Church in Northern California establishes open-air play cafe as a welcoming and secure communal gathering place.
Nestled within a lush, verdant setting teeming with trees, birds, a garden, and various wildlife, the Playground Café has become a vibrant addition to the community of Sebastopol, California. Located on the 4-acre campus of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, this unique establishment offers more than just food and drinks; it aims to build relationships and foster a sense of community.
The idea for the Playground Café was conceived by church leaders, including the Rev. Christy Laborda Harris, back in 2017. After several years of planning and development, the café officially opened its doors to the public this month. The project, which cost approximately $300,000, was made possible through financial assistance from the churchwide United Thank Offering and the Diocese of Northern California.
The Playground Café is more than just a café; it's a playground for both young and old. With slides, tunnels, a kids' playhouse, and a variety of games, it's a haven for families and neighbours alike. To cater to its diverse clientele, the café offers a full menu of food and drinks, including breakfast burritos, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, coffee, juice, beer, and wine.
The café's grand opening attracted a large crowd of up to 500 people, with children playing and adults conversing. Despite the pandemic, the café project was temporarily put on hold in 2020. However, as the congregation rebounded, it resumed development, and the café is now open five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, which has been under the leadership of the Rev. Christy Laborda Harris since 2011, officially opened the Playground Café and its multigenerational community space to the public. The goal of the Playground Café is to foster relationships, with the belief that people don't need to be on the same spiritual journey to journey together.
The Playground Café is situated in a city of about 7,000 people just west of Santa Rosa and a little more than an hour north of San Francisco. It has quickly become a popular destination for locals, offering a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
The average Sunday attendance at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church fell to 38 people in 2021 due to the pandemic. However, the opening of the Playground Café is hoped to attract more people to the church and its community space, fostering a sense of unity and belonging in Sebastopol.
