The line-up at the door just before their grand opening showed just how much potential Monkey Bars might have in Moose Jaw.
With more than a dozen people waiting outside just prior to the business’ official grand opening, the children’s play facility opened Saturday morning to bring a new and instantly popular business to the Town’n’Country Mall. Close to 50 youngsters and their parents were milling around the giant play structure and ball pit within an hour of opening, something that was plenty heartening for Monkey Bars owner and developer Joey Ferguson.
“We’re a little overwhelmed, and I guess that a good problem to have,” Ferguson said with laugh in between fielding enquiries about birthday parties and other special events. “We’re learning our processes and it’s a learning experience for staff, we had to train them and get them used to things without people coming through the door, so now that we have people here there’s a lot going on.
“So we’ll try and make sure everyone is playing safe and having a good time and hopefully it stays just as busy as it is and the kids have a great time and great experience.”
Monkey Bars is located in the south end of the mall, across from the food court and next door to Galaxy Cinemas. As a new tenant for Town’n’Country, Monkey Bars’ Jennilee Novak hopes the playcentre will draw plenty of folks to the once-busy hub of local shopping.
“We’re really excited to have it in the mall, this mall has been quiet for ages so something like this not only for the mall but for the community is a great addition,” Novak said. “So we’re really, really excited to be here and we’re hoping everyone enjoys themselves.”
Ferguson came up with the idea for Monkey Bars while living in Calgary, where facilities of its type are common and much appreciated. The project has been four years in the making, with the last two years focussed on the actual infrastructure and building.
“As a young parent I really banked on these types of facilities for children, like if there was a tough day and you really needed a break as a parent… It’s about having some time for kids to have fun and parents to sit back and watch and maybe have a coffee and let the kids have a great time,” Ferguson said.
“So I think it’s a really good concept and a really great product. I’m from Moose Jaw born and raised so I just wanted to bring that back here and see the community have that kind of experience, because I think it’s important to give our kids a chance to play.”
The playcentre also features and extensive café with healthy snack choices as well as a birthday room and other amenities designed to make every visit as positive as possible.