You’ve heard the rumblings about the changes coming to Shops at Park Lane, but now you can experience it for yourself: The Park, an outdoor gathering space in the heart of the shopping center, is now open.

The 10,000-square-foot park is a serene counterpart to the hustle and bustle of the retail side. It boasts multiple water features, an interactive fountain, seating areas, power outlets and Wi-Fi. So grab a latte at the new showpiece Starbucks, then park it outside and listen the water gurgling, get caught up on Game of Thrones from your iPad or, sigh, get a little work done on your laptop.

In addition to Starbucks, a recently opened Zoës Kitchen has a patio overlooking the green space. Another restaurant, Crisp Salad Co., opens in May; this is the second branch for a new chain-in-the-making which debuted on Greenville Avenue in December 2013.

The park also will host a variety of activities. Fitness Fridays start in May, when Studio6 puts on yoga classes at noon; just BYO mat and water. These are free and open to the public.

In June, it's Movies in the Park, a Friday-night series when you can watch movies on the big screen. The schedule is as follows:

• June 5: Pitch Perfect
• June 12: Jurassic Park
• June 19: Zoolander
• June 26: Despicable Me 2

Movies start at 8:30 pm or dusk. Blankets and beach chairs are welcome, but no coolers or alcohol are permitted. These screenings are also free.

Also coming soon to Shops at Park Lane are J. Crew Factory Outlet and Forever 21 concept F21 Red.