Unlocking the Power of Inclusive Play: Gillette Children's Hospital's Mission to Transform Lives

Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, is on a mission to inspire and empower communities to create inclusive play spaces that cater to children of all abilities. Through their innovative "day of play" event and advocacy efforts, the hospital is leading the charge in ensuring that every child has access to the transformative power of play.

Empowering Children, Strengthening Communities

Pioneering Inclusive Playgrounds

Gillette Children's Hospital has been at the forefront of the inclusive playground movement, recognizing the profound impact these spaces can have on the lives of children and their families. The hospital's own inclusive playground, equipped with a wheelchair-accessible treehouse, specialized swings, and interactive music chimes, serves as a shining example of what's possible when accessibility and inclusivity are prioritized.Through their advocacy efforts, Gillette Children's Hospital has played a pivotal role in securing over million in state funding for the design and construction of inclusive playgrounds across the Twin Cities metro area. This investment has transformed communities, ensuring that children of all abilities can come together, explore, and thrive in safe and engaging play environments.

Fostering Therapeutic Play

The hospital's inclusive playground serves not only as a place of joy and recreation but also as a therapeutic tool for the children it serves. Matt Witham, the director of family and child services at Gillette, emphasizes the profound impact that play can have on a child's growth, development, and overall well-being."I think we all know that growth, development and health and healing come through an ability to stretch boundaries in really healthy ways, and then try to figure out, what do I do in response to that?" Witham explains. The hospital's playground provides a safe and nurturing space for children to explore, challenge themselves, and engage in the kind of play that can foster physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Empowering Families and Communities

The hospital's inclusive playground initiative has had a ripple effect, inspiring families and communities to advocate for similar spaces in their own neighborhoods. Claudia Swett, the mother of a child who uses a wheelchair, shares her experience of how an inclusive playground in her Woodbury neighborhood has transformed her family's life."Usually he would be in his chair," Swett recalls. "There was a swing, but it didn't have any belts. So he just would be on the ground, like playing with a bucket, or just in his chair. But you can do that for so long." The introduction of an inclusive playground has brought her family together, allowing her son to fully participate in play and feel a sense of belonging.Gillette Children's Hospital is now encouraging families across the state to advocate for inclusive playgrounds in their communities. They have even created a comprehensive map showcasing the locations of these transformative spaces, empowering people to explore and experience the joy of inclusive play.

Inspiring a Movement of Inclusive Play

Gillette Children's Hospital's "day of play" event is a testament to their commitment to inspiring and empowering others to create inclusive play spaces. This annual celebration showcases the hospital's inclusive playground, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the transformative power of play for children of all abilities.Through this event and their ongoing advocacy efforts, Gillette Children's Hospital is leading the charge in a movement that is changing the landscape of play and recreation for children across Minnesota. By championing inclusive design, fostering therapeutic play, and empowering families and communities, the hospital is ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive, explore, and create lasting memories through the power of play.