TUCSON (Oct. 23, 2023) – Diamond Children’s Medical Center will host a groundbreaking event on October 27 from noon – 1p.m. for the construction of the Diamond Children’s Play Zone, a 7,000 square-foot therapeutic recreational, play, healing and learning space for hospitalized children.
The Diamond Children’s Play Zone is being constructed thanks to donations from more than 200 generous donors and companies. The fundraising effort is being led by Tucson business owner and Banner Health Foundation board member, Jeremy Sharpe, with the goal to raise $3 million to bring the Play Zone to life for hospitalized kids in Tucson.
Designed by Shepley Bulfinch and built by DPR Construction, the Play Zone will open to patients and their families in summer 2024.
What: Media are invited to attend the groundbreaking of the Diamond Children’s Play Zone. Child life team members, donors and patients will be available for interviews.
When: Friday, Oct. 27 from noon – 1p.m.
Where: Diamond Children’s Medical Center 1625 N. Campbell Ave., 85719. Park in the circular drive-in at the foot of the former Diamond Children’s main entrance, next to the parking garage.
Why: The Play Zone will provide a space for the Banner Child Life specialist team to help the hospitalized children build coping skills, decrease anxiety, address their psychosocial well-being, and prepare them for procedures and treatments, while serving to reduce trauma and recovery time, lifting the spirits of young patients.
With philanthropic support, the Play Zone will include:
- Art studio
- Medical play area
- Media room
- Sensory room for special needs
- Area just for toddlers and preschoolers
- Virtual reality and video gaming area
- Basketball arcade
- Hospital school program
- STEM activities and a 3D printer
Visit the Banner Health Foundation Diamond Children’s Play Zone to learn more:
https://www.bannerhealthfoundation.org/get-involved/diamond-childrens-play-zone
Banner Children’s – Diamond Children’s Medical Center provides pediatric care for children, from newborns to teens. Services include emergency care, heart disorders, traumatic brain injury, autism and developmental disorders, cancer, diabetes and endocrinology, gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders, neurological problems, orthopedics, intensive care needs and more. It is the only pediatric medical facility in Arizona connected to an academic research facility — the University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center — where physician-scientists provide access to groundbreaking science and research to advance children’s health. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/diamondchildrens.
For further information contact us at: [email protected]
