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Boardman playground to close its door after five years in business
BOARDMAN
When Kristi Sanchez, originally from New Mexico, moved to the area five years ago, she didn’t have any friends or family in town.
That changed, she says, thanks to an area business that at the end of November will close its doors for good. Skedaddles Indoor Playground on Market Street opened in 2011, and Sanchez has been going there ever since, as a customer with her two young children and now as an employee.
“It was a lifesaver,” she said. “I was a new mom with a newborn. It was the best place to be safe with my child, and meet other families, other moms.”
Taylor Phillips, who moved to the area a year ago, shared a similar story about visiting the playground with her 3- and 1-year-old kids.
“It’s kind of like a big family, because [owner Dini Ricchiuti] has become a fast friend, and you become friends with all the other mommas,” she said.
Ricchiuti, who opened Skedaddles after searching for a clean, safe place where she could bring her own children to play, agrees that the chance to connect with other parents is part of the playground’s appeal. She also cites its cleanliness, the outdoor feel of the wooden play equipment and the type of play the place encourages.
“It’s old-school,” she said. “Kids used to go outside and play. There was no technology. They would use their imaginations.”
Despite loyal customers such as Sanchez, Ricchiuti says the business isn’t doing well enough to remain open. She cites increased competition, high costs and flat revenues as reasons that the business is shutting down.
It’s a bittersweet moment for her, she says.
“These women have been coming here faithfully with their kids since we opened, and it’s just been amazing,” she said. “There’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears in this place – so it’s going to be difficult.”
Closing the business, however, will give her more time with her children, which she says is a relief. With tears in her eyes, she recounted a letter her 7-year-old son gave her this week, telling her that he’s proud of her and happy that she’ll have more time with the family.
As for what she’ll miss most, she says, “The kids. Without a doubt. Every kid that comes through that door – their face lights up. I’ll even miss them screaming and crying when they’re being told they have to leave.”
Skedaddles will remain open for open-play and private parties through the end of November. For information about hours, events and for-sale equipment, visit www.skedaddlesplayground.com, or call 330-729-9400.