Frequently Asked Questions
Where will you be located?
28 Spring Brook Park in the Village of Rhinebeck. We’re just across from the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, set back from the road behind CO.
What are the rates?
Currently we are offering a limited number of discounted Annual Founding Memberships: Families with one child: $1,035, Families with 2+ children: $2,000. These memberships are available now. When we get closer to opening, we’ll publish finalized rates for day passes and monthly memberships. Reducing barriers to entry through financial aid opportunities and affordable rates are central to our planning.
Why a not-for-profit?
AT PLAY prioritizes our mission of serving the community. As a not-for-profit, AT PLAY is structured in a way that ensures we achieve our mission: led by a board of directors committed to making decisions that align with our core values and shared vision. AT PLAY’s board of directors oversees our operations, ensuring that the focus remains on fostering play, childhood development, and community well-being. All revenue generated is reinvested directly into covering operating costs, providing financial aid, supporting programming, and making continuous improvements to the facility and offerings.
How can I contribute?
A registered not-for-profit with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, AT PLAY relies on the generosity, support and commitment of others who want to be part of bringing this vision to life. Your sponsorship will make a lasting impact on children, families, and the greater community. You can donate via our GoFundMe or to make a direct donation, please contact us at hello@playrbk.com. Checks can be mailed to:
AT PLAY: A Community Playspace
P.O. Box 489
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
For more information about each Sponsorship Tier, please contact us. Thank you for considering joining us in building this community space!
SPONSORSHIP TIERS:
Visionary Sponsor - $30,000
Foundational Sponsor - $20,000
Community Sponsor - $10,000
Friend of the Playspace - $5,000
Play Partner - $2,500
Patron of Play - $500
Play Champion - $50
Will there be drop-off childcare?
Our plan is to grow with our community. Our first offerings, including Open Play and many of our planned programs, will require a parent or caregiver to be present. Next, we hope to introduce Drop-Off Care sessions for school closures and Parent/Caregiver Nights Out. Our plan is to continue to assess the needs of our families and caregivers, and grow in our staffing and resources to best meet those needs. Stay tuned!
Will there be classes?
Oh yes! We’ve heard lots of interest around art, music, movement classes and story hours. We will also offer parent/caregiver support groups, child development workshops and more. Please keep sharing your suggestions!
What ages will AT PLAY serve?
Our play area is designed for newborns through age seven, with a dedicated safe-play space just for infants. Classes, therapy services, events and activities will have a wider range including older children and adults.
What exactly is open play?
Open Play refers to place and time where children are free to explore, interact, and engage in a variety of open-ended materials and activities of their choice, without a set schedule or formal instruction. This type of play allows children to use their imagination, creativity, and develop social skills in a safe and intentionally-designed environment. We are lucky that our building has outdoor space for open play as well as an indoor space.
What educational philosophy does AT PLAY subscribe to?
We do not adhere to one particular educational philosophy and trust children to engage in play in their own way. As educators we believe in constructivist learning, which respects children as autonomous beings who have the right to play their way and will thereby make meaning of the world around them. Natural materials, process art, uninterrupted play, measured-risk taking and sensory-rich experiences are a few defining characteristics of the play we intend to facilitate. If you’d like to chat more about this please let us know– it’s a favorite topic!
What are your hours?
Weekdays: Open Play 8:00am-5:30pm
Weekends: Saturday Open Play: 8:00am-10:30am & 3:00pm-5:00pm, Sunday Open Play 8:00am-5:00pm
Private Events/Birthday Parties: Saturday 10:30am-3:00pm and Sunday 3:00pm-5:00pm
(these will be finalized closer to opening day!)
When will you open?
Our goal is to open our doors in the Summer of 2025. We care very much about approaching the process thoughtfully and creating the best space possible in response to community needs; while we can’t wait to serve you, we won’t rush to open at the expense of quality.