Colorado Springs – September 18, 2026 -- GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers will open its 64th location on Saturday, September 26, bringing free educational, therapeutic, career-development and social programs to individuals with Down syndrome and their families across the Pikes Peak region.
The grand opening celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2360 Montebello Square Dr, Suite A, in Colorado Springs. Founder and Chief Belief Officer Nancy Gianni and her daughter, GiGi Gianni, will attend to mark the milestone.
A group of local parents built the Playhouse from scratch
The Colorado Springs location began with families searching for resources after a Down syndrome diagnosis. Startup Lead Katie Stoddard found GiGi's Playhouse online shortly after her daughter Margo was born but discovered no location existed near her family, prompting a group of local parents to form a startup committee.
"GiGi's Playhouse is a community center for people with Down syndrome, where all the programming is completely free," Stoddard said, adding that it gives people of all ages opportunities to grow, learn, be included and be celebrated.
Every program is offered at no cost to families
GiGi's Playhouse Colorado Springs will provide programs for all ages, from infancy through adulthood, including early-language development, group social activities, GiGiFIT, GiGi's Kitchen, individualized literacy and math tutoring, and adult career skills training. All programs remain free regardless of a family's income or insurance status.
Startup committee member Stephanie Kerscher described the space as a hub for the entire community, not just individuals with Down syndrome, saying volunteers, parents and everyone who walks through the door takes something away from the experience.
The Playhouse also functions as a community gathering point
Beyond direct services, the center is intended to connect parents with encouragement and guidance, help siblings build relationships, and turn volunteers into advocates for inclusion. Nancy Gianni said the Colorado Springs location was built by families who refused to accept that opportunity should depend on a diagnosis or a ZIP code.
The public can register for the grand opening celebration and learn about volunteering or supporting the center's free programs through GiGi's Playhouse Colorado Springs.