MADISON, Wis. -- A group of mothers on Madison's East Side is working to secure a play area at East Towne Mall.

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Several parents said that they agree that a trip to the mall is sometime a lot easier when there's a spot for the little ones to play, WISC-TV reported.

"When we're shopping, kids can only hang on for so long when we're making those shopping trips so it's nice to be able to have a place to for our kids to let out some energy," said parent Jessica Schnake.

Schnake is a member of the Madison East Mom's Club. As an East Side resident, Schnake said she has often wished for a play area at East Towne Mall similar to the one located at West Towne Mall.

Schnake said for her, it's about staying closer to home.

"Moms like me feel it's very important for our kids to have a safe place to play and relax," she said.

After approaching mall management with the idea, Schnake said they asked her to find out if other parents were interested.

"I was amazed, it was very surprising," said Schnake.

Schnake got to work drafting an online petition. Within six days of posting it, the petition had 500 signatures.

"A lot of people were saying, 'It would save me gas money because I drive to West Towne for this, or I would like to keep my money in East Towne's community mall at East Towne,'" said Schnake.

East Towne Mall officials said they are excited to see the interest in a play area at their mall.

There is no word on when the play area will be added. East Towne Mall officials said that they are currently looking for a corporate sponsor.

Officials at West Towne Mall said they are also searching for a corporate sponsor for their play area. The area is no longer sponsored by Alliant Energy.

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East Towne Mall Petition