Shame on you - Inside Playground

Shame on you Inside Playground - http://indooroutdoorplayground.com/

I’ll start by saying "shame on you". As business owners who claim to have teaching and business experience, this place is an epic fail. The most astonishing fact is that both the owners are moms so one would expect the utmost attention to detail and customer satisfaction, but this is simply not the case. In reality, the only reason this place stays in business is the fact that there is little, if any, competition in the surrounding area. So like many others moms who are left with little options when the weather isn't complying, I find myself going as a last resort.

My intention in writing this review is because I have had enough. I have spoken to plenty of moms and read several negative reviews online to know that I am not alone in my thinking. The owners have gotten so lackadaisical about their business.  There really is no attention to safety, cleanliness or customer satisfaction. This is evident with the following examples:

Safety:
  1. The place is frequented by a wide range of children, but most tend to be under 5 with a majority being toddlers who are just learning to walk. With that said, there are several drop offs within the layout that could lead to some serious accidents. It is certainly understood that it is the responsibility of each caregiver to watch over their kids, but this should be addressed, specifically the 6" drop off that separates both rooms. A ramp ladies...it's that easy.

2. Broken toys. Rather than storing broken toys in a hidden spot, I have seen on several occasions, where these are placed in the eating area by the ice cream truck. This is such a safety hazard, especially in an area where caregivers may be distracted in preparing for snack time. In addition there is a plastic outdoor fort in the back room that has duct tape affixed to the floor of the bridge. I would suspect a crack.  Why?  Get rid of it before someone gets hurt.

 3. Fuse game. I wish the owners could explain the strategic rationale for having this bulky piece of equipment in the play area. Know your customer base!  There are very few kids who can barely even see over the bars. I have witnessed many kids stepping on cheap plastic chairs just to reach the bars. In addition, the bars are so dangerous for kids who may be on the other side and can be accidentally hit in the head with one of the long bars. It doesn't make sense for so many reasons!  Get rid of it and invest in another piece of equipment that is suitable for the age rAnge.

 5. Large toys that are not properly secured to the wall. The kitchen area tends to be a big hit with the little ones, but once again I  am shocked as to why each heavy wooden piece of the kitchen is not properly secured to the wall. Again, an accident waiting to happen.

Cleanliness:
1.  Bathrooms: As a mother of several children under 5, it's not easy to quickly do the potty routine. They should know that as moms so make it convenient for us!  In the past year that I have been there, both bathrooms have broken paper towel dispensers. You are forced to have to utilize the supplied commercial size paper towel rolls. It's not convenient for moms and especially not for children who are self sufficient, but can't reach the towels nor can they easily rip off a piece. And the cheap, plastic stools for the sink are just an accident waiting to happen. Also, I have NEVER once seen anyone routinely clean the bathrooms. There is typically only one person on staff and they are always at the cashier. Unacceptable.

 2.  Oh the toys...where do I begin. I seriously question where they came from and how often these are cleaned. Each item that my kids pick up is So filthy and this is coming from a mom that is not germ sensitive. I cringe every time my older ones put on those dirty costume face masks. Again, as mothers, I am shocked that the business owners would not be more attentive at providing quality toys rather than hand me downs. And let's be clear, when I say "hand me downs" I am talking about items that should frankly be thrown away. Buy new toys, create more interactive and educational sections. Mix it up every now and then and put a little effort into making your customers' experience a pleasant and memorable one.

I could go on and on, but I think the message is clear. These women should be ashamed. I too have a degree in Marketing and this place fails on the basic principles of how to successfully run a business.  It's actually quite comical that the owners provide a monetary incentive for entrepreneurs to start a franchise under their name. How is this possible when so little attention is placed on their own business? We deserve better.

Hire some friendly staff and take a few minutes to get off your cell phones and really evaluate your establishment. Read your yelp reviews, talk to your customers, and observe your environment. Put your teaching and business degrees to good use because quite frankly, this place needs a complete overhaul.