Smash that stress

MONROEVILLE — It looks like fun and games, but owners of Smash 180 LLC in Monroeville said there is much more than what meets the eye. The new business at 5 S. Main St. in downtown Monroeville lets people come in, take a baseball bat or sledgehammer and beat the hell out of everything in sight. Owners Steven and Tracy Summerland, of Norwalk, said "it's been in the making for a little over a year." He drives for Norwalk Concrete Inc. and she works for the Norwalk City Schools at Pleasant Elementary. This will be a part-time job for both of them. It is open 5:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 2:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday. A ribbon-cutting was held Wednesday and it will be open for business today. "Our mission is to assist people within our surrounding communities relieve daily stressors through the means of smashing breakable items in a no worry environment which may help with a more positive mentality," according to the business website at https://smash180llc.com. "Have you ever felt like the day hasn't been the best? Ever needed to let some steam off but feel there is no place or an available option to safely 'release your energy' without damaging personal belongings or another person's property? Ever just wanted to experience a lash-out session but do not have the place to do it safely? "You are at the right place because here at SMASH 180 LLC smash rooms we want you to come and release all of your positive and negative energies through the means of smashing objects within a secure, monitored and safe room while wearing shielding gear to protect you. SMASH 180 LLC smash rooms is a judgment-free zone to cry, laugh, scream and have no worries about what people might think. Make the mess and have no worries because we clean it up! Bring your smartphone and hook up your favorite playlist to a portable Bluetooth speaker for each room or just smash without music because you can." Participants must sign a waiver and dress up in safety gear before going at it. There are baseball bats, sledgehammers, crowbars, pipe wrenches and more. But it isn't meant for people to come in and have some fun smashing things — it's meant for people who are looking to let off some stress. "I served in the Marine Corps for six years and she works at the school district," Steven Summerland said. "I really want to focus on helping individuals with stress and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). I want to focus on veterans ... I know people have built-up stress with no place to release it. "We want people to come in here and help themselves. Get their minds straight. We have a daughter in middle school and she has a lot of stress. "It has a purpose. Get your minds right. We don't want them to take it home ... we want them to come here."