Athalyah Yisrael’s entrepreneurial ambitions extend way beyond the modest children’s entertainment facility which she owns and operates and the challenges, she says, have been sufficient for her to be grateful that the beginning of April marks her second year in business.
Time was when services such as those provided by Fun Park Rentals were considered to be on the edge of the recreation industry. That has changed, though, in Yisrael’s view not nearly enough to win really meaningful market approval.
Apart from her Sunday sojourns to the seawall where the rides that she offers are popular with the children who go there to play, she hires her inventory out to private parties and public events. “It can be far more lucrative but it has shown signs of growth,” she says.
The anniversary, she believes, provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of play for children. Over time, she has watched the uninhibited manner in which they throw themselves into enjoying the rides; and one thing that she has discovered is that children who are exposed to opportunities are freer spirits.
“Play is an essential part of growing up. It critical to ensure children reach their full potential in life. I very often see the difference between those children who have a thoroughly fulfilling time on the rides and those who simply stare from a distance.”
Yisrael believes that if parents truly understood what active play does for their children, “both physically and mentally,” they would expose their children to far more recreation.
“Parents don’t always understand the importance of play. For a child, however, there is no more constructive activity than play. Frankly, I think play liberates children. It puts them in charge. I don’t think that there is any area of life about which play couldn’t teach your child something,” she says.
Throughout April, Yisrael says, the focus of Fun Park Rentals is on raising the profile of play. “I like the idea of creating more spaces for play and what has been done at the Merriman Mall has made a small difference. More has to be done, however. “We still need more open spaces, more facilities and more recreational equipment,” she says.
Raising the existing recreational profile involves taking Fun Park Rentals into schools. In this regard she is seeking to partner with other private sector businesses that market children’s products. “Ideally what I’d like to do is to use some of the products made for children to induce them to use the rides. I’m hoping that some of these companies will work with me.
“It would be interesting to know the extent to which play is embedded in the school curriculum. Play helps children learn about the world in which they live. They can investigate and discover, test their theories, spatial relationships, explore cause and effect, societal roles and family values. I’m no teacher but it would certainly surprise me if the concept of play as an educational tool is not a part of the schools’ curriculum,” Yisrael says.
She believes, however, that “the culture is changing” and that an increasing number of parents are recognizing the value of play. “It’s good for us in the industry and it is even better for the children. I’m hoping to see greater patronage during our anniversary period but then it would also be great if what we do during this month transforms national attitudes to the virtues of play.”
