By Annie Oeth/UMMC Communications
Photos By: Joe Ellis/UMMC Communications
Cutting the ribbon on Mimi’s Playground are, from left, Cara Williams, child life manager; Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs; philanthropist Robbie Hughes; Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair of Pediatrics and incoming CEO of Children’s of Mississippi; Dr. Nikki Cowan, director of nursing for Children’s of Mississippi’s medical-surgical and behavioral health units; and Tara Husband, director of Children’s Rehabilitative Services.
A few special guests dropped in at Children’s of Mississippi to celebrate the opening of Mimi’s Playground – Spider-Man, Batman, Superman and The Hulk, among others.
On Friday, the superheroes, whose alter egos work at the Mississippi Fire Academy, rappelled from the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower and the Blair E. Batson Tower as well as Wiser Tower, descending to a brand new playground. The playground will offer a spot for pediatric inpatients and outpatients to play.
“This new playground is every child’s dream,” said Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair of Pediatrics and incoming CEO of Children’s of Mississippi. “We’re so excited to see Mimi’s Playground open and to see these heroes brighten the day for our patients.”
Colorful play equipment designed for inclusion engages children while teens can enjoy the basketball court. The playground, ringed by a walking trail, was designed by Wier Boerner Allin Architecture and named in honor of Robbie Hughes.
Mimi’s playground will be a space where Children’s of Mississippi patients can enjoy the outdoors.
“Play is an essential part of healing for our children,” said Tara Husband, director of Children’s Rehabilitative Services at Children’s of Mississippi. “This playground will give our patients a chance to move and play outdoors as part of their therapy or just for fun.”
The superhero rappelling event was sparked by collaboration between the Mississippi Fire Academy and the state’s only children’s hospital to create uplifting experiences for children receiving care and their families.
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Superman waves to onlookers at the opening of Mimi's Playground.
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Supergirl waves to patients at Children's of Mississippi.
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Spider-Man travels down to Mimi's Playground.
“Seeing superheroes coming down the side of the hospital to welcome kids to their new playground was a moment our patients will never forget,” said Dr. Nikki Cowan, director of nursing in Children’s of Mississippi’s medical-surgical and psychiatric units. “It’s a celebration of joy, strength, and the spirit of childhood.”
Mikayla Sweet of Kosciusko and her mom, Melisa, watch as superheroes from the Mississippi Fire Academy rappel to Mimi’s Playground.