The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart now has a brand-new playroom for its young patients, thanks to the Pensacola Chamber’s Leadership Pensacola (LeaP) 2014 class. Approximately 75 people were in attendance for the May 20 ribbon-cutting where members of the Chamber and the hospital spoke about the importance of this play area to the community.
“It never ceases to amaze me what our community is capable of,” said Chamber President and CEO Jerry Maygarden. “I’m grateful today for the great caregivers out there, and there are many here. This playground is an extraordinary piece of work, and it complements the community and helps those most in need.”
Sacred Heart President Susan Davis spoke about the various entities that came together to make this possible, as well as the children that will benefit from the project.
“It’s hard to find words to express my gratitude for this extremely meaningful gift,” said Davis. “Thank you to the LeaP class and all the sponsors for what you’ve done. The children are the heroes today. They teach us tenacity and joy. This project reflects the joy of these children, and the road to health and recovery they are on.”
The 49-member LeaP class has worked for almost a year on the fun, engaging and comforting environment for young patients of the Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart. The class, with support from sponsors, completely redesigned the allotted space and installed new ceilings, floors, finishes, lighting, and of course play structures. Walls were reconfigured to suit a variety of age groups, and creative lighting accents the entire room. The bright and energetic surface colors emit joy to all who enter, allowing children and their parents to escape from the hospital confines.
“From inception to completion, the entire class was just struck by the joy we saw from doctors, staff and children,” said LeaP class member Hal Dell. “We wanted to bring that to life.”
“Our doctors are wonderful and they provide excellent care,” said Davis. “But this play area provides something beyond that. It provides hope and joy.”
