Play spaces, public or private?

[desertslave]

Long ago and far away, I was a member of Hellfire in NYC and an occasional visitor of Mineshaft. Years later, when I visited AZ and Master, we attended a few meetings and parties at Apex. It's been a while since we've been public, though (home is where the floggers are ).

We are kicking around the idea of a road trip or three, and it got me to wondering what play spaces are around, these days. Additionally, I've read a few novels (to my random embarrassment) that describe "private" BDSM clubs. I'm not asking for any outings, but do they really exist, to anyone's knowledge?

 

[ecstaticsub]

Yes, private play places do exist. I have a friend who has a dungeon in her basement. She uses it herself, and also allows friends to borrow it. (I'm not sure if she rents it out or there is some sort of barter arrangement) It is large enough for her to have small parties there, too.

I haven't been to any public play areas though I know plenty exist.

 

[midwestyankee]

Chicago is home to at least three good-sized public spaces. I say public, but that only means that they're open to anyone who ponies up the cash to become a member. I know people who belong to each of the clubs and in most cases a member can bring a guest or two occasionally. I've been to one of the spaces a couple of times. Great equipment (insanely heavy-duty suspension rig, for example) and even a separate space for long single-tail play.

 

[desertslave]

Chicago is home to at least three good-sized public spaces. I say public, but that only means that they're open to anyone who ponies up the cash to become a member. I know people who belong to each of the clubs and in most cases a member can bring a guest or two occasionally. I've been to one of the spaces a couple of times. Great equipment (insanely heavy-duty suspension rig, for example) and even a separate space for long single-tail play.

This makes helping my daughter with her next (inevitable) move much more interesting!

 

[Shankara20]

but do they really exist, to anyone's knowledge?

Wichita, Kansas has several private "members only" play spaces - no public places. I think "members only" help deal with local laws.

 

[ouchfeelsgood]

Long ago and far away, I was a member of Hellfire in NYC and an occasional visitor of Mineshaft.

I was also an occasional visitor to the Hellfire Club many years ago. It used to be located in the meat-packing district on west 14th St. There was also another public club called The Vault, and I think it moved into Hellfire's space when Hellfire moved to a space a few blocks away on the West Side Hwy. Unfortunately both clubs are gone -- the only major public BDSM space in Manhattan (that I know about) is Paddles, on West 26th St. I've been there a number of times, but not in recent years.

In terms of private play spaces in NYC, I've heard about many over the years, but you have to know someone to find out about them, and then possibly get invited to a play party.