Sandbox Kids Play Center Opens

Dennis and Ryan Croteau opened The Sandbox with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 30, at 696 Amity Road in Bethany, Connecticut, according to the Amity Chamber of Commerce. Family and friends joined the co-owners for what the chamber called a “barefoot in the box” celebration marking the official launch of the children’s play space. The event included pizza, popcorn and an ice cream truck, the chamber said. The business describes itself as an indoor play destination built around sand play and imaginative activities for young children. ### Where did the opening actually happen? Bethany, not Orange, is the location listed for The Sandbox in the chamber’s event posting and the company’s own materials. The address given in both is 696 Amity Road, Bethany. That differs from some early framing that tied the opening to Orange, likely because the Amity Chamber of Commerce serves businesses across several nearby towns and because the company markets to families from Orange and other communities in the area. (amityctchamber.com) The company’s website says families from New Haven, Hamden, Orange, Milford, Woodbridge and surrounding Connecticut towns visit the play space. That regional pitch places Orange among its target markets, but the site itself is in Bethany. ### Who owns The Sandbox? Dennis Croteau and Ryan Croteau are identified by the chamber as co-owners of The Sandbox. (amityctchamber.com) In a chamber newsletter, the business is also described as having been developed as a family effort, with the couple involving their children in ideas for toys, branding, design and the overall experience. (playinthesandbox.com) The Croteaus said in the chamber materials that they created the business as “an immersive, hands-on play experience” designed to engage children’s senses and imagination. They also said the concept draws on family memories of sandy beach vacations. ### What is inside the play center? The Sandbox says its concept centers on sand play, construction-themed activities and imaginative play for toddlers and young children. (amityctchamber.com) The company website says sand play can support motor skills, creativity, learning about shapes and measurements, and imagination. The chamber’s June 1 posting described the venue as “the neighborhood’s largest indoor sandbox.” It also said the facility includes workstations, charging outlets, a gourmet coffee station, snacks and beverages aimed at making the space usable for adults as well as children. (amityctchamber.com) A chamber newsletter separately listed hot cocoa, tea, refrigerated drinks and healthy snacks among the offerings. (playinthesandbox.com) ### Who took part in the ribbon cutting? Amy Rushlow, a Bethany selectman, attended the ceremony, according to the chamber. Barry Lee Cohen, chief executive of the Amity Chamber of Commerce, also took part, along with Bethany Economic Development Commission members Steven Winter and Kyle Wasilewski. The chamber said Wasilewski also serves on its board of directors. (amityctchamber.com) The opening was promoted in advance as an open house running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 30. The chamber said the event would include pizza, ice cream and activities for children of all ages. ### What can families do next? The Sandbox directs families to its website for pricing, party packages, frequently asked questions and other details. (amityctchamber.com) The chamber newsletter lists a contact phone number of 475-234-6105 and an email address for inquiries. The company website also markets birthday parties and rainy-day visits for families across the greater New Haven area. (myemail.constantcontact.com) At 696 Amity Road in Bethany, the business is now open following the May 30 ribbon cutting, and the next step for prospective visitors is to check playinthesandbox.com for admission and party information, according to the chamber and the company’s published materials. (amityctchamber.com) (myemail.constantcontact.com)