Linda Bouvilom Cannizzo spent more than two decades orchestrating events of all kinds before recognizing a critical gap in the industry: while adult guests enjoyed the celebrations, parents of young children often spent the night chasing toddlers or skipped the events altogether, missing the chance to celebrate and be fully present.
The revelation came during an unexpected moment at her son’s physical therapy session. As she watched him thrive with specialized play equipment designed for gross motor development, Bouvilom saw its potential beyond the clinic. She wondered if similar safe, engaging play spaces could be part of social gatherings, allowing children to be happily occupied while their parents remained fully present.
That vision became even more personal after she and her husband welcomed twin boys, Franklin and Lincoln, followed by their daughter, Kennedy. As a mother of three young children, Bouvilom knew the stress of either chasing toddlers through events or declining invitations altogether. In 2019, she transformed those experiences into Soft Play Oasis®, a Chicago-based company that creates vibrant, mobile, inclusive play environments. Inspired by her “rainbow babies,” the brand’s rainbow palette reflects its mission: ensuring life’s biggest moments are truly inclusive by welcoming even the youngest children safely into the festivities.
Shortly after the launch, her husband, Frank Cannizzo, joined as co-owner of the venture. He oversees the hands-on operations, including equipment and warehouse management, delivery, and logistics.
The business model addresses a specific need in the event industry: providing beautifully designed, contained, and safe play environments for children five and under at a wide range of special occasions. Unlike traditional entertainment options, these curated play spaces allow parents to relax and fully engage with the festivities while their children explore age-appropriate activities such as padded ball pits, tumblers, and climbers within secure boundaries.
Together, they are shaping Soft Play Oasis into more than just entertainment, with every installation guided by three core principles: safety, functionality, and design. Safety is the foundation, with all play spaces featuring commercial-grade foam padded equipment sourced from trusted manufacturers and designed as fully enclosed environments where children can explore freely. Functionality ensures each setup supports child development while keeping little ones engaged across different ages and interests. Design ensures each play space is color-coordinated, visually stimulating, and thoughtfully arranged to enhance the overall aesthetic, allowing hosts to preserve their vision while accommodating their youngest guests.
This attention to visual harmony reflects Bouvilom’s extensive background in fashion merchandising and event planning. Her expertise in both logistics and design informs every aspect of the business, from equipment selection to intentional layout and spacing that maximize both beauty and functionality.
Beyond families, Soft Play Oasis partners with planners and businesses to provide kid-friendly entertainment solutions that allow even the youngest guests to be part of weddings, corporate functions, community celebrations, and private parties.
Industry professionals have taken notice of this innovative approach to event planning. By addressing a previously overlooked demographic, Soft Play Oasis has carved out a unique position in the competitive Chicago event services market. The company’s growth trajectory suggests increasing demand for services that bridge the gap between adult celebrations and children’s entertainment needs.
As event planning evolves post-pandemic, family inclusion has become increasingly important. While mobile soft play is established in other metropolitan markets, it remains far less familiar than bounce houses. When Bouvilom launched Soft Play Oasis, only a handful of providers existed in the Chicagoland area, making her company one of the first to introduce the concept locally.
The transformation from event professional to specialized service provider highlights how personal experiences can uncover overlooked market opportunities. Bouvilom’s journey sparked by a realization during her son’s therapy session and reinforced by her own challenges as a mother of three young children, led to the creation of a thriving business rooted in authentic need and positioned to set new standards in the event industry.
Looking ahead, the company remains focused on continuous improvement, refining its offerings through process innovation, rigorous safety standards, and awareness of industry trends. By carefully curating equipment from both US based and global manufacturers, Soft Play Oasis ensures access to innovative play solutions that meet evolving developmental and safety recommendations. This commitment to excellence has made the company a trusted partner not only for families and event planners but also for businesses and organizations seeking inclusive, child-friendly experiences at their events.