Simon's Houston Galleria Opens "Little Galleria" Play Area That Captures Galleria’s Iconic Appeal!

July 28, 2010

“When you come to The Galleria, your expectations are high,” says David Anderson, General Manager. “We have a world-class tenant mix so we needed a PLAYTIME kids play area that would set the bar and be exclusive to The Galleria.”

According to Anderson, The Houston Galleria had been contemplating a play area for several years but wanted to be sure that it “exceeded” customer expectations.

The result is an elaborate pint-size replica of The Houston Galleria itself, presented by MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.

“We knew that it had to be special,” he says. “The Little Galleria presented by MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital is not only fun, it also contributes to exercise and positive developmental growth in a safe environment.”

Called “The Little Galleria,” the new playscape is constructed of soft foam material and includes mini-versions of Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and even the nearby Williams Tower. The area also features padded carpeting that is designed to represent the Uptown area, complete with street names – Hidalgo, Westheimer, McCue and Post Oak.

“The layout is so accurate that you can actually look at the play area and understand where the hotels, office towers and department stores are in the shopping center,” says Anderson.

The play area and playground equipment was designed, manufactured and installed by PLAYTIME, LLC, which worked diligently to be sure the retailers and their brands were represented properly. Anderson says that even the woodwork on the surrounding seating was chosen to match the existing woodwork in the shopping center.

Dr. Eugenie Kleinerman, head of the Children’s Cancer Hospital, attended the play area’s ribbon cutting and noted that, “The playground is a terrific representation of the Children’s Cancer Hospital’s mission and philosophy of care. Every day, we encourage our patients and their families to get daily exercise together, to play safely with their friends and siblings, to stay connected as a family, to stay protected from the sun -- and to take every opportunity to have fun and be kids.”

Also, Anderson noted that the play elements are created from a naturally antibacterial soft foam which sheds 99% of all germs that come in contact with it.

“The play area opened June 29 and we continuously have between 30 and 40 children there,” says Anderson. “There is a lot of activity around the play area. A lot of smiling faces. Kids are just loving it.”