News January 13 2026

A $30m bet on childhood play

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  • TruFun Play, the new indoor play and party zone for children opens in Drax Hall, St Ann. TruFun Play, the new indoor play and party zone for children opens in Drax Hall, St Ann.
  • Visual artist and face painter Empress9ra delights children by painting a little girl’s face during TruFun Play’s grand opening on Saturday. Visual artist and face painter Empress9ra delights children by painting a little girl’s face during TruFun Play’s grand opening on Saturday.
  • Starr, with her four-year-old daughter, Autumn, after she got her face painted at TruFun Play’s opening on Saturday. Starr, with her four-year-old daughter, Autumn, after she got her face painted at TruFun Play’s opening on Saturday.

Children in St Ann and neighbouring parishes now have an indoor, all-inclusive space to play, learn, and explore Jamaica’s culture. TruFun Play, a jungle-themed facility in Drax Hall, St Ann, opened on Saturday.

Founder Kimona Myrie says the idea was inspired by her “energetic little explorer” daughter, two-year-old Truva, after whom the attraction is named. It caters to “kids who want to be kids” aged one to 14.

The first of its kind in Jamaica, the venture cost approximately $30 million to establish. It blends entertainment with education in a climate-controlled setting. Activities range from ball pits, slides, and trampolines to obstacle courses, supervised play zones, and party hosting. Saturday classes include self-defence, karate, and cultural training, alongside after-school care.

Myrie, originally from Lucea, Hanover, has lived in St Ann for four years. “I am a mother, an entrepreneur, and someone who has been passionate about children for as long as I can remember,” she said at the launch. “I have always believed that children deserve spaces where they can learn, play, grow, and feel safe; spaces that encourage curiosity, movement, and confidence.”

She added: “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring children and families through my other company, Travelwithkimmie Ltd, where I’ve helped families and young people experience the world through travel, visa assistance, and trips that broaden horizons and perspectives. TruFun Play is a natural extension of that passion because whether children are travelling the world or playing right here at home, the goal is the same: to help them grow into confident, joyful, well-rounded individuals.”

Myrie describes the venue as more than a play space: a structured environment balancing fun, safety, and development. Her investment covered the facility, equipment, safety features, staff training, and operational essentials to ensure a high-quality experience.

Packages start at $3,500 per child for two hours, with unlimited access available at $6,500.

editorial@gleanerjm.com