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Elizabeth Jackson kept waiting for someone to open a place where she could take her little ones to play. But when nothing like that came along, she decided to open one herself.
And thus was born Awesome Blossom Indoor Play Place, where moms (and dads) can bring their youngsters and play with them in a clean, family-friendly space. The children all must be 5 years old or younger.
“Little kids get trampled on in parks,” Jackson told The Beacon recently. “This is a safe environment for them to play in, and it’s protected from the unpredictable Florida weather.”
Jackson named the business based on a core belief that every child is awesome and blossoms in his or her own unique way.
Awesome Blossom opened last October in the Orange City Town Center on Enterprise Road. The brightly decorated room features various multicolored structures children can climb on or interact with under the guidance and assistance of their parents.
The parents must stay with their toddlers — Awesome Blossom is not a “drop off” center, Jackson said.
“That fosters the relationship between a parent and a child,” Jackson said. “There are no TVs here; it’s a place for parents to put their cellphones away and just play with their kids.”
Jackson has a full-time corporate job, so her niece, Jasmine Sparrow, manages the business.
Awesome Blossom is a proud member of the “Autism Welcomed” movement, Jackson said. Staff understands some children love lots of noise and activity, while others might prefer a quiet, calmer atmosphere.
“We welcome all children, no matter where they are on the autism spectrum or if they have special needs,” she said. “We can accommodate them, but we’re not necessarily geared toward them.”
Every Wednesday at Awesome Blossom, there are “Mini & Me” classes like art, storytime and yoga, which are a great bonding opportunity for parents and their toddlers. There are also occasional “Baby & Me” classes that help foster bonding between moms and their infants up to 12 months old.
Rates are reasonable, Jackson said. A one-month membership allowing for an unlimited number of visits runs $40, a block of four visits that never expire can be bought for $30, or parents can purchase one-day passes for $9.
Awesome Blossom can host birthday parties and other special events that are private and reasonably priced, Jackson said.
Awesome Blossom Indoor Play Place is at 2751 Enterprise Road, Suite 210. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, although special events can be scheduled after hours or on Sunday.
For more information, call 386-960-0412, or visit www.AwesomeBlossomPlay.com or www.facebook.com/AwesomeBlossomPlay.
