A line of parked strollers greets visitors to Bluemont Local, Alexandria’s newest indoor playground extraordinaire. Inside, parents and grandparents chat and sip coffee while seated on a row of whimsical couches.
On the opposite wall, children run in and around a play structure comprised of towers, slides, bridges, tunnels and more.
The one-of-a-kind facility is the creation of Sean Walsh and Angelica Gomez, parents of two and parishioners of the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria. Late last year, their dreams of opening a space that would contribute to family flourishing were realized. Surviving a difficult health crisis brought the couple closer to God and inspired them to launch a new business. “We have been through a lot (but) we have seen God touch (us) so many times through this process,” Gomez said.
Walsh, a clinical psychologist, first moved from the Midwest to this area for his doctoral program internship. Gomez moved from her native Spain to the U.S. 14 years ago. She also has a psychology background, but later worked for management companies and as a health coach. After meeting and dating, the couple had two children, Liam, 6, and Victoria, 4. Though both grew up Catholic, they weren’t that connected to their faith until Gomez was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
At the start of the diagnostic process, a doctor told Gomez to prepare for palliative care. But fortunately, the cancer was ultimately deemed a treatable Stage 2. During that time, the couple returned to church, feeling that God and Our Lady were walking alongside their family. As soon as they were able, Walsh and Gomez were married at the basilica with their children and families. “It was such a magical night,” said Gomez. “We had Shubert’s ‘Ave Maria’ as I walked down the aisle and we gave flowers to Mary. Everything was so special.”
During that time, the couple talked often about opening a play space that would allow parents and children to connect with one another. Walsh in his work saw how technology was contributing to the loss of in-person relationships. Gomez saw the need for places where women could experience motherhood together. When she finished her radiation treatment, she started looking into locations, ultimately settling in the Potomac Yard/Del Ray area.
The couple designed their ideal play structure with a UK-based company that prioritizes natural and environmentally friendly materials. They consulted specialists to ensure the structure maximized physical and sensory development. They chose calming colors for the playground — orange, lavender, navy blue and teal — and opted for no screens, flashing lights or loud noises. Instead, they usually pipe in classic tunes from Elvis Presley or Frank Sinatra, said Gomez. The breadth of the playground is largely visible from the seating area, allowing adults to socialize with one another while keeping an eye on their kids. Coffee and tea are complementary, to boost the living-room feel they hope to foster.
Bluemont Local, named after the bygone railway that ran through the town, also has a designated play space for babies, a nursing room, an art area and a reading corner for story time. They offer classes, such as after-school enrichment, and hope to offer parent support groups soon. Walsh said they’ve been grateful for the support of the basilica community during their launch. Youth Apostle Father Peter J. Clem, parochial vicar, recently blessed the facility.
Opening the business had its difficulties — when a loan they were counting on was canceled or when the HVAC system broke. But they feel God helped them to the finish line. “It’s been a testament to us personally to be open to God, open to the process,” said Walsh. “It’s easy to doubt that — we doubted it in many ways — but it got to the point where, of course it (worked) out. This is what God does for us.” He added, “We feel very connected to Mary in particular (because while) this space is for everyone, it feels like it’s more for moms, and Angelica feels that it was Mary who pushed us in many ways.”
The challenging past few years led the couple to strengthen their relationships with God, family, friends and their community. In a small way, they hope Bluemont Local can do the same for the families who come to play. “It’s the worst thing to happen to anyone to be diagnosed with cancer with two little kids (who) don’t know what’s going on, but if that didn’t happen, none of this could start,” said Gomez. “We are really thankful that happened because it gave us a (new) perspective on what really matters.”
Maraist is a freelancer from Reston.
Find out more
Go to bluemontlocal.com or call 703-609-7118.
