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‘Heart-warming’ reaction after Playtrium closes

Fun and games: the indoor playground for children at The Playtrium, which has now closed its doors for good (File photograph by Akil Simmons)

While the play has come to an end, the happy memories live on for the creator of The Playtrium indoor children’s playground, and for many of its customers who used the venue during its five years in operation.Heather Super, who launched The Playtrium in 2015, said running it had been “fabulous”. She said: “We held parties, we’d joke and laugh. It was all about ‘make yourself at home’.”She has been touched by the “heart-warming” messages clients have sent after hearing that The Playtrium had closed its doors for good, after it was decided new Covid-19 health regulations made it unfeasible to continue.The venue, in the old Phase One building just east of Collector’s Hill in Smith’s, could accommodate up to 35 youngsters.The last day The Playtrium was open was March 15. Mrs Super said: “We had walk-ins in the morning and two birthday parties in the afternoon. We were growing more and more concerned with the Covid situation, and were monitoring the news very closely. On the morning of Monday, March 16, I received news that one of the schools had closed, so that’s when I decided to close The Playtrium until further notice for everyone’s safety.”The Playtrium had one full-time and three part-time staff members.Mrs Super said: “I had great staff, I really did. All Bermudian. They are fantastic people and were willing to learn how I wanted to run things the ‘Playtrium way’ as we always said. We all had a really good ‘flow’. Our parties were always fast-paced with a lot going on at once, but there were lots of times when we didn’t even need to verbally communicate, we just kept moving and got things done as a team.“When you have a group of people who are different ages and are from different lifestyles but come together and enjoy each other’s company, humour, friendship and enjoy what they do together, it’s a beautiful thing, and I think that our customers could see that and feel the vibe that we really loved what we did for work. It didn’t feel like work, it was so much fun.”Mrs Super has been touched by the response from customers who have sent “heart-warming messages” after hearing the news that The Playtrium had closed.On The Playtrium Facebook page, one message said: “This is heartbreaking! You have done such an amazing job with this business, Heather. We will miss The Playtrium so much, and getting to see all of your smiling faces when we enter.”Another commentator wrote: “As a granny, this was a wonderful place to visit when on granny duty ... safe, clean and the kids and us grandparents loved it. I loved the fact that young mums would be so welcoming to a granny and the staff were totally amazing. This is a loss for parents, grandparents and especially the kids who always loved a Playtrium outing. Thank you for giving us such a happy experience.”Among the other messages, one said: “You created something special in Bermuda and we will all miss the Playtrium and the wonderful staff. Mrs Super, in her message to customers informing them about the decision to close the venue, thanked the “wonderful clients that have visited us and allowed us to create so many happy memories that will stay with us for ever”.