OAKLEAF - The community came together to celebrate the opening of Clay County's newest indoor playground last Saturday. 

Located on Royal Pines Drive, Play Town is "a little kid's play gym," providing a spot for children to arrive and be immersed in a fun experience. 

Owner Ashley Burnsed said a community need sparked the idea for Play Town.

Burnsed said she often found it challenging to find an indoor playground that met her and her child's needs. Wanting to take her toddler somewhere to socialize, Burnsed said most playgrounds were on the other side of town.

She traveled long distances to make it before the early closing times. Not only that but with the unpredictability of Florida weather, Burnsed said outdoor play areas weren't always the right fit either.

Although the need was quiet, to her, it was big.

When thinking of an idea for a second business, she thought about building the indoor playground not just to benefit her but others who may be experiencing the same problem. 

"I want to bring this to our community just to make it easier on moms and dads," Burnsed said. "So that they're not having to drive across town. I want them to have a tight circle with other community moms and dads." 

Burnsed said her husband owns a construction company, and they started their dream of finding the right location and theme.

From an indoor climbing platform with two slides, a ball pit and a tunnel to mini 'pretend' ice cream shops, grocery stores and stationery toys, Burnsed said the play gym has everything a child could want.

Burnsed said they will also notice the walls lined with familiar fictional characters they may know and love as they immerse themselves in the activities.

Intricate murals, from Disney princesses to Star Wars, are painted throughout the building. Burnsed said she was excited to add this to the experience, as not many others have it. 

"I want the kids to walk in and completely be in this imaginary, fun, exciting world," Burnsed said. "Whereas they're walking in, there's a storyline on every part of the wall."

The murals were painted by artist Chris King, who has been painting professional murals since 1986.

In addition to daily play admission, Play Town offers monthly subscriptions and party packages, which Burnsed said she is excited to start with. 

On opening day, the playground was packed with mingling parents and children. Burnsed said she was happy to see this, especially following parents' feedback that they had been waiting for something like Play Town to make its way to the area. 

Now that it's there, Burnsed said she hopes to continue fostering the spirit of connection and fun.