By RICH DUPREE

Just shy of their fifth anniversary in business, Play Cenla, an indoor family entertainment center in Alexandria, closed its doors yesterday for the final time.

Play Cenla opened in 2001 in a 12,000-square foot commercial building at 1008 Bayou Place, just off Browns Bend Road, in the Bayou Place Subdivision.

Locally owned and operated, the owners of Play Cenla posted on the social media page Saturday that after much reflection, they have made the difficult decision to close Play Cenla. That same graphic gave the operating times for this past Saturday and Sunday, their last two days in operation.

The 12,000 SF commercial building, which is situated on 2-acres, has been listed “For Sale” on various real estate platforms for several months – but this past weekend’s closing notice had many local followers and Play Cenla regulars, sad and in disbelief.

Play Cenla offered families a huge indoor open-air playground that included an elevated ropes course with a zipline, rock climbing walls, arcade games and even a toddler area. It was a popular spot for birthday parties, group events and general family fun.

The owners of Play Cenla extended their deepest gratitude to every family who has supported them, but now after almost five years in operation, had to focus on their family and other ventures within the community.

Play Cenla is listed for sale for $1,200,000 – and includes an additional acre that could be used for future expansion.