Baie’s Play Place, an indoor wonderland carefully crafted by the visionary Nia Lira is coming to delight Westside families. 

Baie’s Play Place will be a soft indoor playground that will be opening soon at 1303 N Street in Newman.

“Baie’s Play Place isn’t your run-of-the-mill playground,” said Lira. “It’s a carefully curated environment where every child, regardless of background or ability, can feel welcome and included. We’ve put a lot of thought into designing various play areas to cater to different age groups and interests. For the little ones, there’s a dedicated crawler-toddler area with padded structures and sensory activities to stimulate their development. Older kids can explore immersive play sets, engage in creative workshops, or simply let their imaginations run wild in our themed play zones. From pretend play to hands-on learning experiences, Baie’s Play Place aims to provide a diverse range of activities that foster curiosity, creativity, and social interaction.

Lira got the idea for such a playground just by watching her own daughter play and therefore learn from new experiences.

“It all started with my daughter, Aubrie Baie,” Lira said. “As a stay-at-home mom, I found myself longing for a space where Aubrie and children in Newman could play, learn, and explore beyond the confines of our homes. Growing up in Yemen, I knew firsthand the value of such spaces, and I wanted to bring that experience to our community. Seeing Aubrie at home all day and the lack of options for her to engage in meaningful play led me to embark on this journey. I wanted to create a space that not only provides entertainment but also contributes to the holistic development of children in Newman and neighboring areas.”

Lira is taking measures to make sure that the playground is not only fun for children but safe as well.

“Safety is paramount for us, and we’ve taken comprehensive measures to ensure a secure environment for families,” Lira said. “Our staff members undergo CPR training, and we strictly adhere to cleaning and sanitization protocols to maintain hygiene standards. Additionally, we’ve incorporated features like designated nursing areas and accessible facilities to accommodate the needs of all visitors. We want parents to feel confident and at ease while their children are having fun, knowing that their safety and well-being are our top priorities.”

Lira also sees this venture as one that will benefit the community, especially as a way to help parents connect. 

“For me, Baie’s Play Place is more than just a playground—it’s a hub for connection and community engagement,” Lira said. “We’re passionate about creating opportunities for families to come together, share experiences, and build relationships. That’s why we’re planning to host a variety of events, from Mommy and Me classes to themed parties and workshops. It’s about creating a supportive network where parents can connect, exchange parenting tips, and form lasting friendships. By fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit, Baie’s Play Place aims to become a cherished gathering spot for families in Newman and beyond.”

Baie’s Play Place is expecting to open soon and when they do, they’ll be starting some partnerships with other local businesses.

“We’re excited to announce partnerships with local businesses like Pizza Plus and Bravo’s Coffee Shop to enhance the experience for our visitors,” Lira said. “We’re also exploring opportunities for future expansions and themed events to keep the excitement alive and provide even more reasons for families to come together and make memories. Our goal is to continually evolve and adapt to the needs and interests of our community, ensuring that Baie’s Play Place remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for families to enjoy.”