UDLC Play Place Soft Opening — A Joyful Kick-Off on Saturday, August 9, 2025

By Dr. Sharon H. Porter | Saturday, August 9, 2025 | EducationFIRST

Waldorf, MD — Saturday, August 9, 2025 was a magical debut as UDLC Play Place officially held its soft opening, drawing families from both nearby communities and well beyond for an afternoon of discovery, delight, and communal celebration.

What’s in a Name? Family-Inspired Play Zones

Each play zone is lovingly named after a member of the Frazier family—owners Dorothea and Robert Frazier Jr., their children, and their grandchildren.

Here's a fun peek inside:

• Dough’s Ice Cream Parlor – A sweet escape into make-believe, complete with colorful “scoops,” pretend cones, and a counter for serving up endless frozen treats. Kids delighted in playing both chef and customer in this whimsical spot.

• Bob’s Corner Market – A pint-sized grocery store stocked with play produce, shopping baskets, and a checkout stand. Young shoppers can zip through the aisles, learning about food and money through imaginative transactions.

• Cri’s Pizzeria – A lively pretend kitchen where little chefs can roll dough, assemble toppings, and “serve” hot pies fresh from the toy oven.

• Hendrix Fire Station – Complete with child-sized firefighter gear, a play fire truck, and “emergency” scenarios to solve, this station sparked teamwork, problem-solving, and bravery in every child who suited up.

• Chrissy & Rah Diner – A cozy café-style play zone where kids can take orders, serve meals, and practice hospitality.

• Zauria’s Place – An apartment with a cozy couch and kitchen set and beautiful dresses for pretend!

• Julez’s Animal Hospital – A heartwarming veterinary play area where young animal lovers “cared” for stuffed pets, used pretend medical tools, and learned about compassion through imaginative treatment.

Together, these zones weave a blend of safety, creativity, learning, and family—each imbued with the personality of its namesake.

Why Venues Like This Matter

Spaces like UDLC Play Place are far more than entertainment—they’re essential to healthy childhood development. In an age where screen time often dominates, venues dedicated to hands-on, imaginative play give children opportunities to:

• Develop Social Skills – Role-playing, sharing, and cooperative games teach communication, empathy, and teamwork.

• Boost Creativity & Problem-Solving – Open-ended play sparks imagination and helps children think outside the box.

• Build Confidence – Exploring new environments and trying new activities fosters independence and self-assurance.

• Support Physical Health – Active play areas promote movement, balance, and coordination.

By offering a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment, UDLC Play Place gives children the kind of rich, real-world experiences that set the foundation for lifelong learning.

A Crowd That Came From Near and Far

Excitement for the soft opening transcended locales. Families traveled from nearby Waldorf neighborhoods and farther-flung areas as Baltimore, MD, Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta, GA to experience UDLC firsthand. Many guests noted the rarity of such a thoughtfully developed, developmentally rich play environment—and confirmed the journey was worth every minute.

Meet the Owners: A Vision Built on Experience and Love

UDLC Play Place is brought to life by Dorothea and Robert Frazier Jr., whose professional journeys bring both dedication and wisdom to the venture. Dorothea, a retired educator with over 38 years in education, founded The Ultimate Development Learning Center, LLC with a mission to enrich children socially, emotionally, and academically. Robert complements her vision with 40 years of federal service.

Together, they’ve raised two daughters—Lucritia and Chrissy—and a son, Christopher, and are the loving grandparents of Zauria, Zhoe, Julez, and Hendrix. This deeply personal connection infuses every corner of the Play Place, transforming it from a business into a legacy of love and learning.

The soft opening of UDLC Play Place unveiled more than just a new venue—it introduced a space where learning, joy, and family heritage coexist beautifully. With its thoughtful design and heartfelt vision, UDLC promises to be a destination of growth, connection, and fun. The countdown is now officially on for the grand opening on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.—where the full experience awaits!

UDLC Play Place is located at 11483 Berry Road | Waldorf, MD 20603 and can be contacted at 301. 500.2006 or info@udlcplayplace.com

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About Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Dr. Sharon H. Porter is a lifelong public educator, the host of Leadership Matters podcast, and the founder of Leadership SHP, a premier coaching and mentorship platform dedicated to developing the next generation of school leaders. Through The New Principal RoundTable (NPR) and the Aspiring Principal Leadership Academy (APLA), Leadership SHP provides aspiring and novice principals with the tools, strategies, and support needed to thrive in their roles. 

With a focus on transformative leadership, practical guidance, and a strong professional network, Leadership SHP empowers educators to lead with confidence, impact, and purpose—ultimately shaping stronger schools and communities. Dr. Porter is a NAESP Center for Diversity Leadership Fellow, has been recognized and awarded as a MAESP Connected School Leader, and currently serves as an elementary principal in the state of Maryland.

"Empowering Leaders. Elevating Voices. Inspiring Change"