Member wants refund after parkour gym permanently closes in Kitchener

Playgrounds Movement Training Centre is closed for good. CTV’s Ashley Bacon hears from a frustrated member who isn’t sure what happens now.

A Kitchener parkour gym has closed for good but a client says they haven’t been offered a refund.

Chuck Bender, 13, took parkour classes at Playgrounds Movement Training Centre on Fredrick Street for four years.

“I always wanted to have a sport that I was good at and really liked doing. So I found this by one of my friend’s [homes],” he said.

On Monday, Chuck and his mom Amanda Bender learned the facility had abruptly shut down. Amanda said she was blindsided by the news.

“We got our email typically or invitation for the competitive league in August. We paid for it, it’s been two weeks since the beginning of the season and there was absolutely no indication that it was going to be closed,” said Amanda.

The pair said they forked over around $1,200 in fees, only to learn from the company’s website that refunds won’t be issued at this time.

“Unfortunately, due to the nature of the closure, we are unable to process any refunds for payments that have already taken place. All payment plans for ongoing programs will be halted effective immediately,” a statement on Playgrounds Movement Training Centre’s website said. “For those who have made payments or have outstanding credits, a trustee will email you when information is available regarding making a claim should you choose to submit one.”

Amanda said she isn’t expecting to get her money back right now but she would like some answers.

“I am assuming that this business may have gone under or bankrupt,” Amanda speculated.

Retail analysist Bruce Winder said customers will likely have to wait in line to get a refund.

“That’s the risk that you run as a consumer when you give money ahead of time before getting a service,” Winder said. “You’re really taking a calculated risk that the service provider will be in business for some time,” said Winder.

Winder said the company has likely appointed a trustee who will sell off any assets they have.

“Normally what happens is the preferred creditors, preferred lenders, get paid first and consumers, unfortunately, usually at the end of that line and they may or may not get any payment,” Winder said.

For Chuck and Amanada, they said the closest parkour classes that meet their needs are in Burlington. Chuck said he is still willing to travel twice a week to go there because he loves the sport that much.

“I think most people are just upset about losing the business, the financial aspect of losing the money, but also an activity for your child to do because there’s not very many like this activity in the area,” said Amanda.

For those looking to get their money back, the website stated that an email is coming with information on how to make claim.

CTV news reached out to the owners of Playgrounds Movement Training Centre but did not hear back.