Sunnyside Plays, 43-09 48th Avenue (Photo: Sunnyside Post)
June 11, 2020 By Michael Dorgan
A popular children’s indoor play venue and event space on 48th Avenue will shutter its doors next month after nearly four years in business.
Sunnyside Plays, located at 43-09 48th Ave., will close on July 15 due to the current economic climate, co-owner Ed Kim announced Wednesday.
“In the wake of COVID-19 and in these uncertain times, we are in an untenable situation where our space cannot be maintained,” Kim said in a statement.
Kim, who operates Sunnyside Plays with his wife Vanessa Quinn, said that the outlook for the children’s play industry is bleak.
He noted that a similar venue in Long Island City, City Owlets, recently closed.
Kim said his business has limited cash reserves to call upon and the couple no longer believes it is economically viable to stay open. He said that the threat of a resurgence of the virus was also a factor in their decision.
Sunnyside Plays opened in late 2016 and has functioned as a space for people of all ages.
The large indoor playground has mainly served as a play area for children and a venue for kids’ birthday parties. Various children’s classes including, painting, drawing, reading, arts and crafts, and sign language have also been held.
The company has provided dance classes, yoga, and various music lessons for adults while the cafe/bar area has facilitated game nights and other social events.
Kim said they hope to open a similar space again in the future but in a different capacity.
“We are immensely sad but also grateful to serve a warm, nurturing and friendly community,” he said.
Featured Events
