When the former Adventure Dive & Travel property came up for auction last fall, Lisa Highley said she couldn’t resist. “I bought it online with no idea what I was going to do with it,” she said of the building at 2911 Stanton Ave. in Springfield.
After more than 25 years of operations, Adventure Dive & Travel closed on Aug. 31 with the owners citing COVID-related closures and travel restrictions.
Highley was already a small business owner as she and her brother, Bob Mathews, operate Bill Mathews Auto Body, the business started by their father in 1972. Now she has launched a second small business, appropriately called Just Because.
The pool that was formerly used for scuba dive training is now available to rent for private swim lessons or private parties, with Highley’s son serving as a swim instructor and lifeguard. The entire facility is also available to rent for birthday parties, baby showers, wedding receptions or other special events.
Highley said the building didn’t require much in the way of renovations, other than cosmetic changes. “It’s not yellow and pink and blue anymore. Everything is neutral so people can come in and decorate and do what they want to do,” she said.
Lessons and events are available by appointment only, weeknights after 5 p.m. or on the weekends.
