Playland-Not-At-The-Beach
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I've been to Playland-Not-At-The-Beach as a visitor and a volunteer. It's a really fun, special hidden gym in the east bay.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give them more money to complete the vision they have begun
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The fun atmosphere, learning about a piece of bay area history I knew nothing about.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Awesome
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Open a real East Bay playland.
Ways to make it better...
They need more space! ...and a working roller coster
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
It's location, and the unwillingness of people to explore their neighborhoods.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
As a vounteer, I have seen people enter the museum not expecting much and leaving hours later with huge smiles on their faces. I have watched guests rushing about the building on a treasure hunt and others spending a day playing the 25+ pinball machines. This place truly has something for everybody. The only unhappy people I have seen are those who didn't allow enough time to experience everything to their hearts desire.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing people leave with huge smiles while wishing they could stay longer. I've met hundreds of vistitors and have yet to meet anyone who did not have a great time.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Educational and fun. Introduces people of all ages to special exhibits from an era where families enjoyed time together. Grandparents and parents bring their children or grandchildren to show them what they did for fun before X-Box etc. It is an amazing place all under one roof. For children a museum that teaches and is fun. I also learn from the visitors with their knowledge and experiences and I like the one-on-one contact with the visitors.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
history I've learned and help I have given to the first time visitors.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I know it's cliche, but this really is a hidden gem. For little more than the price of a happy meal, I can have hours of fun there. In addition to an extensive pinball collection, there are also carnival arcade games, and museum displays of amusement and carnival history (including, of course, Playland by the Beach). The staff and volunteers are masters of old-fashioned fun! It's tight quarters inside, but they definitely make the most of every inch. But because of the layout and spacing, it doesn't really feel cramped or crowded...just fun! Upbeat music and live performers round things out. In addition to visits, they also offer parties. But not just children's parties during visiting hours. they also offer after-hours parties for children and adults. Having planned a party or two in my day, I think this is what really sets them apart from other venues...the versatility. I found this place through the Disney volunteer promo, and am so glad I did! Though I've not made any plan to use my Disney ticket, I have already planned two return visits here with friends/family and have set my sights on becoming a regular volunteer despite its distance from my house. There aren't enough places to have plain, old fun. So helping ensure this one continues is a priority.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their simplicity. They have one goal...to share the joy of a bygone era (okay, and maybe to resurrect the innocent fun)!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
just great! So enthusiastic, so knowledgeable, and just so much fun. They cheer you on at the games, explain the history of the machines, or give you a "tour" of the old Playland.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Roll out the fun to everyone! I know that the emphasis in our culture is on technology. But PNATB is a place where you can lose yourself in another time, where things were a bit slower but the fun was just as good!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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