Westfield Countryside Mall Optimizes Space with Innovative, Split-level Play Area Design

March 22, 2010

"The mall has several levels and we decided to take out the planters in the transition area and put in a new play area," said David Hibberd, General Manager of Westfield Countryside Mall in Clearwater, FL. "PLAYTIME's soft foam wave element bridges former stair risers and creates a fun and safe play feature. The wave makes a nice slide and climber, and the kids just love that."

This was the first play area PLAYTIME ever built within a split-level floor plan. The lower level represents an under the sea environment, with brain coral climbers and ocean creature crawl tunnels. A wave slide acts as a transition element, washing up on the shore to meet the upper level, which features a beach-themed play area with snails and shells and starfish climbers.

"Westfield Countryside wanted a contemporary and abstract design, that did not limit children’s imaginations to simply a seashell," reported PLAYTIME Retail Vice President, David O’Niones. The seaside play area theme is tied together with PLAYTIME’s brightly colored, PolyPlay safety surface system.

The new PLAYTIME play area was part of a $12 million renovation, which the mall completed in 2009 and opened in time for the holiday shopping season. Mall traffic has remained consistent since the renovations.

David Hibberd notes, "We have become a magnet for local Moms, with informal play groups starting up first thing in the morning on weekdays."

Make PLAYTIME your play date destination. Families with young children worldwide are discovering the draw of play areas for bringing families together to play, shop, eat, workout and socialize in malls, restaurants, and other businesses where families may bring their kids. Contact David O'Niones to learn more.