Sanford Children’s Castle in Sioux Falls Getting New Park
Because I live very close to the Sanford Children's Castle, it's been obvious lately that something new was coming to the campus of the hospital. But the question was what exactly was it going to be?
Now, thanks to Dakota News Now, we know that a brand new accessible pediatric park for patients and their families is being built right in front of the hospital on part of the greenway.
It will be called the Billion Pavillion. The $1.4 million project is completely funded by donations from community members including David and Christine Billion who donated one million dollars. Other large donors include Henry Carlson Company, Panda Express, and Northwestern Mutual.
Sheri Fischer, the executive director of the Sanford Children's Hospital praised the "therapeutic benefits" that playing outside offers to children who are patients at the castle.
“Even though we are very blessed to have indoor play spaces within our Sanford Children’s castle where children can go to get out of their patient room, play for a while and just be a kid," Fischer said in a press release, "We also know that children want to be outside and not trapped indoors when it’s nice out. This outdoor park and respite area will allow children to play and experience the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors as they heal and recover from their illness.”
The park will feature equipment that is completely accessible for kids but will also have gardens, areas for physical therapy, and a shaded picnic shelter area. It is scheduled to be completed in October of 2023.
Source: Dakota News Now, Sanford Health