Read article on BarrieToday: https://www.barrietoday.com/spotlight/how-a-springwater-family-is-redefining-indoor-play-for-all-children-11554668
BeyondPlay Kidztown & Sensory Cove offers a sensory-smart, inclusive space where children of all abilities can explore, connect, and thrive through imaginative play and hands-on learning.
Dec 2, 2025 7:00 AM
In Barrie, Ontario, a new kind of indoor playground is changing the way families think about play. BeyondPlay Kidztown & Sensory Cove, founded by Springwater parents Bola and Ayo Famodimu, is more than a place to burn energy- It’s a thoughtfully designed environment where children can build confidence, creativity, and community.
Inspired by their own parenting journey, the Famodimus envisioned a space where every child could feel safe, thrive, and be supported. Traditional playgrounds often overwhelmed their eldest son, especially with loud noises and unpredictable crowds. They realized many families were quietly navigating similar challenges, and that play spaces could do more to welcome children with diverse sensory and social needs.
Rather than purchasing a standard play structure, the couple worked with consultants, therapists, and family members, including Bola’s sister, Ola and her husband, David Abolusoro, to custom-build a centre grounded in evidence-based design. The result is a vibrant, multi-zone facility that blends social play, sensory exploration, and STEM learning in a calm, welcoming atmosphere.
At the heart of BeyondPlay is a miniature town where children can role-play everyday community scenes-from fixing cars in a kid-sized garage to scanning groceries at a beeping checkout. These imaginative spaces encourage cooperation, turn-taking, and real-world social skills in a playful, low-pressure setting.
Adjacent to the town are STEM stations where children build circuits, assemble Lego creations, and experiment with cause-and-effect through hands-on challenges. “There’s so much learning happening beneath the surface,” Ayo said. “They’re developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, math concepts, and problem-solving, all while having fun.”
The Sensory Cove offers a quieter zone where children can regulate their environment. Adjustable lighting, tactile play, and interactive digital scenes invite curiosity and calm. “It’s not just a place to decompress,” Bola explained. “It’s a space for discovery, where children can explore at their own pace, safely.”
To support families who may be unsure about sensory-friendly spaces, BeyondPlay limits capacity in the Sensory Cove and encourages gentle transitions between quiet zones and social areas. “We want children to feel empowered,” Ayo said. “They can retreat when needed, but we also help them re-engage and build confidence step by step.”
BeyondPlay welcomes children up to age 12, with activities tailored to different developmental stages. Younger kids gravitate toward the playhouses, while older ones dive into STEM challenges or imaginative role-play. “We’ve even had 13-year-olds fully immersed in the experience,” Bola said. “That tells us we’re creating something meaningful.”
Birthday parties and private events follow the same inclusive philosophy. Families can customize their celebrations with bubble parties, karaoke, crafts, and themed activities—all designed to foster connection and creativity. “It’s not just cake and chaos,” Ayo joked. “It’s purposeful fun.”
Every element of BeyondPlay is backed by research. The Famodimus consulted speech-language pathologists, behavioural therapists, and developmental experts to ensure the space supports cognitive, social, and motor growth. “We wanted to build something that truly helps children thrive,” Bola said.
But BeyondPlay is more than a business—it’s a movement. The Famodimus advocate for inclusive design to become standard practice, not a special feature. “Wheelchair access is now baked into building codes,” Ayo noted. “We want sensory-friendly design to be just as incorporated in indoor and outdoor play facilities.”
Their advocacy also extends to policy and funding. After waiting many years for support for their son through the Ontario Autism Program, the family hopes to see stronger partnerships between recreational providers, funding bodies, and inclusive initiatives.
“Early support makes a huge difference,” Ayo said. “We need more spaces where children can grow socially, emotionally, and independently.”
Already, BeyondPlay is becoming a hub for collaboration. Local professionals have approached the family about hosting postpartum classes, therapy sessions, and STEM clubs. Bola and Ayo are eager to expand these partnerships and serve even more families.
“We want this to be a space for everyone,” Bola said. “Whether a child is shy, spirited, sensory-seeking, or somewhere in between—there’s a place for them here to belong, to learn, and to thrive.”