Volleys reopening under new ownership

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- After closing for the summer in June, Volleys will reopen in 2027 under owners familiar to local family attraction lovers.

On October 15, Joe Lane and Rick Gilmore purchased the Volleys property to renovate and eventually reopen the popular beach volleyball venue locals love on the belt highway.

For those familiar with family fun attractions in St. Joseph, Lane and Gilmore are also behind many different venues throughout town, including Joe Town Speedway and Joe Town Mini-Golf.

In 2021, the group also purchased and reopened Cool Crest Mini-Golf. In 2023, they also opened Ricky Dean's near the Shoppes at North Village, a family fun center that includes bumper boats, batting cages and more.

Lane said that buying Volleys and making sure it remains a fun, safe place for community members to stay active was a no-brainer.

"We have entertainment businesses, so we keep track of all that. And we saw that they closed up shop, and so we talked about it and thought we'd have a go at it, try to get it going again," Lane said. "We knew so many people that were upset when it closed and, you know, they come and play volleyball, and I like hands-on activities. I've always been involved with fitness. And so we thought this would be a neat thing to keep going."

Lane and Gilmore are thrilled to keep investing in the St. Joseph community so fun entertainment isn't something area residents have to travel for.

"We try to bring Saint Joe's things that hadn't been here before and give people opportunities to have some enjoyment after they get off work," Gilmore said. "To do things that kids want to do, and they don't have to drive to Kansas City to do it."

Lane said they intend to enhance the property while keeping it a place regulars remember. That includes bringing back Volleys manager Denise Ferguson, who Lane said has managed the business for over 20 years.

As for investing in one's community, Lane said the following to those looking to make an impact.

"Believe in yourself, believe in your community, and take a chance; see what happens," Lane shared. "If you have good ideas, act on them."

Lane and Gilmore said Volleys is expected to reopen in April 2027.