Sadly this community play space closed in October 2013. However, some of the members started a similar play spot nearby called The Stomping Ground in March, 2014. Funky new play spaces always seem to be opening in NYC, but It Takes a Village really stands out from the rest. At first glance, it looks fairly ordinary: A bright playroom chock-full of toys for preschoolers and tots, with a backyard. However, what sets it apart from other play spaces isn't its facility but its membership structure.
Unlike many commercial play spaces that charge pricey monthly or annual fees, It Takes a Village is a nonprofit organization where its members collectively pay its expenses, including rent, and are directly involved in its upkeep, helping to clean and stock necessary supplies. Consequently, the spot feels really homey and casual, like a living room away from home. And since It Takes a Village is located on the cusp of Prospect Heights and Crown Heights, it brings families from different areas together. A visit here feels like a big community playdate.
It Takes a Village was founded by Michael de Zayas in 2012 after his daughter was born. The owner of local coffee shop Little Zelda, he wanted to connect with other families in the area, so he rented a small space across the street from his eatery to gather new parents together.
The response was so overwhelming that It Takes a Village moved to its more spacious Prospect Place location this past January. The spot is cheery and simple, and most of the floor is covered in foam tiles. Stroller parking is available outside and shoes are left by the door to keep it clean. The playroom is filled with donated toys like a play kitchen, two play tents, a mini-slide and books. The huge picture window at the entrance lets in lots of light and there's even a stereo where you can play your own music. Plus there's a backyard to use in nice weather. When I visited with my children, we felt right at home.
So far more than 100 families have joined It Takes A Village, although you usually only see five to ten people in the space at a time. Families contribute $35 to $55 per month based on size and receive their own key to the space, which is open every day from 6am to 6pm. There is usually one class or organized activity per day when larger groups gather, like music, creative movement, storytime, art or yoga. Most classes are drop in and are led by members, who ask for a small donation per family. Members can also reserve the space for birthday parties.
It Takes a Village is still evolving. Projects in the works include painting wall murals and installing a kitchen area with a refrigerator and coffee machine. The backyard is in the process of being cleaned up so it can be used this summer. It's all coming together, little by little.
De Zayas likes to call It Takes A Village an "experiment in local parenting." He's currently creating a board of directors and trying to find ways for all members to take on more active roles. He even hopes to open other Villages in different neighborhoods. We're excited to see if this starts a whole new innovative community play space movement.
It Takes a Village is located at 500 Prospect Place at Classon Avenue and is open to families with children under age four.