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Date: 8/9/2023
SPRINGFIELD — It is not everyday someone can splatter paint across a room or take a sledgehammer to a television without consequences or being left with a mess to clean up, but at Break Time Springfield, wrecking things is the name of the game.
Located in downtown Springfield at 1331 Main St. on the third floor, the “rage room” is the first to open in Western Massachusetts.
Springfield resident Nilka Correa founded Break Time Springfield. On July 28, she began taking appointments both online and walk-in, with the grand opening set to take place later.
She explained that there are currently two activities that people can sign up for which are breaking items or paint and smash. Two rooms are dedicated for breaking and the third room is for painting. Depending on the package that is purchased, people can destroy various items from electronic devices to dinner plates. The painting package includes a canvas and other tools such as a squirt gun and water balloons.
Correa described this activity as a “new form of therapy.”
She shared that she wanted to create a place for people to feel safe and relieve stress or frustration rather than going out and getting into trouble. As there is nothing like this in the community, Correa has brought a new form of entertainment to the Greater Springfield area.
The break room was supposed to open in 2020 on Worthington Street, however, that did not pan out. After three years, Correa finally found a new location on Main Street that is relatively close to dining and other attractions.
A mother of five, Correa said not only did she create this for the community, but also to show her children to go for it and they can do anything you set your mind to.
Since opening, Correa said she has had a few groups come in, with the first consisting of 16 people. She shared that feedback has been “excellent.”
Every half an hour there are slots available to book appointments. For groups of 10 or more, the time slot is longer. Only four people are allowed per room and one person at a time is allowed to break things.
Anyone over 18 can participate. Ages 13 and up can participate if they are accompanied by a responsible adult during their session and will be limited to smaller, more adequate weapons.
Correa noted that everyone must sign a waiver, receive instructions and suit up in safety gear before entering the break rooms.
Each room is equipped with the items paid for which is why Correa prefers online bookings. However, if someone is a walk in, she can gather the items then.
All the items are donated, collected from curbsides or purchased at thrift stores by Correa. She said most donations such as the larger items — old desktops — are donated by hospitals and schools.
Break Time Springfield is open Tuesday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m., Friday, 4-11 p.m. and Saturday, 2-11 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday, but if everything goes well, Correa said she would like to be open seven days a week.
Correa is the only employee currently but is hoping for more in the future as the business grows.
“[It is a] fun place, that is something else for people to do,” Correa said. “I hope to see everyone at Break Time Springfield.”
To book an appointment or learn more about the packages and prices, visit breaktimespringfield.com.