MALL COURT UNDERGOING FACELIFT

West Park Mall's Center Court is getting a facelift.

The fountain area of the mall, with its amphitheater seating, has been an icon at the mall for 15 years, serving as a stage for talent contests, fashion shows, musical shows and a few auctions.

A half-dozen years ago a crew from the ABC television show "America's Funniest People" used Center Court during a search for local talent.

During one special promotion stylists from a number of the mall's beauty salons pooled their talents at Center Court during a "Clip for the Cure" promotion. Funds from the haircut session were designated to breast cancer research.

"We've had some great programs here and will continue to have them," said Jim Govro, manager of the mall. "We can install a portable stage and still have good seating.

"It's just time to make a change and have a new look," said Govro, "We've discussed a new concept for the past couple of years."

A 4-foot wall now hides the indented court area from the public.

"We'll be filling the hole with concrete soon," said Govro. "It takes 10 days to two weeks for the concrete to cure; then we'll get started on a new concept."

The center-court floor will be even with the rest of the mall and will feature a park setting, complete with trees and new teak benches.

The safety factor also came into play in the decision for the new look. The seating presented a hazard, said Govro.

"We've had some concerns about people falling," said Govro. "There was a steep drop there."

Even though a number of planters were placed around some of the steeper drops, some accidents were reported over the years.

"Nothing extremely serious," said Govro, "But any accident is one accident too many."