San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce Featured Member of the Month

Cathy Kromer and friends at A Place to Play – Contributed photo

Arriving on the island in 2002 with her husband and three children, Cathy always thought Friday Harbor needed an indoor place for kids to play, but never consider herself for the job. Ten years later, as her kids began to graduate and head off on their own, she decided this need should become a reality and A Place to Play opened its doors in the summer of 2014.

Designed and operated much like a children’s museum, A Place to Play is filled with creative play areas, imaginative activities and fabulous toys. It’s a place where parents can relax, chat with a friend or catch up with some work while their kids do what kids do best – play!

With the help of many local businesses and craftsmen, A Place to Play took a year to design and six months to build. The large, colorful, comfortable space, over 2000 square feet, includes a beautiful, three tiered train table built by island chiropractor Jerry Wickman. The main wall boasts a spectacular mural painted by Bob Van Plowman, and an enormous doll house, built by woodworker Sam Fry is tucked under the stairway. Local architect, David Waldron’s ball wall maze keeps kids and parents alike mesmerized and challenged, while the 17 foot wooden boat, built by B’s Construction, is always full of little fishermen off on a day’s adventure.

Hosting birthday parties, family gatherings and providing childcare during Saturday Date Nights and private gatherings is a growing business for A Place to Play. They celebrated birthdays for over 50 island kids in 2015, provided childcare on Sunday afternoons during the Seahawk games and enjoyed visits from Island Rec’s Schools Out Camp and preschool field trips.

“It’s a great job,” says Cathy. “As a former teacher, it’s a perfect fit for me. Our goal at A Place to Play is to provide the most enriching, comfortable, fun and clean environment that we can for our visitors. Bringing happiness and play into kids’ lives each day is very rewarding for my staff and me. We love what we do and are grateful to all of you who share your marvelous children with us!”

55 Spring St.
378-0378
www.aplacetoplay.biz
info [@] aplacetoplay.biz

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