Pediatric rehabilitation to celebrate opening of new adaptive playground

Children receiving care through System Health Solutions (SHS) Pediatric Rehabilitation at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital soon will have a new place to learn, grow and play. The team is preparing to open an adaptive playground designed to help children build confidence and develop important life skills in a safe, supportive outdoor environment.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 12, to celebrate the opening of the Pediatric Rehabilitation Outdoor Space. Speakers will include Brad Edmondson, lead regional development officer with the IU Health Foundation; David Kogan, senior vice president of SHS Clinical Operations and chief procurement officer of Supply Chain; and Ryan Johnston, MD. Team members, leaders, donors and community supporters will also be in attendance.

The Pediatric Rehabilitation Outdoor Space gives therapists something they have never had before. It provides an outdoor therapy area where children can practice everyday movements and problem solving in a natural setting.

Many of the children served by Pediatric Rehabilitation cannot easily use traditional playgrounds, and caregivers may feel uncertain about taking them to community spaces. Having this playground on site allows children to practice climbing, swinging, navigating equipment, riding bikes and more, all with the guidance and support of their care team.

The project was made possible through a fundraising effort led by the IU Health Foundation. Edmondson and his team worked with private donors and secured grants to bring the vision to life. Their partnership highlights how philanthropy can expand access to innovative tools and programs that benefit patients and communities across the system.

“Donors are critical to the patient experience at IU Health, and donations from our communities create the margin of excellence for our team members to provide world-class care,” says Edmondson. “We are so grateful for all of our donors who make a significant difference in our patients’ lives every day. The Pediatric Rehabilitation Outdoor Space is only possible because of our generous donors.”

One gift carries special meaning. Donor Jim Lovett contributed in memory of his late wife, Mary Jo Lovett, who served as the first supervisor of Pediatric Rehabilitation in the early 1990s. Mary Jo often shared her dream of creating an outdoor treatment space for children in Delaware County and surrounding areas. Plans are underway for a memorial within the playground to honor her legacy and lasting impact on families.

“While at the Tillotson Avenue office, Mary Jo would take some of her patients outside to a grassy area for play,” says Lovett. “She always wanted an outdoor therapy play area for her patients, and this project will bring that to fruition.”

When the playground opens this May, it will give therapists another meaningful way to support families and help more children experience the joy of play.