Last week I was talking with some local indie business people about the need for a space where parents can work and network with their kiddos in tow -- something like a playground or a cafe that was both kid- and parent-friendly. So this morning I was pleased when I received word that just such a spot is slated to open this weekend.

Playmatters, which will celebrate its grand opening this Saturday on Phinney Ridge, is conceived as a place where parents and other caregivers can network while their children ages birth through five can safely play.

Their Web site is still a little vague on the details, but the idea is that you can sign up as a member or pay for a single-day visit, which allows you to hang out and use their play area for up to two hours. I am not sure whether this is an indoor playground or a toy-filled room, but the facility plans on renting the space for private parties, so I am guessing it will be feature-loaded. The current space has no cafe (though the Web site says they hope to add one at some point), so you are welcome to bring your own snacks.

I will be curious to see what exactly Playmatters is and how it will serve the community. Is this supposed to be a parent-to-parent networking space, or just a safe, clean place for kids to play while their folks get other stuff done? I've seen no word on whether the space will have Wi-Fi, a requirement for freelance working parents like myself. They are planning on offering workshops, such as a May 15 "Family's Financial Picture Workshop," led by financial consultant Shoeb Ismail for $10.

The cost of entry seems to be a little high -- $10 a day, $110 a month or $995 a year -- compared to other facilities in the city, such as the $2 community center play areas or the many cafes where you can chill for the price of a coffee. Plus, the place is closed on Sundays, which is when a lot of 9-5 working parents are looking for something to do with their children.

I hope that Playmatters answers a real need in the city, and we will definitely check it out. You can head over this Saturday, May 3, for the free all-day opening party and see if Playmatters is your next new hotspot.

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