Play Zone opens at Diamond Children’s in Tucson
New space funded by donors supports pediatric recovery and wellness
1/4/2025
Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center celebrated the grand opening of a new Play Zone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December, led by Alison Flynn Gaffney, chief executive officer of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, alongside supporters of the project. Guests even enjoyed a special appearance by Tommy Lloyd, University of Arizona men’s basketball head coach.
Funded entirely by charitable gifts from community members, local companies and foundations, the Play Zone is a 7,200-square-foot space dedicated to recreation and therapeutic play for hospitalized kids. This bright, open space offers a variety of games, play areas, and activities to support pediatric patients’ cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being during their hospital stay.
“This space is more than just a play area. It’s a vital part of our mission to help children heal holistically,” said Hadley Trull, associate director of the hospital’s Child Life program. “The Play Zone provides an opportunity for kids to relax in a space where no medical treatments or procedures take place, to express themselves creatively, work through difficult emotions, and feel more like a regular kid.”
The Play Zone offers a welcoming environment that can reduce young patients’ stress, lift their spirits, and allow them to engage in activities to help their recovery. The facility has colorful murals and other artwork, and features areas for children of all ages to play, learn, create art, and relax away from their hospital rooms. The adjacent sibling center provides a separate place for hospitalized kids’ siblings and their parents to play, read, and do other activities.
The project was made possible by donations to the Banner Health Foundation. More than 400 donors and companies contributed to the Play Zone fundraising campaign, which was led by Tucson business owner and Banner Health Foundation board member Jeremy Sharpe.
“The outpouring of support from our community has been remarkable,” said Sharpe. “The Play Zone will make a lasting difference for families by providing a much-needed space for children to thrive during challenging times.”
The Play Zone includes:
- Art studio
- Medical play area
- Media room
- Sensory room for children with special needs
- Area just for toddlers and preschoolers
- Virtual reality and video gaming area
- Basketball arcade game, foosball and pool tables
- Hospital school program
- STEM activities and a 3D printer
About Diamond Children’s Medical Center
Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center provides pediatric care for children, from newborns to teens. Services include emergency care, heart disorders, traumatic brain injury, autism and developmental disorders, cancer, diabetes and endocrinology, gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders, neurological problems, orthopedics, intensive care needs and more. It is the only pediatric medical facility in Arizona connected to an academic research facility — the University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center — where physician-scientists provide access to groundbreaking science and research to advance children’s health. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/diamondchildrens.