We've been driving by the space that says "KidsPlay" on NE 45th and wondered what this new business is. There was talk for months that a new kids playspace was coming to the area, but no one seemed to know what was offered. So one of our staffers contacted KidsPlay and found out some great information about this new Laurelhurst business.
Kevin Oyama and his wife are the owners of this family run business. They live in nearby Wedgwood with their two daughters. Kevin has been in the fitness industry for 21 years as a fitness instructor and a personal trainer.
Kevin started the business to provide neighborhood kids with more physical exercise, which he felt was starting to be reduced from the daily school schedule.
He says, "Over the past 5 years I have witnessed reduction of recess and PE class and the need for children to play more. Not necessarily structured play but to just play, to run around, to throw balls, to catch balls, to kick balls, to play make-believe, to horse around; and since volunteering at school during lunch and recess for almost that long I have seen the decline in the level of physical fitness in many children."
So he started KidsPlay "to give children the opportunity to experience the old with the new. Our mission is to get kids to MOVE."
They have scooters, pogo sticks, balls of all kinds and some room to run around. There is an upstairs with an art / homework studio and a reading room. They plan on using his wife, Cate's, experience as a conference producer and special events director to offer everything from creative arts to reading to acting.
Since school's been out KidsPlay has been holding day camps for primarily elementary school age children (5 to 12).
"We let them free play, we walk the Burke-Gilman Trail or the UW Botanical Center's trails and play in parks or play fields. We'll have a fitness class, lunch, more free play and an occasional field trip. We've been to the Aquarium and Pacific Science Center already this summer," Kevin says.
Kevin says that once school begins in the fall KidsPlay will have a structured schedule with the age range expanding. After the school day begins they will offer a parent / child class for the stay at home mom or dad and their infant or toddler. Mid-day they'll be open for a choice of 2 sessions of drop-in free play for the child accompanied by adult. After school will be a homework / workout club where the children will have time to complete their homework, do some reading or be read to and then move downstairs for a fitness class. Evenings will be reserved for special classes (yoga, pilates, art) or personal training.
Sounds like an innovative approach to getting kids active. Look forward to seeing what offerings come about.
Here is the contact info:
website: www.kidsplayfitness.com
phone number: (206) 524-7529
address: 3238 NE 45th St
Picture of Kevin teaching a fitness camp at Wedgood Elementary, where his kids attend school.
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