The Heart Behind the Palace: Why I Created Play Palace

Hi everyone! I'm Kristen Bonn, the founder of Play Palace, and I am absolutely thrilled to share with you the deeply personal journey that led to creating this incredible place.

For over 25 years, my professional life was dedicated to special education. I had the profound privilege of working as a teacher and administrator, spending countless hours alongside incredible children with diverse abilities. What I witnessed, day in and day out, solidified a core belief within me: play isn't just fun; it's absolutely vital. It's how children learn, how they grow, how they connect with the world and with each other.

But there was a persistent ache, a missing piece. Time and again, I saw how children with disabilities were unintentionally excluded from typical play spaces. Imagine the joy of play, only to find the doors closed due to lack of accessibility or understanding. It broke my heart to see children miss out on such fundamental experiences. This persistent observation wasn't just a concern; it ignited a fierce passion within me. I dreamed of a place where every child, every teen, every adult – regardless of their age or ability – could freely experience the pure, uninhibited joy of play. A place where accessibility wasn't an add-on, but woven into the very fabric of its existence.

That powerful vision became Play Palace. We officially opened our doors on April 26th, and seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and witnessing the connections being made here has been the most rewarding journey of my life. Every single detail, from the grand scale of our giant play structure to the quiet calm of our sea-themed Thrive Cove and sky-themed Dream Cloud sensory rooms, was meticulously designed with boundless inclusivity in mind.

Our team, our incredible staff, are truly the heart of Play Palace. They're not just employees; they're passionate individuals who are specially trained and deeply committed to ensuring that every single visitor feels welcomed, understood, and truly belongs. We believe in the profound magic of play, and its incredible power to break down barriers, foster empathy, and build bridges between people.

Our mission isn't just a statement; it's a promise: To create a safe, inclusive environment where people of all ages and abilities can experience the joy of play and feel a sense of belonging. This is why our slogan, Dream. Play. Thrive., resonates so deeply with me. It’s about more than just physical activity; it’s about nurturing spirits, sparking imagination, and fostering a sense of community.

Play Palace is so much more than a business. It’s the culmination of decades of dedicated experience, a profound understanding of the unique needs of all individuals, and my unwavering commitment to creating truly joyful and inclusive spaces for our community. It’s a place where we celebrate the universal human need for play and the beautiful, vital lessons learned when individuals of all abilities come together, laugh together, and simply are together.

I invite you, wholeheartedly, to visit us at 2199 E. Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623. Whether you're seeking a few hours of imaginative adventure, planning a truly memorable birthday celebration, or simply looking for a welcoming space to connect and unwind, you will find open arms and an environment where everyone belongs.

Come Dream. Play. Thrive. with us! I can't wait to welcome you to Play Palace.

Kristen Bonn

Founder & CEO, Play Palace