One Play at a Time: Rachel Beider's Canopy - New York Family

"The idea for Canopy really began with a very personal experience. I gave birth to my first baby in New York City on March 24, 2020, right in the earliest days of the pandemic when the city was in full 'shelter in place.' Overnight, there were no playgroups, no mom gatherings, no places to go with a baby. The normal ways that parents meet each other and find support totally disappeared."

"Like many parents in the early years, she imagined something different: a place to gather, chill, and feel supported during drop-in playtime; classes designed for prenatal and postpartum parents; music and movement classes; and more. Nestled between Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Beider has built more than a business; she's created a community."

Rachel Beider founded Canopy, a family-centered community space located between Williamsburg and Greenpoint, inspired by her experiences during the pandemic with her first baby born in March 2020. Facing isolation when traditional parent support systems disappeared during lockdown, she envisioned a welcoming environment where families could gather, connect, and feel supported. Canopy offers drop-in playtime, prenatal and postpartum classes, music and movement programs, and other services designed to nurture both children and parents. The space emphasizes thoughtful, calming, and intentional design to create balance where families feel welcomed and supported during the crucial early years of parenting.

Read at New York Family