SPRINGFIELD Kid Stuff offers youth the opportunity to have a day of fun in a health conscious and entertaining environment. Last Thursday, the new location had its official grand opening ceremony where local dignitaries including Mayor Domenic Sarno and Clerk of Courts Brian Lees and others turned out to celebrate the city's new addition. "This is the type of establishment we need in the city of Springfield," Sarno said prior to the ribbon cutting. The mission of Kid Stuff is to provide the families of the community with a safe, fun, healthy and entertaining environment to play, party, learn and grow. Kid Stuff Operations Manager Kim Slepchuk said the entire menu is "strictly organic and all natural." It is also free of trans-fats, artificial flavorings, colorings, preservatives, nitrates, gom's, hormones and antibiotics. She added that they were capable of catering to children with food allergies. They even have all natural soda and birthday cake. The facility was constructed with green-friendly paints, floor coverings and lighting fixtures. Owner Joseph Bonavita chose to use ecologically safe cleaning products as well as recycled compostable containers and paper products. "Wendy and I have been very much committed to that way of life," Bonavita said. The duo also own Better Life Whole Foods, which is located in the same plaza. "We were always looking for a way to extend that concept of healthy eating to children. We felt that this was a great opportunity to do that." According to information released, Kid Stuff will host a number of programs including "summer learning and play, afterschool events and kid-care along with special events for kids and families." The colorful and welcoming atmosphere is bound to win over youth. The facility has decorated private party rooms, a giant multi-level playscape with boundless tunnels, ladders and chutes, air hockey, video racing, skeeball and the area's newest technology Laser Tag. Sarno joked that he is not only a member, but a client. He has visited the facility twice boasting about Laser Tag fun. Lees even participated in a game of skeeball, winning redeemable tickets. At the ribbon cutting ceremony he presented Bonavita and his wife Wendy with a citation from the Clerk of Courts. "Wendy and I are very pleased and the end product has exceeded our expectations," Bonavita added. Kid Stuff is located in Bicentennial Plaza. It is open Monday through Friday at 9 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. Kid Stuff closes at 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more photos of the grand opening, please visit www.thereminder.com. | ||||||
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