Community celebrates opening of IU Health Pediatric Rehabilitation Outdoor Space

Patients, community members, caregivers, donors, team members and leaders gathered May 12 to celebrate the opening of the IU Health Pediatric Rehabilitation Outdoor Space at Ball Memorial Hospital. The event brought smiles, applause and a shared sense of pride as attendees marked a milestone for children and families in east central Indiana.

The adaptive playground expands access to care for children receiving services through System Health Solutions (SHS) Pediatric Rehabilitation, offering a safe outdoor environment where therapy and play come together.

“This space represents what happens when a community comes together around children and families,” says Brad Edmondson, lead regional development officer, IU Health Foundation. “Generosity turns vision into reality and creates new opportunities for children to grow through therapy and play.”

The project is 100% donor supported through a fundraising effort led by the IU Health Foundation, demonstrating the impact of philanthropy on patient care and access.

“Donors create opportunities that extend far beyond bricks and mortar, and their impact will be fell for years to come,” says David Kogan, senior vice president of SHS Clinical Operations and chief procurement officer of Supply Chain. “This playground is a clear example of how innovation, collaboration and community support come together to advance our mission.”

The playground gives therapists a new way to deliver care by helping children practice climbing, balancing and problem solving in a natural setting. For many patients, traditional playgrounds are not accessible, which can limit opportunities to build everyday skills.

“This space is about the children and families in this community,” says Ryan Johnston, MD, chief medical officer, Ball Memorial Hospital. “It gives children a place to build skills and gives families peace of mind knowing they are supported every step of the way.”

During the program, Jami Marsh, vice president of philanthropy and grants, IU Health Foundation, recognized donors and partners and led the dedication.

“Philanthropy helps us advance care, accelerate innovation and expand access so that patients receive the care they need, where they need it and when it matters most,” says Marsh. “Thank you to all of you for your generosity, for your partnership and your belief in what we can do together.”

Signage was unveiled honoring donors who made the project possible, as well as a memorial bench recognizing the generosity of James Lovett in memory of his wife Mary Jo Lovett, the first supervisor of Pediatric Rehabilitation in the early 1990s and a longtime advocate for an outdoor therapy space.

The celebration concluded with a ribbon cutting and tours of the playground, which will now be incorporated into therapy sessions.

“This is a space where therapy goals are achieved through play,” says Holly Zent, PTA. “It helps children grow as confident participants in their everyday lives.”