The owners of an Arnold play centre have said the reopening was 'tearful' after being closed for four months. Cheryl and David Marshall bought Tumble Town in May of this year, only to be forced to close in early July due to flooding.
After months spent gutting and renovating the centre on High Street, the couple opened their doors to the public on November 11. Cheryl, 54, said: "I was almost scared to reopen and very nervous."
The couple, along with the staff, have rebuilt the play centre from scratch. They have introduced a new kitchen, seating areas, play equipment and toilets.
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Cheryl and David say they want to create a welcoming environment for all families to enjoy. They have widened paths to ensure more room for push chairs and installed zonal heating for certain areas.
David, 59, said: "The flood was devastating." The damage was caused by a water pressure regulator valve which happened over night. Cheryl added: "I came in early on the Monday morning to get some cash to go to the wholesalers and found the place absolutely wet through."
"You can't explain the devastation that caused us," said David. "Immediately we started the process of trying to work with insurers and contractors. We had to move every floor covering, all the play mats, anything that had been in the water."
David added: "I am hoping at some point we look back at the flood and think it had an advantage. At the same time, it is just still too raw."
Tumble Town has been running for more than 30 years and the couple want to ensure the site continues to be a hub for many families. Cheryl said: "We wanted to bring it back into the community, bring it back into what it was. Everybody knows Tumble Town."
They plan to introduce a number of new elements to the play centre including a role play village where children can work in a post office, shops and fire station. The new area is set to open around Christmas time.
Cheyl and David are also planning to create Alzheimer friendly sessions after having a personal connection to the disease. They said: "It was so difficult to take our children to visit family in homes. We want to make a space where people feel comfortable to bring their grandparents and grandchildren."
The new designs have gone down well with visitors so far. Emma Pallett, 39, from Arnold visited with her 10-month-old son Issac, nephew and mum.
She said: "We have not been for quite a few years and back then it was a bit run down. I saw on Facebook that it was refurbished, we were really surprised. It is lovely that it is just on our doorstep. We would definitely come again, we are very impressed."
Having opened a matter of weeks ago, Cheryl and David say it is too early to tell if the cost of living crisis will have an affect on their business. David said: "We have got one eye on the business, it has to be profitable but we also have to make that with the experience people are having.
"We hope that what we provide has a value for the parents that have spent money here. We want to give people the experience and legacy of Tumble Town."
David added: "We are like rabbits in the headlights still. We are so proud of what we have got here, the staff are proud of what they have done."
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