Play the focus of new Tillsonburg business

Lori McDonell opened Rain or Shine Playtime at 55 Broadway, aiming to fill a gap of providing an indoor play environment for youth 10 and under.

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Playing and having fun is the sole focus of a new Tillsonburg business located at 55 Broadway.

Rain or Shine Playtime opened on Aug. 23 and offers 3,000 square-feet of play area. This includes slides, zip lines, climbers, a soccer area, toddler area, and merry-go-round, all in bright colours.

The enthusiasm can be seen as soon as the clients, or children, walk in the door and owner Lori McDonell asks them, “Are you excited.”

“As soon as they get in the door, they’re ready to run in the play centre,” she added.

The business is fully accessible and has an accessible washroom. It also has two rooms for private parties and a sensory play quiet room.

“When it gets a little hectic out here, parents can go in there,” McDonell said of the quiet space.

A psychotherapist by training, McDonell believes in the importance of play.

“Play is the most important thing a kid can do,” she said. “It’s how they communicate, it’s how they process, it’s everything.”

Although the concept of a business dedicated to play is new to Tillsonburg, both Woodstock and Brantford have had these businesses for several years.

“When my kids were little, I took them to a lot of these places and always wanted to own one,” McDonell said.

Recently relocated to Tillsonburg, she saw the need for such a facility here.

“It got my brain fired up, especially having one in Woodstock, and I wanted to do this,” McDonell said.

She has been attempting to get the business off the ground the last three years, but couldn’t find the appropriate space. Finding the location next to Tillsonburg Tire, she worked with designers to come up with the right equipment for the space.

The initial response to the business has been positive.

“People are saying it’s needed, and it’s been a long time coming for Tillsonburg,” she said. “They say it’s well done, safe and very inviting.”

Rain or Shine Playtime is designed for youth from babies to 10 years-old.

Down the road, McDonell is looking at providing PA day camps, summer camps, drop-off groups and birthday parties.

The hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily Monday to Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s open most holidays except Christmas and New Year’s.