By Theresa Garee

The beloved Groveport Crooked Alley KidSpace is changing but much of what made it great still exists.

Last July, the group held a Splatter Paint Party as a farewell to the building that once held the Adult & Children Programs. Program Coordinator Kristin Figliola didn’t expect the event would make her cry.

“With paintbrushes and spray bottles in hand, children were able to leave their lasting mark on a place that is like their second home. Whether it be a hand print or their name it was a morning filled with smiles but hearts filled with sadness,” Figliola recalls.

The building that once held KidSpace was in dire need of repairs but the cost was too great for the city. (More can be read in our previous Messenger article at www.columbusmessenger.com)

“We had a second floor to this building and it was just convenient,” Public Service Director Brian Strayer said when asked why the city moved the program to a new space located at 674 Main St.

Programs now take place upstairs above Delaney’s Diner and Lissy Bee’s Boutique. The Rarey’s Port building is handicap accessible and offers the adult and children’s programming that were once offered at the 630 Wirt Rd location (which will become public parking).

The space is still in transition, as new areas are created and installed.

“KidSpace is a place where children have taken their first steps, held their first worm, learned how to share and take turns. The comfort of coming in and seeing all of the familiar toys and decorations is a big change for a little mind but we are excited to make new memories in our new KidSpace home. As we always say, the paint will wash off but the memories will last a lifetime,” Figliola said.

Programs are running daily and can be viewed at www.groveport.org.