hiddenATLANTA
INTERACTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR KIDS RENOVATIONS HELP INK RETURN By Charles Beikert
Children and parents of Atlanta, your wait is over. The Interactive Neighbor-
INK is about more than just having fun: it's about stimulating creativity, exploring and learning new experiences.
hood for Kids (INK) has been a fixture for families and children for 16 years, providing a safe “neighborhood” environment where children of all ages have a chance to learn and develop their full potential. Heavily damaged in flooding last year, a sustained and passionate effort on the part of museum staff and local groups has resulted in a restoration of the beloved facility. “The community has rallied and made big donations of time, money and materials,” Executive Director Mandy Volpe says. “It looks great. Everything is just so fresh and clean. It all looks brand new,” INK performer Jeff McClure says. After nearly five months of renovation, February 1 marked the Grand Re-Opening of INK with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Improvements to the museum include the refurbishing of some favorite older exhibits as well as the addition of new experiences like “going to the bank” and “careers in manufacturing,” all geared toward Learn about animals, adoption, and medical treatment at the veterinary clinic.
young children in that signature INK way. Children can once again touch and explore a neighborhood environment scaled to their size. The post office, the veterinary clinic, the dentist’s office, the old diner, and more are all there and with fresh new faces guiding the way! Kids can also learn about the excitement of flying in a plane in “Grandpappy Airlines,” a full-sized 1955 Aero Commander 560 airplane. Get to know the doctor’s and dentist’s office in the INK Medical Clinic. Or just let the kids roam free through the mazes and nets of INK’s Family Playhouse. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Admission is $9 per person Monday through Saturday and $6 per person on Sundays. Memberships, birthday parties, group visits and field trips are also available.
Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) is located at 999 Chestnut St., SE, Gainesville, GA 30501, 770-536-1900, inkfun.org. 58 | Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com