Baie’s Play Place, a fresh and innovative indoor playground, officially opened its doors on June 13, bringing a new wave of family fun to the community. The brainchild of Nia Lira, a single mother and Newman native, this vibrant space offers a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment for children of all ages.
The inspiration behind Baie’s Play Place is deeply personal for Lira. Her six-year-old daughter, Aubrey Bay, who possesses a vivid imagination and a big heart, played a significant role in the development of this venture.
“Growing up in Newman, I always felt there was a lack of indoor spaces for small children,” said Lira. “I wanted to provide a safe and clean space where families could enjoy quality time together.”
The idea for Baie’s Play Place evolved over several years. After giving birth to her daughter in 2017, Lira frequented indoor playgrounds and observed their benefits for children’s motor skills. However, she also noticed several shortcomings, such as poor sanitation and overstimulating environments.
“I would see chewed toys, dirty floors, and messy tables and think, ‘I could do this a lot better,’” Lira recalled.
The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of cleanliness, as Lira’s family adopted rigorous sanitation practices to protect her diabetic mother.
“We learned how to sanitize everything properly for her sake and for her benefit,” she explained.
In 2021, after moving back to Newman, Lira initially explored party planning but shifted her focus when the demand for party rentals declined. Instead, she found a former dance studio at 1303 N St., Suite C, and transformed it into Baie’s Play Place through extensive renovations.
“Everything you see inside Baie’s is a touch of me and how my family lives,” Lira said.
The result is a space that reflects her family’s values and lifestyle, offering a serene and inviting atmosphere for both children and parents.
Baie’s Play Place features multiple areas tailored to different age groups. For infants and toddlers up to three years old, there is a soft play area with crawling equipment, puzzles, and teething toys, all regularly disinfected. The general play area includes pretend play sets and motor skills-focused activities, each with instructional diagrams. A grass area offers rotating activities like slides with ball pits, climbing domes, or bounce houses. For older children, there is a larger climbing structure with hoops, bars, and monkey bars. Entertainment for adults includes a ping pong table and a multi-game table offering chess, miniature pool, and more.
Since its grand opening, the community response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Everyone who walks in here is definitely happy with what we have to offer,” said Lira.
Visitors appreciate the clean and well-maintained facilities, and many have left encouraging reviews on Google. Social media posts and videos have helped spread the word, attracting a loyal clientele who visit regularly.
“We’ve gotten a few positive Google reviews encouraging others to come in, and people share their visits on Instagram and Facebook, which has been wonderful,” she added.
“The most rewarding part of opening Baie’s Play Place has been seeing the kids’ reactions,” said Lira. “Watching them figure out how a toy works or get excited when they enter is priceless. Parents can relax and focus on making memories with their children without worrying about cleanup.”
Looking ahead, Lira has ambitious plans for Baie’s Play Place. She aims to add a two-story structure and an inflatable obstacle course to cater to older kids, potentially including laser tag. “We want to bring in the older kids as well as the young ones,” she said. Her vision includes expanding further, possibly into a ninja park or family farm.
In addition to the play areas, Baie’s Play Place is starting a donation program where families can donate toys or clothes their children have outgrown in exchange for credit towards future visits. These donations will be available during Take Home Toy Tuesday events, where children can leave with a toy at no extra charge. On Thursdays, there will be Thrift Shop Thursday for discounted shopping, and the last Thursday of the month will be Parent Night, featuring activities, refreshments, and free items for parents who RSVP. Baie’s Play Place also offers birthday parties and private events.
IF YOU GO
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Address: 1303 N St., Newman
For more information, visit Baie’s Play Place on Instagram.
