The Scott Family Amazeum and Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) have announced a partnership to create a new $250,000 play area inside the airport terminal. The project is designed to provide an engaging space for children and families during their travels, transforming a previously underutilized area into an interactive zone.
The new facility will feature hands-on exhibits inspired by the Amazeum's mission to encourage creativity and curiosity. It aims to improve the overall travel experience for families with young children passing through the region's main air travel hub.
Key Takeaways
- A $250,000 play space is being developed at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA).
- The project is a collaboration between the Scott Family Amazeum and XNA.
- The area will include interactive, flight-themed exhibits for children up to 12 years old.
- The space will be located at the site of a former moving walkway in the airport.
Details of the Airport Play Space Project
The new play area represents a significant investment in passenger amenities at XNA. The $250,000 project will repurpose the site once occupied by a moving walkway, creating a dedicated zone for families.
According to the official announcement, the space is intended for children up to 12 years old and their accompanying caregivers. The design concept draws inspiration from both the experience of air travel and the educational mission of the Bentonville-based Amazeum.
The goal is to provide a place where children can expend energy and engage in constructive play before a flight, which can often be a stressful experience for families. The location within the terminal is chosen to be accessible while keeping traveling families in a contained, safe area.
Interactive and Educational Features
The design for the play space incorporates several elements meant to be both fun and educational, with a strong theme centered on aviation and science.
- Air Traffic Control Tower: A child-sized version of an air traffic control tower will be a central feature, allowing kids to engage in imaginative play related to airport operations.
- Climbing and Crawling Structures: The area will include various climbers and crawlers to encourage physical activity.
- Toddler and Crawler Zone: A specific section will be designed for the youngest travelers, offering safe, age-appropriate early learning activities.
- Science-Based Exhibits: Interactive displays will be included to teach basic scientific principles related to flight and aerodynamics in an accessible way.
These features are intended to reflect the Amazeum's hands-on learning philosophy, bringing a piece of the museum experience directly into the airport environment.
Project at a Glance
- Total Cost: $250,000
- Partners: Scott Family Amazeum, Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA)
- Target Age Group: Children up to 12 years
- Theme: Aviation, flight, and science
A Partnership to Enhance Community Identity
Leaders from both organizations highlighted the collaboration as a way to improve the travel experience while also showcasing a key aspect of Northwest Arkansas's local culture and identity.
Sam Dean, the CEO of the Scott Family Amazeum, emphasized that the museum's mission extends beyond its physical building. He stated that the project brings learning and play into an unexpected setting.
“The Amazeum believes that curiosity and creativity don’t stop at the museum’s doors. We’re excited to collaborate with XNA to bring playful, hands-on experiences into a surprising new setting that reaches families from across the country.”
This initiative allows the Amazeum to connect with a national and international audience of travelers who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit the museum itself.
XNA CEO Aaron Burkes noted that the project aligns with the airport's ongoing efforts to make travel more pleasant and to reflect the character of the region it serves.
“XNA is dedicated to improving the travel experience in ways that resonate with our community, and this partnership with the Amazeum brings Northwest Arkansas’ identity into the airport. It reflects the innovation and sense of place that define our region.”
By incorporating an element from a beloved local institution, the airport aims to create a more memorable and locally authentic experience for passengers.
Ongoing Improvements at XNA
The development of the Amazeum play space is part of a broader series of upgrades and expansions at Northwest Arkansas National Airport. In recent years, XNA has undertaken several major projects to accommodate regional growth and increase passenger capacity. These include a $4.14 million expansion of the TSA security checkpoint in 2020 and a $1.91 million project in 2017 to add two new gates to the B concourse. These continuous improvements are aimed at modernizing the airport's facilities and enhancing the overall passenger journey.
Impact on Family Travel
The addition of a dedicated children's play area is a significant development for families traveling through XNA. Airports can be challenging environments for parents with young children, often involving long waits and limited options for entertainment.
A well-designed play space can offer several key benefits:
- Stress Reduction: It provides a designated area for children to release energy before boarding a flight, which can lead to a calmer travel experience for both the children and their parents.
- Educational Engagement: Unlike passive screen time, the interactive exhibits encourage learning and creativity.
- Improved Passenger Experience: Amenities focused on families are a key factor in overall airport satisfaction ratings. This project shows a commitment to serving the needs of a diverse range of travelers.
By creating a space where children can relax, explore, and connect, XNA and the Amazeum aim to transform travel days into a more positive and less stressful occasion for families. The project not only serves local residents but also provides a welcoming feature for visitors to the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas region.