A sports center in Vestal where athletes of all ages and all skillsets were able to burn off energy by letting our their inner ninja or practicing parkour suddenly and unexpectedly announced that its doors would immediately be closed, and permanently.

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The Hippodrome Vestal announced through social media on Saturday, August 7, that it would immediately cease operation. In the post shared to the Facebook page of The Hippodrome Vestal, the operators announced, "Parents and ninjas - it is with a very heavy heart that I have to inform you that The Hippodrome Vestal is permanently closed."

The social media post continued, "This closure was very unexpected and completely out of our hands. I was looking forward to an absolutely amazing summer and upcoming year with the kids."

While there is still no word on what caused the unexpected closure of The Hippodrome at 161 North Jensen Road in Vestal, concerned parents turned to social media to ask questions about whether or not they would receive reimbursement for money already paid for upcoming camps for children. The operator of The Hippodrome Vestal reassured parents that they would receive full repayment of any money paid for a children's camp that will no longer be taking place.

Other community members posted on social media their sadness at the closing of The Hippodrome with one saying that she has an autistic child and that it was the only place he felt comfortable playing. Other parents wrote that should The Hippodrome move to a new location, they will follow because it was such a wonderful place for their children.

The Hoppodrome Vestal was a place where people of all ages could try their hand at over 50 obstacles and elements, including some of the same obstacles featured on American Ninja Warrior. The Hippodrome also allowed people to engage in parkour which combines balance, running, jumping, vaulting, hanging, and climbing.

Anyone who prepaid for a class or camp can email hippodromevestal@gmail.com to learn how to receive a refund.

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