When the doors to the Center for Creative Play in Regent Square closed March 31, Pittsburgh lost more than just another place for kids to romp on a rainy day.

Created in 1995 as a place where children with disabilities would have the same play opportunities as typical children, the center was the first of its kind in the nation. Located at 1400 S. Braddock Ave., it played host to more than 45,000 visitors last year. The center also provided services for groups such as the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers and programs such as Our Time, a respite service for special needs families.

Some of the center's members are fighting to get those doors open again. Last Thursday, about 20 gathered in the Regent Square coffee shop Katerbean to talk about what their newly formed group, Bring Back CFCP, could do to achieve that goal.

Three of the group's founding members -- Zoe Weslowski, Regis Rothrauff and Elizabeth Felter -- met with parents, former center employees and the president and vice president of the center's board to discuss the next step in raising community awareness about the impact of the center's closing.

Ms. Weslowski, of Wilkinsburg, said she's already feeling that loss. She is a single mother with two boys, one of whom has been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, which shares some symptoms of autism.

"The center's been a lifesaver for us," Ms. Weslowski said.

She added that she works and attends classes at Community College of Allegheny County, with a goal of earning a nursing degree, so it's difficult for her to find time to coordinate Bring Back CFCP.

"I wouldn't be pursuing this cause with so much dedication if it weren't for my kids," she said.

Several others at the meeting had similar stories. Some people expressed dismay at the thought that the Pittsburgh community might let the center close without a fight.

Mr. Rothrauff pointed out that another vacant building would hardly help the area, but that the center was more than an occupied facility.

"The center isn't just a place for kids with special needs, but a place where other kids could start to understand those with disabilities," he said. "We aren't just losing a community center, we're losing part of the community itself."

Cindy Gamble, the center's play floor supervisor, and Amy Watson, a center program coordinator, noted the facility had regular visitors from as far away as West Virginia and Maryland.

"I don't think people realize how [unusual] the center is, how much it meant to people, and not just to those in this area," Ms. Watson said.

Board President Jason Kunzman and Vice President Mary Jo Caruso addressed the financial realities that led to the center's closing and the board's efforts to reopen it, but would not publicly discuss particulars until negotiations are resolved.

Mr. Kunzman would say, however, that the work of Bring Back CFCP could only help the board's efforts to develop a financially sustainable business plan for the center.

"We want to make it a leaner, meaner machine," he said, adding, "it's important that the philanthropic community sees how much grass-roots support there is for the center."

To that end, Bring Back CFCP will hold a demonstration on the sidewalk in front of the center from noon to 3 p.m. May 4.

Ms. Weslowski said the aim of the event is to "raise awareness of the issue, and gain further support and interest of organizations that support the return of the center."

She added that it's not just local children who will be affected if the closing becomes permanent.

"The loss of this place would diminish the entire Pittsburgh region," Ms. Weslowski said.

To contact Bring Back CFCP, go to www.bringbackcfcp.com or e-mail bringbackcfcp@yahoo.com.