Marbles Kids Museum was founded in 2007 with a mission to spark imagination, discovery and learning through play. Marbles serves a diverse population of children, families, community organizations and school groups with hands-on, play-based exhibits, educational programs, at-home learning resources, camps, field trips and outreach events. Today, Marbles ranks among the top family destinations in North Carolina and is recognized nationally for their bold approach to play-based learning!
For all of the listed reasons, Dollamur is proud to provide mats to help boost creativity and safety in the museum for kids and families of all ages! We got to chat with Leila Thomas, Director of Development, and Chris Alexander, VP of Exhibits, at Marbles to learn more about the museum and how they’re using their Dollamur flooring!
“No other organization in North Carolina is better known for developing child-led, play-based learning experiences than Marbles Kids Museum,” stated Leila Thomas. “Marbles offers an innovative, one-of-a-kind setting with unlimited opportunities to ask questions, make discoveries, build connections and take risks. From exploring power sources in Kid Grid to playing wildlife ranger in River Playway, experiences at Marbles spark excitement and early career aspiration. Caring for animals in Pet Vet, discovering a new outdoor activity in Hit the Trail and aiming to save in Moneypalooza introduce children and families to healthy lifelong habits. Believing that every child needs access to play-based learning, Marbles is steadfast in our commitment to diversity, access and inclusion. We offer one of the lowest children’s museum admission prices in the country and work relentlessly to create an environment where all families are invited, and all families feel welcome!”
In response to COVID-19, Marbles temporarily closed to the public on March 15, 2020. Throughout a six-month closure, Team Marbles pivoted to continue supporting families through the creative delivery of play-based programs and services, including digital resources, modified onsite camps and to-go learning kits. Marbles reopened to the public at limited capacity on September 16, 2020. “It has been a thrill to have learning and laughter fill the museum again as we welcome families safely back to play. However, we have a long road ahead to completely rebuild organizational capacity and financial strength,” Leila shared.
When asked about their experience and relationship with Dollamur and the team, Chris Alexander gave us some great insight! -
“We are currently using both the FLEXI-Roll mats and the non FLEXI-Roll mats in 2 inch and 1 3/8 inch thicknesses. We found Dollamur mats early on in our search for a colorful soft play surface to surround our pirate ship. Back then it only came in blue, but that worked perfectly to represent the water around the ship. After initially working with the product, we continued to look for ways to incorporate it into exhibits where we needed extra padding or a soft-landing surface. We felt particularly inspired when we created a putting exhibit entirely out of the green non FLEXI-Roll mats. The product is very easy to work with and can be cut with utility knives and a sharp blade. Having color matched Velcro for the seams also allows for larger scale projects that are simple to fabricate.
The folks at Dollamur have always been great to work with. Purchasing and shipping has been very simple, and the product always arrives on time and in good conditions. We are routinely impressed by the extra care in packaging with the sacrificial layer of foam that comes with the roll to protect it during transport.”
This year and beyond, Marbles aims to thoughtfully and prudently reinvest in organizational capacity in order to welcome more guests for safe and impactful play-based learning. We will also continue to relaunch and rebuild programming and events that have been on pause since early 2020.
Leila Thomas, Director of Development finished up the interview by giving us a quote - “As a community nonprofit – and especially as we continue to bounce back from pandemic losses – Marbles relies on the generosity of partners like Dollamur to advance our mission through immersive learning environments. On behalf of the kids who imagine, discover and learn every day at Marbles… we are so grateful!”
The Dollamur team loves hearing from loyal customers just like Marbles Kids Museum! Want to see your name in the headline of the next Dollamur news post? Reach out to us on social media for a chance to be featured!
Dollamur Products to consider for your next play-based project –
