A new business opens today behind a red polka dot door off First Place in Hermiston.

Inflatable Fun Gym combines two businesses of its three owners to provide a place for children to have fun and burn energy during fall and winter weather.

Hermiston needs it, said Sheri Petersen. We need a safe, happy, healthy place like this for families and kids.

Petersen, owner of Inflatable Fun, a bounce house rental company, founded the business together with The Tiki Hut shaved ice owners Natasha Rowley and Mandy Harker.

The trio connected through interactions with the City of Hermiston for their respective businesses. The inspiration for the gym and its parts came from their own experiences. Together, the three have nine children, ranging in age from 2 to 12.

When we moved here, we didnt have family or anyone to visit, so the kids would go stir-crazy, Peterson said. Thats why I started Inflatable Fun, for my kids to have something to do.

Rowley and Harker said they ran into similar issues, especially when cold weather kept children inside.

I think as big as the City of Hermiston is, we really need an inside gym for our kids, Harker said. We have a family bowling alley and a family skating rink and this is another place where kids can come and run and play and have fun. Its a great spot for everyone of all ages little kids, adults, big kids.

This summer, the three women began searching for a location and turning the former warehouse into their vision.

Its amazing how its come together. Its been a lot of work, but its been fun, Rowley said.

In addition to the inflatable structures, the gym also includes a toddler play area, space for non-motorized ride-on cars, murals and picnic tables, as well as the menu from The Tiki Hut and Dominos Pizza.

Our kids are excited about it, Rowley said. Even though theyve been here for hours, they still cry when we leave.

After todays grand opening, Inflatable Fun Gym will have open play hours four days a week as well as bookings for private parties.

The open play days and times are: 5-8 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.- noon Tuesdays and Thursdays and 3:30-6:30 p.m. Fridays. Open play admission $3.50 per participant and non-jumping adults and infants are free. Monday nights are family nights, so adults can jump as well.

The entire facility can be rented for private parties on Friday nights and weekends.

Inflatable Fun Gym opens today behind the red polka dot door in the Hermiston Industrial Park, 1055 N. First Place.

For more information, call 541-567-2356 or visit www.Inflatablefunhermiston.com or www.facebook.com/pages/Inflatable-Fun-Gym .