Sunrise Play Cafe in Tacoma's Stadium District will reopen Saturday, Oct. 17, after a July flood forced a nearly three-month shutdown.

Co-owners Jordan Zenisek and Susan Saccone confirmed the reopening to The News Tribune, which first reported the story.

A leak from a neighboring business on July 21 sent water pouring from the ceiling and pooling across the floor at 204 St. Helens Ave. The damage destroyed play equipment, walls and flooring.

Zenisek said the company lost a couple hundred thousand dollars in revenue, payroll and repair costs.

Fixing the play structure alone cost $47,000.

The cafe features a custom 1,400-square-foot play structure with slides, stairs and a climbing wall, along with a small kitchen stocked with play food, a fire station, a hospital and costumes for kids. According to the cafe's website, Zenisek and Saccone built the business from shared experience in childcare, education and caregiving. They opened in spring 2026.

Saccone told The News Tribune the old building had dealt with smaller leaks before, but this one was "way worse than we could've ever imagined." Mold and mildew threatened the play structure, much of which is wood and soft material. The cafe also lost its entire food inventory and had to cancel every birthday party booked for July and August.

As of Sept. 28, workers were replacing play pieces, repairing drywall, baseboards and flooring, restocking supplies and deep-cleaning the space. Zenisek said the owners plan to rehire about half their staff for the reopening.

The cafe will reopen with hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a goal of returning to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. An open house in October will offer deals on memberships, play passes and drop-ins. The space was designed with parents in mind: counter seating overlooks the play area, cubbies fit diaper bags, and a private nursing nook includes a rocking chair.

A costume swap is planned for Sunday, Oct. 18. Birthday party bookings resume Nov. 1.

The neighboring business responsible for the leak has not been named publicly. Whether insurance or legal action is involved remains unclear.