Kaden Cox, 2, of Carbondale, brushes a tooth model Monday with the help of his grandmother, Sheri Bonds, in one of the three themed, interactive learning centers at the new Kidz Play Zone in University Mall. The zone features several inflatable attractions, game tables, five Nintendo Wii stations and three computer-learning stations as well as weekly activities and a Drop-N-Shop program. Co-owner Yavone Coulibaly said the idea for Kidz Play Zone spawned from the lack of kid-friendly activities in the area. “Most new businesses are a bank or a bar; there’s hardly anything new for kids,” Coulibaly said. “We wanted to create a space for kids and their parents.” See story on page 3.

TIFFANY BLANCHETTE | DAILY EGYPTIAN