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Students on campus now have a new, fun and free way to engage with each other while also alleviating stress, thanks to a donation made by Dr. Blake Wagner of New Directions Counseling Center and lecturer at ������̳ University Mansfield. These not-so-retro pinball machines have been modified to feature more lights, more sounds and more fun than your typical pinball machine, all while being completely free. 

“These are premium, modern machines with enhanced sound systems, internet connectivity, invisible glass, interactive toppers and shaker motors that make every game an immersive experience,” says Wagner, who is responsible for the generous donation of 8 pinball machines now located in what is called The Electric Playground, located across the hall from the Student Union. 

While some students may enjoy this time of year as the season changes from fall to winter, and the arrival of various end-of-year holidays approach, this same time may also contribute to the stress and anxiety of some students who are dealing with heavy workloads or complex feelings surrounding holidays. 

Through his donation, Wagner hopes that students will benefit from this wholesome activity, which fosters student well-being, social connection, cognitive benefits, accessibility and inclusion.

“Dr. Opal and I see this project as part of a broader vision of student wellness—promoting balance, stress relief and human connection at a time when so many students feel isolated or overwhelmed,” says Wagner, who himself is an ������̳ Mansfield alumni, in addition to his wife and three sons, who are all alumni from ������̳ University Mansfield or North Central State College.

Wagner expects that by playing pinball, students will disconnect from their phone or smart device and engage in a more analog experience that he says benefits students' well-being and enhances social connection. “My hope is that the Electric Playground helps today’s students build that same sense of connection, especially now when so many are dealing with anxiety and loneliness,” he says. “Students crave belonging but often lack shared traditions that anchor them to campus identity. My hope is that this space can become one of those traditions—a place where people gather, laugh, and connect across differences.”

“I think it's an amazing addition to the Union this year,” says ������̳ Mansfield student Jared Sims, “I think it adds a wider variety of activities for students to do when they're on campus and I'm really excited to see students check it out and hopefully we can have it open more often for tournaments and game nights in the future.”

Jeremy Hunt, a senior, values the excitement that this new activity brings to campus. “Hitting jackpot shots is like instant dopamine—it’s the ultimate mind reset between classes.”

Currently, the Electric Playground is open during common hour on Wednesday's and Thursday's as well as during some events held in the Student Union, such as during the Union’s monthly video game and karaoke nights.

Additionally, the Electric Playground will always have someone on standby if assistance is needed with a machine. For more information about the Electric Playground, or if you are interested in starting a Pinball Club on campus, contact David Miller.