For Immediate Release: December 7, 2007

Contact: Brian Reardon, (217) 544-6464, ext. 44306

White Oaks Mall, St. John’s Children’s Hospital open play area for children

Springfield, IL – White Oaks Mall and St. John’s Children’s Hospital opened the new “soft” play area at White Oaks Mall today. This 900-square foot play area is located on the lower level of the Sears wing.

 “After receiving many requests from customers for a children’s play area, we approached St. John’s Children’s Hospital to be our partner in creating and co-branding a play area for White Oaks Mall,” says Stephen Hunt, Area for Strategic Mall Marketing. “St. John’s Children’s Hospital wholeheartedly embraced the partnership and has been instrumental in helping to bring this project to completion.”

The space promotes learning and growth by combining inventive soft play and interactive programming to encourage kids ages two to eight to explore and exercise.

“Part of St. John’s Children’s Hospital’s commitment to the community includes helping kids stay healthy and active,” says Peggy Curtin, Executive Director of St. John’s Children’s Hospital  “This play area is a perfect fit.”

St. John's Children’s Hospital combines the faculty resources of SIU School of Medicine with
the pediatric facilities and services of St. John’s Hospital. It was recognized for membership in
October 2005 by the National Association for Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions
(NACHRI). The Children’s Hospital Web site is www.sjchildrens.org