Mall playground beckons families

EAST COUNTY — East County mom Crystal Rothhaar loves taking her children — 2-year-old Ryan and 4-year-old Allison — outside to play.

But when thunderstorms loom, Rothhaar and her family struggle to find indoor options.

“Right now, we go to Chick-fil-A,” Rothhaar says. “There’s really nothing else to do where you can just show up.”

But Rothhaar is eager to test out a key amenity at the new Mall at University Town Center — its indoor playground.

“It’s hard when you are a mom to get to shop or go to the mall and get things done,” she said. “It’s a great way for us to bring our kids and give them incentive to go. Having an indoor playground is crucial. Our kids can go and get their energy out.”

The mall’s new 1,700-square-foot playground, sponsored by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, features sea and coastal creatures personified as a variety of health care professionals, including Dr. Manni, the head surgeon manatee, and Dr. Ray, a sea ray radiologist.

Michael O’Neill, manager of planning and design for Taubman Centers, which co-owns the mall with Benderson Development, said Taubman selected the theme based on experiences at other malls, unique local geographical features, local wildlife, tourist attractions and special interest items.

“The inspiration driving this design was Florida’s diverse sea life and coastal wonders coupled with Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s desire to create a positive health care-themed play experience,” O’Neill said.

Other features include a nurse shark, a giant stethoscope, a large reflex hammer and a water ambulance slide.

“Several of our play pieces have sound effects that are activated by a child’s close proximity — sirens, heartbeat, X-ray noises and Brahms’ lullaby for the obstetrician stork,” O’Neill said.

The playground serves children 42 inches and shorter, regardless of age.

Design elements
Michael O’Neill, manager of planning and design for Taubman Centers, which co-owns the mall with Benderson Development, said designing a play area like the one at the Mall at UTC starts with dedicating space and designing bench seating around it so parents can rest while their children play.

The mall’s new playground has only one entrance point so children cannot leave the area without their parents seeing.

All play pieces are placed on custom-printed carpet on 1.5 inch-thick safety padding.

“The play pieces are constructed of special soft play materials that have antibacterial qualities,” O’Neill said.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].