Gymboree Play and Music in Oro Valley temporarily closed its doors Thursday with the hopes of finding a new space as soon as possible.
"This is not the end," Christine Leonard told mothers dropping off their children for classes. "As quickly as we can open our doors again, we will," she said.
With more than 200 children enrolled in their early childhood development programs, Leonard refers to Gymboree Play and Music families as a "tight-knit group." The program offers a variety of classes for newborns to 5-year-olds that are designed to help the children learn and develop while they play. Classes include art, music, sports, and school skills, as well as offering specific open gym times for all enrolled children.
Customers have been very supportive, Leonard said, with some even offering to help find temporary employment for her four staff members during the transition.
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Leonard said that she decided to close this location at the intersection of North Oracle Road and West Magee Road because of a disagreement with the landlord, declining to discuss any details. The business had been at that location since February of last year.
Leonard has been involved with Gymboree Play and Music, which is owned by the same company as Gymboree retail stores, for 14 years since she brought her younger son to classes when he was a baby. She began working there for the previous owner before taking over the business herself.
Families who have paid ahead for classes can get refunds or credit towards Gymboree products, she said.
While she searches for a new space, Leonard said she'll focus on expanding her Gymboree on-the-Go program, which offers play, fitness and art classes. Those classes will be held in local recreation centers, libraries or other public spaces and can be paid for on an individual class, weekly or monthly basis.
"The need (for the programs) is definitely there," Leonard said. "Now we just need to find a new home."
For more information
Phone lines for Gymboree Play and Music of Tucson will remain open while the store is closed. Call 721-7722 with questions.
Taylor Bacic is a University of Arizona journalism student who is apprenticing at the Star. Contact her at starapprentice@azstarnet.com