It was a recent bright and sunny Saturday afternoon in the Leland Manor neighborhood of Palo Alto when friends Jacob Prabhu and Owen Yeh-Lee, both 11 years old, opened up their arcade again to welcome neighborhood kids and parents. Almost every Saturday the two boys run the arcade, which is located inside Jacob’s garage, from 3 to 7 p.m.
Opened on Feb. 7, 2016, it is full of classic arcade games, such as Atari Roadblasters, as well as a “multicade” machine that holds over 60 classic games, including titles like “Donkey Kong” and “Frogger.” A vintage pinball machine stands in the back corner. There are also a few games the boys have constructed, like a prize wheel fitted with a sign that greets the visitor immediately upon entering.
“First he got the pinball machine,” said Owen, pointing to his business partner.
Jacob interjected, “Someone was giving it away.”
When asked why they had chosen to build the arcade around classic games, Owen said that the games are fun for kids and might even still appeal to adults who grew up with them.
Owen and Jacob have named their business OJ Arcade, the initials representing their names. Most games cost about 25 cents to play. The pair accept larger donations as well and have decided not to use the money the arcade generates for themselves.
“We made $300 and donated it,” Jacob said, with Owen adding that they are interested in helping others.
“We chose to donate to the Brentwood Academy School Library (in East Palo Alto) because not everyone has access to a library,” Jacob said.
The boys shake off any praise they get when it comes to their decision to donate.
“This is all about community-building and making friends,” Owen said.
As soon as the arcade had officially opened for the day, it was full of neighborhood children — as well as parents. It wasn’t long before each game was taken over and the garage was filled with the sounds of laughing, yelling and vintage sound effects.
“These kids are geniuses,” said Norman Silverman, smiling as he looked on at the spectacle. He is a grandfather in the neighborhood who takes his granddaughter to the arcade almost every weekend.
“I’m proud that we’re making the most out of our community,” Jacob said.
Owen quickly echoed his friend: “We like seeing the community have fun.”
Details and information about the arcade can be found at ojarcade.weebly.com.
cute
but it’s a sunny day
go outside and play
The lengths parents will go to get their kids into college by claiming they founded businesses for community building which can be built into a college essay.
This sounds great! Can’t wait to check it out. Roadblasters was my game, back in the day.
Frogger. Like crossing many a street in Palo Alto.
Nice story. Echoing the comments made in this nice story. What great kids.
How industrious and generous! Well done!
Wow, this sounds like quite a well put together enterprise, especially with kids so young getting started with community oriented objectives. Where is it located? I would love to check it out. Did not see an address in the article nor the website.
Please check our website again as it now has our address.
Still didn’t find it….Can you provide the URL here? Not found at this page: http://ojarcade.weebly.com/about.html
Wow. Just wow. These children are eistein’s predecessors. Oh wait. Sorry all the smug parents already tried the trick for the resume, that’s to bad ain’t it.
(que sarcastic music)
another example of PA kids over doing it
honestly 11 year olds focused on building community and raising $ for the needy…. screams of too serious youth and a focus on the college spp st such a young age
why does everything have to make a statement
come on – do it for fun!!!
raise money to buy candy, toys, miore games etc
Dear Too Serious:
My triplets have been to the OJ Arcade several times. It’s all about having fun and playing games. The raising money part came second. And making friends is just another name for building community. Whatever you call it, a good time is being had by all. We’re lucky to have them for neighbors!
Prize Wheel All The Way Baby
What a beautiful idea and a great bunch of kids. I’m in love!
If this forum included emojis I would insert clapping hands and a smiling face. Kudos to you, Owen and Jacob (and Bah Humbug to any critics out there).
Hoorah for these kids. I’m so tired of every minute being organized for PA children. They think they can’t run next door without a ‘play date.’ I just hope some over-zealous city worker doesn’t get after them for running a business in a residential zone. :o)