Mall Renovation in Richmond, Va., Features Play Area for Children.

Byline: Gregory J. Gilligan

Aug. 23--Amber Stein dreads dragging her children to the mall. But yesterday, she discovered a bright spot at Regency Square -- a new play area where her children can jump, climb and crawl to their heart's content.

"It's a great place for them to expend some energy," Stein said as her son, Aaron, and daughter, Simone, leaped over a soft-foam sculpture of an oversized bottle of water.

"Having a good place for the kids to play will draw them back here -- and me," she said, sitting on a padded seat.

That is exactly what the owners of Regency Square hope will happen. With increased competition expected from two …