Philanthropy Funds MercyOne House of Mercy Playground Renovation

A recent playground renovation at MercyOne House of Mercy has created a safe and inclusive space.

This renovation was made possible through funding from the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 in grant support from Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Child Care Resource and Referral. Additional grant funding was provided by Variety – the Children’s Charity and Polk County Early Childhood Iowa. Funds were used to enhance the outdoor playground making it more accessible to all children being served at MercyOne House of Mercy. Funds were also used to purchase large motor toys and other equipment to promote active outdoor play.

“The importance of play in children and having a safe outdoor space for them is huge, not only for their physical and development health but also for their social and emotional development as well,” said Andrea Smith, Child Care Manager at MercyOne House of Mercy’s on-site National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited and state licensed child care center.

The remodel has added needed health and safety improvements and is the first big update to the space in almost 20 years. One major addition is the new poured in place rubber surfacing at the playground. Andrea explained this new surface is safer for the children to play on and more versatile, allowing for more space to play.

“This has been a needed update,” said Andrea. “This playground is now more inclusive so more children are able to use it.”

Women and children being served at MercyOne House of Mercy have already begun utilizing this space.

“This is an inviting place for these women to go, connect with their children and be together,” said Andrea. “We have created a joyful place where families can connect and have fun with one another.”

MercyOne House of Mercy staff and clients are grateful for the grant support which made this remodel possible.

“Thank you for investing in young children,” said Andrea. “Thank you for seeing the value in outdoor spaces and how important it is for children for their brain development and their social, emotional and physical growth.”

“We want to continue to enhance this space for our families.”

For information on how you can support the transformative, life changing care being done at MercyOne House of Mercy, please contact MercyOne Des Moines Foundation Director of Development and Events, Megan Mildenberger at MMildenberger@mercydesmoines.org or 515-643-8038.