Matt Harding bids farewell on positive note: Z Fun Factory

Ayear and a half ago, I’d never heard of Yuma. What I learned as I applied for this job is that it’s the hottest city in the U.S. and the area grows a lot of lettuce. Coming from Detroit in February, I wanted to be warm and I do enjoy a good salad, so I made the move without knowing exactly what to expect.

What I learned after spending the year here is that Yuma is truly a thriving desert oasis. Like other places, it’s not immune to social and economic troubles, but I found a great sense of community and optimism here.

I got to cover NASA’s Orion parachute tests, the USNS Yuma ship christening and so many other things that were such professional and personal highlights.

Working on this business section has been particularly fulfilling, and I’d like to say one final thank you to those who brightened my days with compliments about this column.

And, I get to leave you with some good news, which is always optimal!

As you’ve assuredly heard, Z Fun Factory and Waylon’s Water World is set to open on May 26 — the Friday of Memorial Day weekend — under new ownership.

Namco USA, a subsidiary of the company behind the famous Pac-Man video game, purchased the amusement facility at 4446 E. County 10th St. for a yet-to-be-disclosed sum recently.

According to Namco USA president and CEO Hitoshi Yoshida, they will have around 70 employees — many of them who previously worked for former owner Becky Zeller, who operated the business with her husband Brice until his death in March 2016. She closed the facility in October.

“It means a lot to me that they’re going to try to keep most of my employees,” Zeller said. “They’re very dedicated people, and I couldn’t have found a better company to take over … they’re going to do amazing things.”

At least initially, Z Fun Factory will open mostly as-is with few immediate changes. The only major difference will be new PacMan-inspired gas-powered go-carts that are due to arrive shortly before the planned opening. *** Sportsman’s Warehouse at 1038 S. Castle Dome Ave. has a soft opening set for May 5 and will have its grand opening May 11, according to the new store manager David Burger.

Salt Lake City-based general contractor Cameron Construction began building the store next to Hobby Lobby in the Las Palmillas Shopping Center in October.

The outdoor sports retailer has seven other locations in Arizona and many more in mostly western and mountain states. *** Specializing in making custom plaques, awards, trophies and more, Col-