This review is for the indoor play area on the lower level at Ellsworth Place. The playground features two playhouses with manipulatives attached, a slide, Arial tunnel, ground tunnel, slide, balance beam, all on carpeted surfaces with one main entry/exit point. These are all great features.
The challenge is that the play area is 1) FILTHY. My child caught influenza a this past winter from playing in the play area. Even though the rules ask kids not to bring food, they do. They also bring trash - in the form of either food wrappers or droppings or toy wrappers or droppings. During the multiple times I tried to patronize the play area with my child over several months, I have seen a staff member come into the clean maybe twice (?) and that's with a broom and dustpan (no vacuum or disinfectant wipes). Take a look at the white surfaces - if you can. They're mostly gray with black smudges - i.e. they are not wiped down. I cannot tell when the last time they were wiped down. The houses feature windows. Look through them. They're almost translucent like frosted glass...but they're supposed to be transparent. The final straw was when my wife reported to me she saw a mouse under the bench while I was in the bathroom. We have not been back since. The play area needs a DEEP CLEAN. Then it needs to be closed periodically during the day for comprehensive cleaning. Tysons Center has a similar play area - it closes 2pm-2:30pm daily for thorough cleaning, plus it is cleaned after the mall closes - each day. Take note Ellsworth Place.
2nd, the play area is breaking down. I've reported to a representative (good luck finding one on the regular) about the bench inside the larger playhouse needing repair plus a visible hole in the carpet that needs to be addressed. Months later, still not addressed.
3rd, while I know there is supposed to be an honor system with respect to the rules - they are not followed regularly. Mall representatives should come through periodically to check and enforce the rules. I've seen kids older than 12 there unsupervised. I've seen kids under than 12 there unsupervised. Food is brought in. Toys and wrappers are brought in. Older kids are running around and horseplaying right next to toddlers and younger kids. Kids are climbing up on top of the playhouses and other equipment they should not be climbing on. All these behaviors intimidate some parents and children from coming and playing. But then again, this is the only free, enclosed play area with lots of equipment and room to run - so I can see parents coming in and dealing with issues so they can have a few minutes of peace while their kid runs wild.
This review is overdue - I meant to share during the early spring when my wife saw the mouse but didn't get to it until now. The play area has lots of potential. But grime, damaged play equipment, and bad behavior have lost Ellsworth Place a potential steady customer (we patronized multiple stores while playing in...
Read moreEllsworth Place Mall is a fantastic shopping destination with a great variety of stores and restaurants. Located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, the mall is easily accessible and has something for everyone.
The mall has a great mix of high-end and affordable stores, which is perfect for shoppers with different budgets. From luxury brands like Sephora and H&M to more affordable stores like Forever 21 and T.J. Maxx, there is a store for every budget. The stores are well-organized and well-stocked, making it easy to find what you're looking for.
The mall also has a great food court with a variety of options. Whether you're in the mood for Asian cuisine, Mexican food, or just a quick snack, there is something for everyone. The food court is always clean and well-maintained, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat.
One thing that really stands out about Ellsworth Place Mall is the atmosphere. The mall has a welcoming and friendly vibe, and the staff is always helpful and attentive. The mall is also very clean and well-maintained, which makes for a pleasant shopping experience.
Another great feature of the mall is the location. It's in the heart of downtown Silver Spring, which means that there are plenty of other things to do in the surrounding area. There are several theaters, restaurants, and bars nearby, making it a great place to spend an entire day.
Overall, I highly recommend Ellsworth Place Mall. It's a great place to shop, eat, and hang out, and the friendly atmosphere and convenient location make it a must-visit destination in Silver Spring. Whether you're looking for high-end fashion or just a quick bite to eat, Ellsworth Place Mall has something...
Read moreI really enjoy going to the Ellsworth Place mall. It is 5 levels of fun! There's plenty of parking in the garage just across the street with a bridge on level 5 that takes you over to level 4 of the mall. As of January 2022 there is no longer free weeknight parking after 7 pm or free weekend parking. The mall is very family friendly. On the ground floor there's a children's play area and the restrooms are just across from it. There is a glass window elevator in the middle of the mall that runs very slow as for as I am concerned but the view is very enjoyable. There are also escalators & staircases to go from floor to floor. The mall's food establishments and retail shopping stores offer something to meet everyone's needs and include T J Max, Five Below, Michael's, The Cobbler shoe repair, GNC, Auntie Annie's, Chick-fil-a (street level across the street) and much more. Right now the mall is decorated in a very festive holiday way and of course there's Santa to excite the children! To top everything off I have experienced as well as seen the other customers get friendly and helpful service from the mall employees. Until next time be kind to each other! #ellsworthplace @yelodc #parkinggarage...
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