Behind the parking lot of the clubhouse daycare center is a 2,400 square foot building with a brand new purpose.

Michelle Barnette has owned and operated this successful daycare center for approximately 22 years and is transforming additional buildings into balloon barns.

She is using her talents to make balloon garlands and unique candied apples and use them for another business.

Michelle Barnette smiles for the camera in her nursery. (Mary Mox/News)

There is also a new splash pad.

The idea of ​​a new venue and new business came after receiving a call from someone who wanted to rent a gym/building for the child’s birthday party. They also performed gender reveals and baby showers in the facility.

The more people visit this website, the more the word spreads.

Barnett recently visited the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation, where she was approved for infrastructure economic incentives. This is just the beginning of the PAEDC process. She plans to develop a detailed plan in the next few weeks, then return to PAEDC and provide her information to the board members. The Port Arthur City Council will finally approve any incentive measures.

On the back of the building is a mural created by artist Gary Landry. Barnett said it took him two and a half weeks to complete the mural, which measures approximately 40 x 15 feet.

Spray water on the newly installed splash pad to fight the wind. (Mary Mox/News)

The mural is the background of the newly installed splash pad, which can accommodate 48 children.

"This building has two bathrooms, a fountain, and an ice machine," Barnett said. "If it's summer and you have a party on a splash pad, we have a commercial ice machine. You can fill up your freezer. There are tables with lids."

Barnett will install two basketball goals.

She also hopes to hire young people, such as recent high school graduates, to attend parties and clean buildings to prepare for the next party.

She said that this job can become a learning experience for teenagers and prepare them for their future.

Tabitha Sutton recently took her young children in a daycare center. She worked there for six years and completed the nursing school there. She graduated in December last year.

She said that Sutton used the building for her gender reveal parties and baby showers.

Barnett hopes that the balloon barn will be open and ready for business by March.