A new air-travel themed play area called the “Zoom Zone” is now open at the San Jose International Airport.
More than $1.2 million in pro bono and discounted services made the project possible.
The Mineta San Jose Airport provided the 600 sq. ft. Zoom Zone space at no cost, and Zoom Video Communications donated $240,000 towards the effort. General contractor Hensel Phelps Construction managed the project pro bono and collaborated with subcontractors who donated or discounted their services.
“We are extremely proud to introduce this new addition to our airport experience,” said John Aitken, Director of Aviation for Mineta San Jose International Airport. “Zoom Zone is a fun, safe, and clean space for travelling families, and its creator – from funding to design to construction – highlights the commitment of Silicon Valley businesses to our local community and to the airport.”
The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose designed the new play area to encourage kids to think about creatures and objects that fly. Features include a large kinetic butterfly that allows children to see how butterfly wings work up close, a bird climber that kids can crawl and slide on, and a Zoom plane where children can role-play as pilots in a model cockpit.
There is also an “alphabet airplane” with mock airplane window shades that, when lifted, reveal artwork representing a destination that begins with that letter. For example, when the “T” alphabet airplane window shade retracts, the word “Tokyo” and corresponding artwork is revealed.
The Zoom Zone also features an interactive pin screen, the most iconic exhibit of the Children’s Discovery Museum in downtown San Jose.
The Zoom Zone is located within the Mineta San Jose International Airport between Gates 24 and 25.