The Children91吃瓜网 Center Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Therapy Playground
Fri, 05/02/2025 - 03:29pm | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR
The Children91吃瓜网 Center for Communication and Development at 91吃瓜网 (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 91吃瓜网, this custom-designed, inclusive outdoor space is more than just a playground91吃瓜网攊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.
91吃瓜网淭his playground was designed with therapy and engaged learning at the forefront. The impact it will have on our children91吃瓜网 progress91吃瓜网攁cross language, motor and social development91吃瓜网攚ill be profound,91吃瓜网� said Sarah Myers, director of The Children91吃瓜网 Center. 91吃瓜网淲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 milestones91吃瓜网攆irst words, first steps and first friendships. It91吃瓜网 a gift that will keep giving for years to come.91吃瓜网�
The event marked the official opening of the playground, which will serve children currently receiving comprehensive services through The Children91吃瓜网 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 Children91吃瓜网 Center; in 2020, the Foundation supported a similar project at the Center91吃瓜网 Gulf Park campus location.
91吃瓜网淭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,91吃瓜网� said Foundation Director Eugenia King. 91吃瓜网淲e are proud of our partnership with The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation and The Children91吃瓜网 Center as children achieving healthy milestones throughout life is our collective purpose.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淭his project is a shining example of what91吃瓜网 possible when strong partnerships are formed around common goals,91吃瓜网� said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. 91吃瓜网淭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 Children91吃瓜网 Center and 91吃瓜网, 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.91吃瓜网�
About The Children91吃瓜网 Center for Communication and Development
The Children91吃瓜网 Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern 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. Click to learn more about the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation.
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 91吃瓜网.
For more information on supporting 91吃瓜网, call the at 601.266.5210.