BCW Member Cross County Shopping Center to Open New “Luckey Climber” play experience

Cross County Shopping Center will be adding an exciting new interactive play experience this fall.

The Luckey Climber, a new climbing piece, will stand approximately 16 feet tall and will occupy the same space as the former playground, near Old Navy.

Designed by Yale-educated architect, Spencer Luckey, the Climber is a safe, interactive, three-dimensional vertical maze that not only helps define public space but encourages physical activity and offers play experience that is important for intellectual development in children.

Constructed of bent plywood or rotational molded plastic, suspended by steel pipes and hand-woven cable netting, the Luckey Climber ensures there are no falls greater than 18 inches and there are no “cascades” that would allow children to go down multiple climbing panels. Platforms are also placed so that no one can stand up. No standing, no falling!

“We are thrilled to introduce this forwarding-thinking play structure to a new generation of climbers at Cross County Shopping Center,” said Jim Stifel, executive vice president of Brooks Shopping Centers LLC, the center’s owner. “The Climber encourages creative play and helps children interact with others, which is good news for parents and caregivers.”

“Cross County Shopping Center has been a fabric of the county for more than six decades,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “This new activation will create even more opportunities for shoppers to experience all that Cross County has to offer.”

“Over the years Cross County has become known for more than shopping, we are an entertainment and dining destination and our shoppers will continue to experience the best programming and signature events possible,” said Craig Deitelzweig, executive vice president of Brooks Shopping Centers LLC. “Luckey Climbers are found around the world and we are thrilled to be home to the first in Yonkers and Westchester County.”

Photo caption, L to R: Ken Jenkins, Westchester Deputy County Executive; Craig Deitzelweig, Executive Vice President, Brooks Shopping Centers LLC; Mike Spano, Mayor, City of Yonkers; Jim Stifel, Executive Vice President, Brooks Shopping Centers LLC; Chuck Lesnick, Deputy Counsel & Bureau Chief (ETPA) for the New York State Homes & Community Renewal; Spencer Luckey, President, Lucky Climbers