LAX Debuts Kids' Playground At Bradley International Terminal

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Now even the youngest travelers at LAX can enjoy their layovers.

A celebratory birthday party was thrown Thursday to mark the debut of an indoor children's playground at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, complete with LAX therapy dogs, balloons, gift bags and cupcakes for the nearly 50 kindergartners from Playa del Rey Elementary in attendance.

KNX 1070's Margaret Carrero reports the 975-square-foot playground known as "LAX Beach" is designed for children ages 2 to 11 who want to play before international flights at the airport's newly renovated $1.9 billion terminal.

Before boarding their flights, younger travelers can enjoy some time on a slide, an interactive light table, and even crawl through life savers.

"They need to get out their energy productively and be ready to sit in a seat belt for several hours," Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey said.

The playground — a beach-themed space composed of soft, sculpted foam pieces resembling waves, surfboards, beach toys and dolphins — also offers parents a place to sit and relax just beyond the Transportation Security Administration passenger security screening area.

Westfield, the terminal concessions developer and manager, designed and created the $350,000 play area, which was paid for by Los Angeles World Airports. No money from the city's general fund was used, according to officials.

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