Jones Lang LaSalle's Sunset Mall Wins Sponsors with Play Area!

September 8, 2010

“Our biggest challenge was in helping the potential sponsors appreciate the value of the investment that they would make in a play area,” says John Rowland, Vice President and General Manager. “We had PLAYTIME get us sketches, incorporating the sponsors’ logos and missions into the play area. Both Shannon Medical Center and Foster Communications could see the positive value in a sponsorship.”

Rowland worked for two years to secure sponsors for the new play area, believing it would be a win-win for the sponsors and the San Angelo, TX community. Ultimately, Jones Lang LaSalle hired PLAYTIME to design, manufacture and install the new play system.

“Both organizations sent representatives to the grand opening on August 13 and they were blown away,” he adds.

According to Marketing Manager, Sabrina Tatsch, the grand opening drew over 400 people.

“When word of the new play area began circulating, the general reaction from several parents that I spoke with was, ‘Finally!’” says Tatsch. “Our sponsors have been thrilled with the response.”

“As part of Shannon’s mission and as a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, we are committed to enhance the lives of children and families throughout the Concho Valley,” says Bryan Horner, CEO of Shannon Medical Center. “Play is important for children and we look forward to seeing families have fun together each time they visit the new Children’s Play Area.”

Fred Key, President and CEO of Foster Communications Co., Inc., echoes that sentiment. Key says, “At Foster Communications, we remember our mission to make San Angelo a better place to live, work and play. We are proud to partner with Sunset Mall in creating a safe, fun environment for our children.”

The 1,000-square-feet play area honors the culture of the West Texas region and includes cows, a bridge, a water tank and even a cowboy at the entrance to welcome children. It also features a soft-sculpted helicopter modeled after Shannon’s AirMed1.

“We are excited to include the AirMed1 helicopter as part of this play area,” says Horner. “AirMed1 is a unique, well-known symbol throughout this region, and it’s always a favorite of children when it makes stops at community events. We hope the children will enjoy pretending to fly the helicopter through the West Texas sky.”

Tatsch, Marketing Manager, says Sunset Mall is proud to offer the only indoor play area to San Angelo residents.

“This is good for our community,” she says. “Parents need a place where they can take their kids and know they’re having good, safe fun.”