if anyone out there is aware of another community group or organisation who may be capable of taking over this business and running it as an indoor community adventure/activity/youth centre etc.,” he said.