Online Staff Report

The Rockford Park District and CherryVale Mall cut the ribbon Jan. 17 to reopen the “Come Play with Us!” play area near Sears within CherryVale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford.

The custom indoor play area, created by Playtime, LLC, features soft foam play pieces that represent Rockford Park District popular attractions or recreation activities. The indoor play equipment now features the following:

• Double Dare Drop slide and inner tube found at Magic Waters Waterpark;

• Butterfly and flowers located at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens;

• Tent, campfire and fish, which are all found at Atwood Center; and

• Popular recreation activities like soccer, tennis, baseball and golf.

A 32-foot-by-32-foot custom indoor play area has been located at CherryVale Mall since 2007.

Jodi Carroll, deputy director of Recreation and Systems Development for the Rockford Park District, said: “We have a very strong relationship with CherryVale Mall, and are thrilled that it is such a popular place to play. With such a high volume of traffic, the play elements and flooring system have suffered significant wear and tear, so it was time to upgrade the play area and let families get to know many of the new attractions and activities they can find in our community. These new pieces give kids the chance to explore a new area while being active by crawling, sliding and climbing in a safe environment.”

Children, ages 7 and younger and under 42 inches tall, are welcome to enjoy the “Come Play With Us” indoor children’s play area at CherryVale Mall during normal business hours, and there is no admission charge. Parents can also find current information about programs and services of the Rockford Park District while seated, watching their children play, and the Park District will hold special registration events at the mall during select weekends.

Mark Peterson, CherryVale Mall general manager, said: “More than 8.5 million visitors annually visit the mall; this partnership allows the Park District to reach youth and families, and we are confident that the newly remodeled play area will be a significant attraction in the mall for families. It’s a wonderful benefit to the greater Rockford community.”

Posted Jan. 17, 2013