Jan. 8, 2018

The idea for Andrea Boerigter’s new business, Bloom, has been blossoming in her head for a couple of years.

“And it just grew into this thing that’s actually happening,” she said. “I realized there’s a huge need for indoor play here.”

Boerigter, a pediatric speech and language pathologist, saw an opportunity to combine play with child development.

She’s converting the former Welcyon senior fitness space at the Park Ridge Galleria into Bloom, where activities will bring in “sensory and large motor development, language and social skills into free play,” she explained.

Activities will include a large motor and sensory gym, with swings, a slide, ball pit, monkey bars and climbing walls; a racetrack where kids can ride on toys; and a “tiny town,” with five playhouses representing a diner, grocery store, hospital, repair shop and barn.

It’s designed for toddlers through early elementary school kids.

“We’re really starting with an empty space,” Boerigter said. “And we’ll design it as we go.”

There also will be offices for her practice along with physical and occupational therapy plus yoga instruction.

“Those are all by appointment, but it’s great for kids who need those services and (other kids in the family) can play,” she said.

Bloom will offer day passes, memberships and a party room rental, plus special events designed for parents and kids. Adults are free.

All staff members have been hired, and they have higher education related to child development, she said, “so they’re able to guide parents in their experience here.”

The hope is to open in the retail center at 26th Street and Western Avenue by April.