At Milan Community Arcade, part of the fun is watching kids discover what grown-ups used to consider normal.
During a recent visit, one child learned how to slide a VHS tape into a VCR. That came with a quick explanation of the old video store phrase, “Be kind, rewind.”
The small arcade space is built around that kind of shared discovery. It offers free access to thousands of games, along with old movies, retro computers, trading cards and games meant to be played together.
But the arcade is also trying to fill another role in the community: a place for young people and families to gather that is not home, school or work. Community spaces like that are sometimes called “third places,” and they can help people connect outside their usual routines.
Nick Ewald said much of the mission is to give younger people another safe place to spend time.
“I know we don’t have cool things like a skate park or whatever, but my hope is that this could be an alternative,” Ewald said.
The arcade is presented by Whimsical Sprites, a toys and collectibles business owned by Nick and Erin Ewald. The space is hosted by The Bridge United Methodist Church, though the arcade says it is not religiously affiliated.
Visitors can also meet Yuki, a corn snake, and two blue death feigning beetles named Nami and Ruri. Ewald said the animals give kids another way to learn and interact with the space.
“I love having animals in here because kids tend to like animals and are interested in learning about animals,” Ewald said.
The arcade also offers snacks, movies that are free to watch and space for family game nights, birthday parties and small gatherings. Donations help support repairs and replacement equipment. During the visit, bills and coins could be dropped into donation containers shaped like Kool-Aid Man and Darth Vader.
Current posted hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Families can reserve a gaming station by calling or texting 734-489-1470.
Milan Community Arcade is located inside The Bridge United Methodist Church, 8 Park Lane in downtown Milan.
Featured image: Visitors play video games at Milan Community Arcade, a free gaming space inside The Bridge United Methodist Church in downtown Milan. Photo by Heather Finch
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