PERU, IL --- An alliance between Peru Mall and Illinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH) is bringing a new family friendly amenity to the regional mall.

IVCH, as Peru Mall’s health and wellness partner, will sponsor a new children’s play area, named the IVCH Health Play Station, at the shopping center. Through colorful and fun elements, the soft play area will be designed to encourage healthy lifestyles for children and their families.

The Mall-IVCH partnership is another step by the mall’s owner, GK Development, Inc., to offer amenities that today’s shoppers expect while also offering IVCH the opportunity to dramatically extend the hospital’s community outreach program.

The play area will take shape in the mall’s north wing just north of Christopher and Banks where demolition has started. Preparation to accommodate the play area is expected to take roughly three weeks with a grand opening anticipated for early December.

"Everyone at IVCH is delighted by our partnership with Peru Mall. We’re very happy to be sponsoring the new play area and look forward to bringing health-related programs and other events to the mall," said Steve Hayes, IVCH administrator.

"We’re pleased to launch this new partnership with IVCH and excited about their sponsorship of the children’s play area. A space devoted to young people will enhance the family shopping experience at Peru Mall," said Maureen DeLong, the mall’s general manager.

"IVCH recognizes that Peru Mall is an excellent avenue to reach another segment of the market. Their sponsorship of a play area demonstrates the hospital’s strong commitment to the community. We’re looking forward to unveiling this exciting venture," said DeLong.