Woodfield play area on its way

Woodfield Shopping Center will soon contain a play area for children.

The management office on Friday confirmed plans are under way to build a children's play area at the Schaumburg mall.

Signs were erected Thursday in the lower level of Macy's Court, where preliminary construction has started on the site. Mall management was tight-lipped about the plan, stating that final details are currently being approved.

"It will be unique," said Woodfield General Manager Marc Strich.

He expected the structure to be complete by the end of October.

Many other area indoor malls already feature play areas as a way to attract families with young children. It's a concept that Woodfield has considered for years.

"A play amenity has been one of the most requested items at Woodfield," Strich said.

He added that it's a way to increase the number of families coming to the center.

A number of malls across the country have made moves to try to bring in young families as mall traffic decreases, said Will Ander, retail analyst with McMillan & Dolittle in Chicago.

"They need to freshen up and change," said Ander. "It will give families another reason to come to the mall."