Coming home to play

Native Ashlander and co-founder of PlayRVA Taylor Pace takes playtime seriously

Contributed Report

“We started PlayRVA to do something fun and put smiles on peoples faces. My partner and I have other businesses- from vending to a printing company, a web development company, etc.--but this is the most enjoyable.”

To launch PlayRVA, the company began running the train rides at Short Pump Town Center, and quickly opened more routes. They currently operate at Regency Square, Potomac Mills and Charlotte Premium Outlets. Next they began to rent out the trains for mobile parties and events, and bought a fire truck to add more fun to the offering! Ashland Train Day seemed like a natural fit. “This year, I reached out to the Downtown Ashland Association because we really wanted to be part of the event. I’m so excited to come back to Ashland to offer up some fun rides, but also to witness the amazing growth that's been happening there”

PlayRVA’s inclusion in Ashland Train Day is especially exciting for Pace; his family roots are deep in the Center of the Universe. “PlayRVA trains will be running right down the street from where I grew up,” he laughs.

Pace spent his early years on Center Street with his father, Steve Pace, and not far away Aunt Pat, Uncle Jay and cousins Chris and Liz. While attending Patrick Henry High School and James Madison, Pace took on many job roles at the Herald Progress from Downtown Ashland to its move into the Hanover Air Park, where his uncle served as editor, and his father as the

General Manager.

“One of the train routes is going to be at the Ashland Branch Library. There is a statue of my Uncle Jay reading the Herald Progress there, which is so nice to have a place to visit him. I can’t wait to show him the train! My dad is also still present in Ashland as an agent at the Hometown Realty office right there on the tracks. It will be a fun day for Ashland and a nostalgic day for me.”

The two PlayRVA trains running on Ashland Train Day are not just for children. “One thing that we really like about the trains is the parents can ride too,” said Pace. “They’re not just putting their kid on the train and saying, ‘Bye-bye.’ They actually get to enjoy the experience together.”

“I have a lot of memories in Ashland,” says Pace. “and I’m excited to make new ones!”

You’re invited to take a FREE ride on PlayRVA kiddie trains during Ashland’s 19th annual Ashland Train Day street festival from 10am-4pm on April 29, 2023. Visit ashlandtrainday.com to plan a visit for the whole family.