Penticton’s newest indoor play space suffered an unfortunate setback just one day after opening.
Busy Beans Play Café, located at 128-197 Warren Ave E., opened its doors for the first time on June 4 to the delight of parents in the area. Owners Kim Wade and Tracey Wiseman said the day was awesome and they got to connect with so many parents and young ones that came to check out their space.
Day two was off to a similar start until one of the patrons noticed the floor was wet.
“At about 1 p.m. on June 5, one of the customers noticed that the floor was wet. So we discovered a leak, and within a few minutes everyone had to clear out,” said Wade, who explained the plumbing issue was later identified to be originating from a neighbouring unit in the building.
As a result, the café had to completely tear up its carpeting and dispose of roughly half of the toys and structures that were part of the indoor playground. Wade said that luckily this will be covered by their insurance, and while it is unfortunate to start “back at square one,” it’s for the safety of their patrons.
READ MORE: More than just a playground: Busy Beans Play Café to help parents and children
“Almost half of our stuff, inventory and equipment, had to be taken by the insurance company. It’s for good reason because we have babies coming here and it’s a health and safety thing,” said Wade.
Wade said she and Wiseman have been at the café each day since they’ve been closed, noting that this is not a vacation for them and they will do whatever they can to get up and running again quickly. It breaks the women’s hearts to have to turn away parents at this time, especially since Penticton seems to be lacking in activities for young families.
“Our customers are so good, asking us when we’re going to be open. And they are sympathetic because they know it’s not our fault, it was a leak from a neighbouring business,” said Wade. “It’s hard to watch people, we’ve already had five or six cars drive up today and read our sad sign on the door. So we’re trying to be here and come out to talk to people and let them know we’re doing what we can.”
Wade said they do not have a timeline as to when they will be able to reopen, but is looking on the brightside that when they do, they will have all new flooring. She said they may have to operate with fewer toys than usual to start, until insurance can replace what needed to be thrown away.
Wade and Wiseman say they are still planning to host a grand opening for the indoor playground and café, but have not selected a date yet.
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<>Jordyn Thomson | Reporter
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