How The Sensory Forest Went Staffless

When staffing challenges and operational overhead became a concern, The Sensory Forest implemented Rhōmb to automate customer access and operate as a self-service facility.

"Rhōmb completely streamlined our operations and made it possible for us to run a secure self-serve business model with confidence."

- Lisa Fiore
Owner, The Sensory Forest

The Challenge

Before implementing Rhōmb, The Sensory Forest was only open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM each day.

As the owner of multiple businesses, Lisa didn't have the time to staff the front desk throughout the day. While families wanted more flexibility, extending hours would have required additional staff or more of her own time.

She needed a way to allow customers to access the playground independently while maintaining security, accountability, and a great customer experience.

The Solution

The Sensory Forest implemented Rhōmb in June 2025.

Customers purchase admission online and automatically receive unique access credentials tied directly to their booking.

This allows families to arrive, enter, and enjoy the facility without needing to have staff on site.

What Customers Thought

Parents quickly embraced the convenience of the self-service model.

"Parents especially appreciated being able to quickly receive a code, enter easily, and enjoy a flexible self-serve experience without waiting for staff assistance."

The result was a smoother experience for customers and fewer operational demands on staff.

Lessons for Playground Owners

One of Lisa's biggest takeaways from transitioning to a self-service model was that customer communication is just as important as the technology itself.

Because many customers had never used a self-service facility before, clear booking confirmations, entry instructions, signage, and policies were critical to building confidence in the process.

For playground owners considering a self-service model, Lisa recommends investing in reliable systems from the start and focusing heavily on customer education.

"A self-service model can dramatically reduce overhead, improve scheduling flexibility, and create a modern customer experience when implemented correctly."

Curious What Self-Service Could Look Like for Your Playground?

See how Rhōmb helps indoor playgrounds automate admissions, memberships, waivers, and door access.