A curious passerby at the Meadowbrook Mall stood at Sear’s Court and looked down at her daughter. She offered what may have been considered some disappointing news.

 

“I don’t think the new kids place can be opening next weekend because there’s nothing here,” the woman said.

 

Fortunately, there’s good news as it relates to the Meadowbrook Mall and the massive project that should be getting a start this very day. As of this morning, Mall Property Manager Marcello Lalama said that the “kids place” in question above should get its start. In fact, not only will the new Connect-Bridgeport.com Kids Zone see work begin today, but it will be finished well ahead of Saturday’s grand opening ceremony set for 11 a.m.

 

“The trucks (were) expected to arrive (last night),” said Lalama.

 

The trucks were from Playtime, LLC, which is located in Colorado.  And for those  wondering how the mall’s first-ever youth play area can be constructed in such a short time frame, Lalama said it’s simple.

“It’s pre-made and it’s custom made for this mall,” said Lalama. “It does come in pieces and there’s a lot of work involved in putting it together, but the work should be done in three days from (today).”

 

Lalama said for the most part the work will be done with curtains around it. Once the work is complete, it will be covered with parachutes to keep it out of the public eye until it’s unveiling at the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday. However, it doesn’t end there.

 

Mall officials have announced that 12-year-old Cambrie Decker, a locally talented sensation, will sing the National Anthem. And that’s just the beginning.

  

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Sears Court, those who are fans of the Disney television series Jessie will be able to meet Peyton List. List stars as the character Emma Ross in Jessie and she will be signing autographs and taking pictures during those three hours.

 

List is best known as Ross, the lead character in the Disney Channel comedy series Jessie and for her role in 27 Dresses, where she played the younger version of Katherine Heigl's character, Jane. She also co-starred as Holly Hills in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

 

To round out the day, a Super Hero will be in attendance. Marvel Comic legend Captain America will be at the mall to greet youngsters.

 

Activities will continue on Sunday – June 29 – when Captain America will get company. Spider Man will be joining his fellow super hero from noon to 4 p.m. in the WDTV Event Center.

 

“There’s been a lot of buzz about this since we announced it several months ago. I’ve heard so many positive comments from mothers and parents in general. They’re pleased to have this coming,” said Lalama. “It’s just going to be a huge weekend.”

 

The new Kids Zone is custom-designed play elements that will depict many of the landmarks and recreational attractions of the Bridgeport area.  Included in the mix is the Bowstring Bridge, the North Central West Virginia Airport tower, a baseball, a structure representing the Farmer’s Market and more. The Greater Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau is the sponsor of the facility.

 

Mall officials have said the items inside the new Kids Zone are sturdy, but soft to the touch. The items will rest on a thickly-padded floor.  The Kids Zone is also surrounded by an enclosure with seating for adults.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Meadowbrook Mall Property Manager Marcello Lalama showing the area last year during mall renovations where the Kids Zone will be situated. Second photo is a sneak view of one of the prefabricated pieces; in this case the Bowstring Bridge. Bottom left is Disney Star Peyton List, while the artist's rendering of the Kids Zone is bottom right.