Old church building scene of new business venture

By SHAWNA T. TURNER
Williamsport Sun-Gazette
June 14, 2009

A local trend in the area is the conversion of old churches into new business ventures. When the South Williamsport Methodist Church became available, Brenda Lukasiewicz followed the trend and utilized this old treasure for a dream of her own, a dream she is still shaping into a reality.

With the help of her parents, Glenn and Sharon Markle, Lukasiewicz gained access to the historical site over a year ago when her parents purchased Little Treasure Pre-school and Daycare.

When the childhood center became available with the church and a five-bedroom house, which was the pastor's parsonage, it met all of Lukasiewicz's needs.

Early on, Lukasiewicz knew she wanted to make the church over into an enchanted playland.

Shortly after obtaining the day care, Lukasiewicz's best friend of 21 years, Lara McNeil, jumped on board.

According to the playland duo, they discussed running several different business ventures over the years. They never thought the talks would ever become a reality. Today they work side by side using Lukasiewicz's creativity and McNeil's organizational skills.

According to Lukasiewicz, the business can be summed up in three words, "a kid's kingdom."

Some activities enjoyed in the playland will be an indoor soft playground, fortress wall climb, castle gardens for children three and under, family gaming, throne photos, castle overnights and seasonal activities.

Other services are private party rooms with themed party host, food court, gift shop, group tours, facility rental, camera monitoring, handicap chair lift accessibility and free Wifi. Tea parties are also offered for the little princesses.

The third floor of the facility will feature a room for private parties. According to Lukasiewicz, this room has the birds eye view of the playland and can hold 50.

All party packages can be found on the Web site. According to Lukasiewicz, all prices are affordable.

"We think the way the economy has been and how it is so hard for people to go away and take vacations, that this is a way to get away with your children and have a great time and have it be affordable," McNeil said.

All staff will be fully costumed to contribute to the castle atmosphere. Princess dresses may even be purchased in the gift shop and little princesses can join the atmosphere.

At some point, Lukasiewicz hopes to bring local television programming to the area.

"Down the road we are looking to establish a local television program. All of these shows that started in Pennsylvania have passed," Lukasiewicz said.

Lukasiewicz also added they would have the facilities at the playland to film the show on site if it became possible.

The playland's mascot, Poppy the Peacock, brings two site recognizable products to the area, poppycorn and slush poppies. These new products are respectively blue popcorn and slush puppies.

According to Lukasiewicz, her parents are her inspiration. "When you have the stability of a strong family backing, anything can be accomplished. My parents are amazing people," Lukasiewicz said. "They are the king and queen."

The site at 1414 W. Southern Ave. in South Williamsport is slated to open late June. The hours of operation will be Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. For more information, individuals may contact Lukasiewicz or McNeil at 326-5000.