By Courtney Oldwyn
Journal Reporter
This Mother’s Day the Journal decided to profile a local mother who has not only raised her children on San Juan Island, but also has a special motherly connection with local children.
Island kids have grown to love going to A Place to Play, the indoor play area on Spring Street. They do not, however, love to leave. Many meltdowns and tantrums have been thrown upon hearing the words ‘time to go’. Luckily, owner, mom of three and former teacher Cathy Kromer is always there to help.
“If you put on your shoes you can have a stamp,” she says. “Today I’ve got sea creatures; a shark, a turtle and a whale.”
Since opening A Place to Play in 2014, Kromer has become a motherly figure to many island children. Her love for kids is obvious and the children and their parents can feel it.
“In the past two years, I’ve gotten to see so many island kids grow and change,” said Kromer. “I am grateful to be a small part of that growth and to have the chance to connect with so many of our island families.”
Kromer’s two sons, twins Will and TK are both in college, and daughter Zoe, 17, is finishing her senior year at Friday Harbor High School. With her own children becoming young adults, Kromer has loved “watching them grow into three totally different, wonderful, amazing people,” she said. “I’m so proud of them for knowing who they are, their direction and their dreams. I’m so proud to be their mom.”
In the spirit of following dreams Kromer, finally decided to act on an idea that had been stewing for a few years. “I’ve always loved children’s museums and how they inspire creative and imaginative play,” she said. “So as my kids started to head out on their own the idea of opening an indoor play place in Friday Harbor grew.”
Last year Zoe came to work for her mom after school and on weekends, making A Place to Play a true family business. “I love having Zoe work with me,” she said. “I’m so glad that she can share this part of my life with me. I also hope it inspires her to follow her dreams, no matter what your age, and to dedicate your time and effort into something you love doing and believe in.”
“My favorite part of working with my mom,” said Zoe, “is seeing how happy and positively affected families and children on the island are. It’s awesome practice for me and I also just want to be there for my mom.”
As with many small island businesses, A Place to Play is a labor of love. “There’s no money, just blood, sweat and tears,” said Kromer. “But whether it’s just an hour of playtime, a special birthday party or an evening of fun during Date Night, I love my time with the kids.”
Her favorite things about her job are “the big smiles that appear as kids come in the door, the hugs goodbye and the sincere thanks I get from wonderful parents for making their day a little easier.”
