15,000-Square-Foot Facility Reopens with Enhanced Offerings for Goldsboro Families
GOLDSBORO, NC – What was once known simply as “Playdates” is undergoing a major transformation, evolving from a basic drop-in childcare center into a comprehensive family entertainment destination. Play Dates Academy, under new ownership since December, is set to celebrate its grand reopening on Saturday, September 20th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Expanded Facility Designed with Children in Mind
The nearly 15,000-square-foot, three-story building at 402 North Spence Avenue has been completely redesigned with children’s needs at the forefront. According to Lindsay, the facility’s Early Childhood Operations Manager, “We have intentionally designed every inch and square foot of this building for children.”
The facility now features multiple specialized play areas across its three floors:
Upper Level Attractions:
- Partnership space with Simmons Early Intervention, offering occupational therapy, developmental therapy, kindergarten readiness, and speech services
- Dedicated hangout area for ages 10-12 with projectors and gaming
- Drop-in play areas with interactive entertainment
Main Level Highlights:
- Village area featuring miniature versions of community buildings including post office, police station, and fire department
- Soft play area with ball pits designed for infants and toddlers (ages 0-2)
- “Berkeley Mini Market” for ages 2-4, complete with pretend play versions of Target, Starbucks, and Lowe’s
- Active playground for ages 5-12 featuring trampolines, rock wall, ball walls, and a spinning rocket ship game
- Specialized quiet area designed for children with special needs, featuring wall-to-wall projectors and interactive sensory elements
- Mystery “media room” with advanced projection technology
New Services and Pricing Structure
The transformed facility will operate as both a drop-in childcare center and an indoor family playground. Families can now enjoy two-hour play sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for $15 per hour, with various discounts and promotions planned.
“I think it’s well worth it,” Lindsay noted, emphasizing that the facility offers something unique to the Goldsboro area. “Parents have to drive two hours away [for similar facilities], so we brought it closer.”
Comprehensive Safety and Cleanliness Protocols
Play Dates Academy has implemented rigorous safety and sanitation measures, including cleaning and disinfecting between each play session with 15-minute closure periods dedicated to cleaning. Staff continuously maintain cleanliness throughout operations, and “yucky buckets” are provided for items that need immediate sanitization.
All 12-14 staff members undergo extensive screening including background checks through the Department of Social Services, fingerprinting, drug testing, and TB testing. Staff also complete training through ProSolutions and receive CPR certification.
Operating Hours and Additional Services
The facility maintains extensive operating hours to accommodate various family schedules:
- Monday-Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday-Saturday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Beyond open play, the academy offers party room rentals suitable for birthday celebrations, homeschool groups, and youth organizations, featuring interactive projectors that can be customized for specific events.
Community Impact and Vision
Lindsay, who joined the team in March and brings five to six years of childcare experience, sees the facility addressing a significant gap in local family entertainment options. “I feel like Goldsboro really needed this,” she explained, drawing comparisons to similar facilities common in larger cities like Charleston.
“I want families to come out and enjoy it and play together,” Lindsay emphasized, highlighting the facility’s role as a safe space where parents and children can engage in active play as a family unit.
Grand Reopening Celebration
The September 20th grand reopening will feature:
- Food trucks and local vendors
- Face painting by Shiloh’s Palette
- Carolina Snow serving Icees
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:45 a.m.
- First discounted play session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The facility continues to welcome employment applications, with Lindsay conducting on-the-spot interviews for qualified candidates with childcare experience.
