By Christina McGairk
Carmel Sensory Toy Store Owner Looking to Pass The Baton Sensory Play Date, located in Carmel’s Merchant Square, opened in August 2019. Owner Kate Broyles, who is a certified occupational therapy assistant, opened the store to provide a place where kids and parents can interact with various toys. “I’ve done a lot of occupational therapy sessions with families, so I got to see what toys were popular with the kids,” said Broyles. The interactive sensory toy store, encased by calming blue walls, offers samples for families to interact with before they buy. “I encourage parents to bring their kids with them so they can engage with the products.” Yet, Sensory Play Date is more than a toy store. There is also an underwater-themed sensory room furnished with bubble wands, a sensory peapod, soft crash pads, and LED night light toys. Although Broyles has had a passion for those with special needs for over 25 years, she fell in love with something else. A quaint bed and breakfast in Eastern Canada. She and her family plan to move there once the Canadian border opens up, which is why she is looking for new ownership for her beloved store. “The price was right and the opportunity was too hard to pass on.” Broyles said she and the Merchant Square landlords’ will work with the new owners to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible. To contact Broyles about the store or ownership, she can be reached at (317) 810-1588 or by email at kate@sensoryplaydate.com.
April 2021 • Special Needs Living
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