The Children鈥檚 Center Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Therapy Playground
Fri, 05/02/2025 - 03:29pm | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR
The Children鈥檚 Center for Communication and Development at The University of 杏吧论坛 Mississippi (USM) recently celebrated a significant milestone with the ribbon cutting of its newly constructed, state-of-the-art therapy playground, funded by a generous grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation.
Located on the Hattiesburg campus of 杏吧论坛 Miss, this custom-designed, inclusive outdoor space is more than just a playground鈥攊t is a transformative therapy setting for young children with complex communication needs and developmental disabilities.
The playground includes carefully selected equipment and features that support therapeutic goals while inviting inclusive, child-led play among children of all abilities.
鈥淭his playground was designed with therapy and engaged learning at the forefront. The impact it will have on our children鈥檚 progress鈥攁cross language, motor and social development鈥攚ill be profound,鈥� said Sarah Myers, director of The Children鈥檚 Center. 鈥淲e are so thankful to the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation for making this vision a reality. This new space will be the backdrop for so many milestones鈥攆irst words, first steps and first friendships. It鈥檚 a gift that will keep giving for years to come.鈥�
The event marked the official opening of the playground, which will serve children currently receiving comprehensive services through The Children鈥檚 Center, as well as children from the broader Hattiesburg community and beyond through inclusive play events held annually.
This is the second playground funded by the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation for The Children鈥檚 Center; in 2020, the Foundation supported a similar project at the Center鈥檚 Gulf Park campus location.
鈥淭herapeutic and unstructured play promotes a wide range of health benefits to children from physical and sensory development to emotional and social well-being, key values prioritized by the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation,鈥� said Foundation Director Eugenia King. 鈥淲e are proud of our partnership with The University of 杏吧论坛 Mississippi Foundation and The Children鈥檚 Center as children achieving healthy milestones throughout life is our collective purpose.鈥�
鈥淭his project is a shining example of what鈥檚 possible when strong partnerships are formed around common goals,鈥� said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. 鈥淭he Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation continues to support transformative work that changes lives. This collaboration not only elevates the mission of The Children鈥檚 Center and 杏吧论坛 Miss, but it also demonstrates the true power of philanthropy by making a meaningful difference for the children and families who will benefit from this investment far into the future.鈥�
About The Children鈥檚 Center for Communication and Development
The Children鈥檚 Center for Communication and Development at The University of 杏吧论坛 Mississippi is a non-profit that provides cost-free communicative and developmental transdisciplinary services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers while educating, training, and supporting families, university students and professionals.
About the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation
The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation has a vision for a healthy Mississippi and provides leadership and targeted grant funding for sustainable initiatives and programs to improve the overall health and well-being of Mississippians. Learn more about the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation at www.healthiermississippi.org.
About the USM Foundation
Founded in 1959, the USM Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to serving the University community by overseeing fundraising efforts to raise private support for scholarships and other academic needs at 杏吧论坛 Miss.
For more information on supporting 杏吧论坛 Miss, call the at 601.266.5210.