By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Colleen Boroughs and Kari Anne Stansberry put their heads together and answered a question that Oxford Borough residents have asked themselves for years: What does the town need? 

Their answer was obvious: something that offers activities for children. And out of that, a new business, Level Up Arcade and Lounge will be coming to 55 S. Third Street in the Borough of Oxford. However, they took that one step further, and the new business will be for kids and adults alike.

Boroughs explained, “We came up with a business plan that included both. The kids can come in at all times. If they are under 12, they have to have someone with them that is at least 16 years old. That person must be appointed by the parent. They will all be issued cards which they can load money to and it will also include their information. They will be able to play some favorite older games like Pac-Man and some of the new ones like Jurassic Park and others.”

Having something to do for kids in the borough has long been a concern for parents and borough officials alike. The Oxford Area Recreational Authority Park (OARA) also provides activities for all ages, but for those who don’t have transportation, it presents a problem getting there. Having a place to go in the borough does provide a safe space for children and their parents who may not always have transportation available to go further.

Just like the OARA park, the Arcade and Lounge is for both kids and adults looking to have some fun. It will also provide a draw to other local businesses. Families can come to the Arcade and Lounge and visit local eateries or shop at the businesses when they are in Oxford.

“We have already talked to Victor Mascalli at La Sicilia, who will provide us menus and do delivery to our establishment, which is another great offering for families,” Boroughs said.

There will be different times and rules for kids and adults, but Boroughs and Stansberry hope this provides a much-needed opportunity for families to spend time together.

For the adults, pool tables, darts and duck pin bowling is available, and, of course, that is also available for kids, too. The lounge for adults is expected to be a great place spend time with friends or even business associates.

Besides deliveries from La Sicilia, there will also be lots of offerings from vending machines available.

“We hope this gives families, with or without children, a great place to relax and chill at the end of a day. We know it will also draw a lot of people to the borough,” Boroughs explained.

The plan now is to open in the summer of 2026. They still have a few more hurdles to clear before opening.

Oxford Borough Council member Amanda Birdwell said, “We have someone that is willing to invest and we need to support them.”

There’s no doubt that there are a lot of people in the community community who are ready to show their support for this business.