The final countdown is on for the grand opening of Cochrane’s premier indoor playground.
Too Cool Beans is scheduled to open by April Fool’s Day. All jokes aside, social media interest has piqued with the knowledge that parents will finally have a dedicated play place to unleash their little ones for safe play.
“Everywhere we go, there’s a buzz,” said owner Rob Miller, Bow Ridge resident and father of three.
He emphasized people have been telling him Cochrane is “long overdue” for a play centre that rivals those in Calgary.
The 4,000 sq. ft. space, located at 103-609 First Street West (across from Mountain View Car Wash, in the former IGA building), is being painted and Miller and his crew are preparing to assemble the playground structure next week.
While Miller had originally hoped for an early January opening, there were some unforeseen delays during the construction phase, which is finally wrapping up.
The facility will also include a wiggle car racetrack, interactive computer game floor, zipline, slides, an eight-foot climbing wall and a café area complete with seating for parents and free WiFi.
Dedicated to children ages two to 10, Miller said there will also be an infant and toddler area.
He confirmed adults will not be charged admission and, due to safety concerns, no outside food or drink will be permitted to keep the facility allergen free.
The only rival facility in town for indoor play is Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC), which features bouncy castles and free play area with sports equipment on certain days of the week. The sports centre will also be opening a 25-foot high climbing wall in the summer.
“I’m glad to see Too Cool Beans is opening. It’s great to have another place for kids to go,” said Robin Mitchell, general manager of SLSFSC – which is ramping up for the grand opening of the long-anticipated aquatic/multi-sport complex this summer.
“Cochrane is going to be one of the best places to live and raise a family in all of Alberta,” he added.
