Kids Exercise Through Play at Chillicothe YMCA

Since its opening, the Grand River YMCA in Chillicothe, MO, has tried to provide the best programs, facilities and amenities possible for all its members from brawny bodybuilders to tiny tee-ballers.  But after a 13,288-square-foot expansion, that added a host of new amenities, Executive Director Dave Rogers realized something was missing.

"We offer a lot of structured programs for a wide variety of age groups, but we didn’t have much to offer children between the ages of 3 and 10, especially in terms of ‘free-play’ activities," he says.  So after some research, creative thinking, and with help from Soft Play, the Y converted one of its racquetball courts into a colorful, futuristic Kid’s PlayPark® , a 19-foot by 29-foot indoor Soft Play playground that was an instant hit with members of all ages.

The Park is open and staffed three hours a day Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 9 am to noon.  Parents and grandparents, who have been among the most enthusiastic patrons of the park, can reserve the area during non-peak times and relax on the comfortable seating provided while their youngsters play.

"…quite a number of seniors have been bringing their grandchildren to enjoy the PlayPark®," says Rogers.  "It’s a great outlet for the kids.  They can play, have fun and burn energy while the grandparents watch."

The PlayPark® is also popular for birthday parties, Teen Lock-ins and other community events. 

One of its most popular features is the 18-foot tall Command Tower near the second level window that lets the children peek into the exercise room where the adults work out.  "Parents can see their kids playing and the children can see whether their parents are really working out!" says Rogers.