By BRIDGET COOK
TWO mothers went ‘undercover’ last week to expose a sex party being advertised for swingers at a Cranbourne play centre.
But this week the owners of Casey Kids Playhouse have maintained their innocence over the allegations and said they had met with foul play.
Explicit photos of the couple appeared alongside an advertisement inviting swingers to join them for a party at the play centre, that would be held monthly once they reached six couples.
The advertisement stated that the party venue had many features including a laser light show, fog machine, giant ball pit and jumping castle.
It went viral over the weekend on social media with angry parents expressing their disgust over the advertisement, forcing the business to shut down its Facebook page and website.
The owners told the News yesterday that they had been framed and, while the photos were of them, that they were from a private collection that had somehow been stolen.
Local mother Allison, who did not want her last name used, said she and a friend went undercover last week when they were made aware of the advertisement on website Craigslist.
Allison said her friend emailed and pretended to be a single woman interested in the party.
The News has seen return emails sent back to her, signed off under the same names as the owners.
The couple said yesterday the emails were definitely not from them and maintained they had been set up.
“We own a kids play centre at Station Street … and will throw the party here,” one of the emails read.
“Single women are more than welcome and we were looking for one to join us too so please send a picture or two.
“Please feel at ease because if not us you’re into then we welcome all that are clean, nice and still sexy people.
“Some that went to our first party are very sexy couples and they thought it was great and are coming to our next party, so it’s not just about us.”
Another email said they were new to the scene and would be happy to get to know her first, by meeting her at restaurant or bar to just talk with no expectations.
Allison said she was horrified when they found the advertisement.
“I don’t care what people choose to do in their personal time, each to their own,” she said.
“But this is a child venue and it’s just not on.
“I was horrified when we found it.
“We had gone there with our mothers group just the week before.”
The owners said they had been advised by their lawyer not to comment on the matter any further than the statement they released, as they had not done anything illegal.
“This is very disturbing to hear,” the statement said.
“We are trying to get to the bottom of this very disturbing issue and potential damage to our reputation and will keep you up to date.
“The play house is booked out on weekends for catered kids birthday parties and also for private hire where we are not there.
“We give them the keys and show them how to open and close everything and confirm at the end of their booked time that everything is back in order and is locked up tight.
“We assure you that even though the photos are of us, there is or was no intention to host any type of party of this description.”
City of Casey manager planning Duncan Turner said that the council was currently investigating reports that the Casey Kids Play House was allegedly being used for a purpose outside its planning permit.
“While council continues its investigations, a Planning Contravention Notice (PCN) has been issued to the operators,” he said.
“This requires the immediate cessation of the use of the land for purposes outside its planning permit.
“Failure to comply with the PCN will result in an interim enforcement order being lodged through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.”
