Playground For Kids in Ankeny hosted a New Years at Noon 2021 Celebration on Thursday.
The business is an indoor party and play facility for kids up to 12 years old. There are more than 9,000 square feet of inflatables, an “enormous” treehouse play structure, food and fun, according to the company’s Facebook page.
Iowa liberals were distraught at the thought of children being able to enjoy the event without masks or social distancing.
Amber Gustafson, a liberal activist and former legislative candidate, said she was “really disappointed” that a “local business” violated Gov. Kim Reynolds’ orders and hosted a New Years Eve gathering.
“Over 100 maskless kids and adults without social distancing, indoors at their facility,” Gustafson said. “I hope (Iowa Department of Public Health) and the media reach out to them.”
Gustafson also included screenshots of the live video that was posted but has since been deleted.
Playground For Kids said the video was taken down because it was intended to just be a live video only, “for people who are not comfortable going out in public.”
“We understand that there is no way to please everyone,” the business wrote on its Facebook page. “We are simply trying to do our best.”
While many liberal keyboard warriors took to the company’s Facebook page to shame Playground For Kids, there were freedom-loving Americans who thanked the company.
“Thank you for keeping something normal for those of us who don’t feed into propaganda,” LaKeisha wrote. “It’s amazing to see other families’ smiling faces and my children able to play!”
“We love your stance and your business and will be back very frequently with our punchcard throughout the winter,” Ruthanna said.
“Wish you would keep the video up,” Nannette said. “Nothing wrong with what you’re doing. Be proud and you’re not killing anyone. People can choose to go or not. Keep on keeping on.”
The Iowa Citizen, which says it is the only Iowa based online publication with 100% crowd-sourced content, threw a fit.
“This local business hosted a NON-MASK large indoor party today,” they wrote. “Supporters of Playground For Kids are commenting by the dozens saying they’re thankful that there’s a place to go to not have to wear masks???? How many dumb people are in Iowa???”
Liberal keyboard warriors are also leaving negative reviews of the business on Google.
“This business made the choice to host a superspreader event for kids and their parents, completely disregarding the governor’s mask order,” wrote Nick Pigott. “Don’t expect this place to be open in another month or so.”
“Does not care about COVID restrictions at all,” said Damon Viner.
“See recent photo for COVID-19 superspreader event on 12/31/2020,” wrote Zachary Foxx.
“They held an event on 12-31-20 and shared a live video which showed a crowd of people not social distancing and not wearing masks, which is against the governor’s proclamation for indoor playgrounds. They are putting the community at risk,” wrote Tiffany Bates.
Pump It Up Urbandale commented on Gustafson’s post, saying it is “sad that we all can’t play by the same safety rules. Pump It Up canceled their normal noon years eve event as it was better for the community and safety for all.”
