The initial R Gym, which takes its name from mascot Ronald McDonald, opened this spring in Tulsa, OK. Since then three have opened at units in California, two in Illinois and one in Colorado. Whitman says, "it's a continuation of PlayPlace or Play Land," which first opened in a McDonald's unit in 1971.

This "evolution" of an in-restaurant play area, "utilizes more technology targeted to specific ages and physical abilities," he says. "It's an interactive play area where kids can be kids in a safe, fun environment." Like PlayPlace, R Gym occupies, on average, a 20- by 50-foot space in the restaurants.

R Gyms contain three areas, each targeted to different age groups. The Toddler Zone features "soft play," such as climbing and sliding and interaction with soft toys and is designed to promote physical coordination and social skills.