Slides, a rope bridge and more will soon take over a portion of NewPark Mall.
Within the next month, a new children’s play area will be installed at center court on the lower level of the mall near Gymboree and the elevator, according to mall management.
The 700-square-foot play area will be set atop a padded floor that will include play equipment made by KOMPAN Playgrounds and seating for parents, according to NewPark Mall Manager Kelly Gardner.
“It’ll be a great addition for our center court,” Gardner said.
The play area is designed for children between the ages of 2 and 8 years old, said Gardner, who added that a children’s playground has been an amenity that’s been requested by parents in the past recent years.
“There’s a demand for it,” Gardner said. “We’re really excited.”
The addition of a play area is just one of several minor renovations the NewPark Mall management team has put in place at the only indoor shopping mall in the Tri-Cities.
NewPark Mall’s food court has also seen various upgrades, including the addition of round top tables that include electricity outlets customers can use to power up their electronics while eating and children’s seating in the dining area.
Gardner said while there are no major renovations planned for the immediate future, he said the mall’s management team is in the process of working with city officials to help determine how to develop the shopping center.
City officials have hired a consultant firm to help develop a vision for the NewPark Mall area and its surrounding shopping centers.
The plan is dubbed the Greater NewPark Master Plan and includes potential development ideas for two neighboring shopping centers: Mowry Crossing Shopping Center to the north, which includes BJ's Restaurant; and NewPark Plaza to the south, which is anchored by TJ Maxx and Hometown Buffet.
The Greater NewPark Master Plan was last visited during a community meeting held in August.
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