For nearly 20 years, the playground at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital has supported hundreds of thousands of families. But it no longer meets the needs of the children who rely on it. The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation is raising $200,000 to help build a new, inclusive playground that matches the exceptional care provided ...
Women's & Children's Hospital Foundation
New Playground at Women’s and Children’s Hospital
GOAL
$20,000
Australia > SA > Metro
Field of Interest
- Health/wellbeing and medical research
Target Population
- People with a disability, illness or disease
- Early years (0-5)
Women's & Children's Hospital Foundation
The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation partners with the community to ensure that every child and family thrives. Dedicated to families, we go the extra mile, providing essential care and support when it is needed the most. Our commitment to making a meaningful difference is evident at every stage of their experience. We enable research that improves health and wellbeing outcomes, enhance the quality of care, and support families in creating precious memories.
The WCH Foundation relies upon generous partnerships with our community to support the purchase of state-of-the-art medical equipment, deliver our Laklinyeri Beach House Program, provide immediate emergency support to families in need, reduce distress and anxiety of patients through our extensive Arts in Health Program, and invest in vital medical research.
Our ongoing support has a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of children and families who rely on the services of the Women’s and Children’s Health Network. Our support reaches families all over South Australia, as well as families from the Northern Territory, and rural and remote cross-border communities in NSW and Victoria who need to travel to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital for specialist treatment.
Together, we make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of families.
Project Summary
For nearly 20 years, the playground at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital has supported hundreds of thousands of families. But it no longer meets the needs of the children who rely on it.
The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation is raising $200,000 to help build a new, inclusive playground that matches the exceptional care provided to more than 300,000 patients and families each year.
Hospitals can be overwhelming places for children. Medical procedures, strange environments and long stays can increase stress and anxiety, which in turn can impact recovery. A well-designed, accessible playground provides a much-needed retreat where children, siblings and families can relax, play and reset between appointments or during extended stays.
This is not just about new equipment. It is about emotional wellbeing, physical movement, therapy and healing. Research shows that play is a powerful tool in supporting children’s health outcomes, improving mood, reducing fear and providing a sense of control in medical settings.
Every contribution counts. To thank those making particularly generous gifts, we will acknowledge donors on a Donor Recognition Board near the playground. This includes gifts of $1,000 or more from individuals, $5,000 or more from organisations, and $10,000 or more from organisations with logo inclusion.
Project Outcomes
A redeveloped playground will deliver meaningful benefits for children receiving care at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Purpose-built to be inclusive, safe and therapeutic, the new space will support the emotional, social and physical wellbeing of young patients and their families.
The upgraded playground will:
- Provide a positive and meaningful distraction, helping to reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of isolation among children in hospital.
- Support emotional regulation and recovery by giving children space to express themselves, regain a sense of control, and cope more effectively with the challenges of hospitalisation.
- Create a welcoming environment for families to spend time together and connect with others in similar circumstances.
Designed with accessibility and therapy in mind, the new playground will encourage movement, exploration and imaginative play for children of all abilities. This can contribute to reduced pain perception, improved cooperation with treatment, and better emotional outcomes overall.
For many families, time in hospital can be confronting and exhausting. The new playground will offer moments of normalcy, relief and joy, helping children to play, rest and recover while supporting their mental health and resilience, and that of their parents and siblings.
We will know this has been achieved when the playground becomes a loved and trusted part of the hospital experience.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $200,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding Gap | $20,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Custom built playground equipment | $200,000 |
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