Nov. 11
November 11, 2009
Ms. Mae Ella Marie Carlos
November 13, 2009
For 19 years, husband and wife Raphael and Angele Chauvin worked full-time jobs during the week and enjoyed each other’s company on the weekends.
But, when the couple had a child, things changed drastically.
“We had to start looking for fun things that were suitable for us to do together,” Angele said. “When you don’t have children, you don’t know what a place lacks. To us, there were not many places to take André that were cost effective and fun.”
The Chauvins decided that their 7-year-old son and children of his age needed a child-friendly atmosphere, and opened Leaping Lizzard, an indoor play center for children ages 2 to 15.
The play center is located on La. Highway 1 in Raceland. Children accompanied by an adult can play for two hours at a price of $6 for children ages 1 to 5, and $7.50 for children ages 6 to 15.
Places similar to Leaping Lizzard have come and gone in the Tri-parishes. However, the Chauvins believe their background in management will help them outlast the test of time.
“Raphael and I are very business-savvy people,” Angele said. “We have a break-tag inspection station on our Leaping Lizzard property. My husband has run a successful commercial cleaning business. Together, we ran a gas station for 22 years. We just sold it recently because of the economy’s downturn with gasoline prices, so this is really not our first rodeo.”
“We feel very confident and believe if we continue to promote family and fun, we will be around for a long time,” she added.
The facility opened 13 months ago, and has become a big hit for private parties of all occasions. The 5,000-square-foot building encompasses 4,000 square feet of play area, while the remainder is used as a party room and concession area.
“We have a variety of things to keep their attention for the two hours they are in our establishment,” Angele said. “We have seven different inflatable bounce items that include a 20-foot slide, a circus train and a wacky world. When the children are tired of jumping, they can try their hand at our basketball throw, clown pitch and baseball game.”
Parties can be scheduled on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, 5 to 7 p.m. Parents can choose from three party packages that include two hours of play, food and drinks for 16 to 20 children.
Angele said parents should call to schedule private parties during the week.
However, Raphael wants to promote open play times a little more.
“We are not just a party place,” Raphael said. “Anyone can bring their child here to play when we are open. We love to watch children light up with excitement when they come in and see all the colorful inflatable bouncers.”
“Not many people can afford to take their children on vacation to amusement parks and water parks like Disney World,” he added. “For some, this is their Disney World. And we want them to have as much fun as possible while they are here.”
Open play times are Tuesdays, 1 to 5 p.m.; Fridays, 3 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 6:15 to 10 p.m. and Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m.
Leaping Lizzard also had success this summer with its day camp, where children attended the facility 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The kids don’t just come here and jump and play for 10 hours,” Angele said. “All the employees that are hired at Leaping Lizzard are attending Nicholls (State University) majoring in elementary education, so they have child-appropriate activities planned for the children throughout the day.”
Come this winter, when schools are closed for the holidays, the Chauvins plan to have holiday camps for those working parents who need a place for their children to attend during the day. Dates and times will soon be announced.
Rufus Gisclair, 4, scores a basket in the inflatable basketball throw game at Leaping Lizzard Inflatable Play Center in Raceland while celebrating his birthday with family and friends. Leaping Lizzard has six other inflatable bouncers for children to enjoy. * Photo by SOPHIA RUFFIN
