KidsPark Chattanooga will have a grand opening event on Sunday, June 6, from 1-4 p.m. at 2020 Gunbarrel Road (Near Babies R Us).

Franchise owner Shelley Ealy, her teachers and staff, will be on hand.

Officials said, "Tour the center, enter the drawings and just have some fun socializing with friends and neighbors. Also, it’s National Yo-Yo Day and we’re thrilled to have Jim Pankey (aka Wild Jimbo) joining us for the afternoon. Jim has been a fixture in the Southeast Yo-Yo world since the mid-90’s and has a knack for teaching just about anyone to Yo-Yo."

Officials said Ms. Ealy, mother of three young boys, "recognized the need for a safe, convenient, cost-effective and fun alternative childcare option when parents need it."

She said, “I know firsthand what it’s like to need help when neighborhood babysitters or family members are not available. It may be a doctor’s appointment, running errands or even just going to a movie with my husband. When I found no alternative childcare options in Chattanooga, I searched and researched until I found out about KidsPark. I’m excited and proud to open the first KidsPark in Tennessee and the only licensed, hourly drop-in childcare center in Chattanooga.”

KidsPark is a licensed hourly childcare company, with centers staffed by professional caregivers for preschool and school age children. KidsPark "offers a unique solution in a safe and fun space that is available without making a reservation – parents can drop their children by any day, evening, or weekend (open until midnight Friday and Saturday nights). Many centers also offer backup care when school is out of session for holidays like Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, or Spring break.

"KidsPark childcare hourly rates are half the price of a babysitter in most cities—starting at $7.50 an hour, with discounted rates for additional siblings. KidsPark staff and teachers meet or exceed State Licensing requirements. KidsPark also offers a morning preschool program that focuses on preparing children for entry into Kindergarten and has a flexible schedule that meets the needs of both the parent and the child.

"On Sundays, KidsPark offers private parties for 2-12 year olds. KidsPark is a 22-year-old San Jose, Calif. childcare business that is currently expanding throughout the country."

Chattanooga is the 13th location to open and the only drop-in hourly childcare center in Chattanooga.