New therapeutic playground is a dream come true for MercyOne Genesis Pediatric Therapy

The new MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Pediatric Therapy Center (GOPEDS) therapeutic playground is a dream come true for the dedicated therapists who will use the equipment to help kids reach their goals for functional and safe play.

Play is universal and truly important to a child’s development. This equipment will help build social and physical confidence for interacting in a traditional playground environment. It will also help educate parents and patients about ways to safely navigate traditional playground equipment.

Additionally, it will provide larger equipment needed for children over five years for gross motor skill development.

“It's been a dream for many years to bring a therapeutic playground to our clinic. This outdoor playground will allow us to work on the coordination, balance, and motor skills that are necessary to be safe and independent in playground settings,” said Heather Mosley, the center’s supervisor.

The vision for the playground started with recently retired clinic supervisor Lori Dryg.

“Lori championed the playground for 20 years. She's been the driving force and consistently rose above challenges or barriers that came up. She got creative, found new avenues, and found a way to make it happen.  We're so thankful for her role in making this dream a reality,” added Mosley.

Dryg, who will be given the honor of cutting the ribbon at the playground’s grand opening on Thursday, August 13, is thrilled to see the project finally get completed.

"This has been a dream for 20 years, and I would like to thank the MercyOne Genesis Foundation, everyone at GOPEDS, and the Quad-Cities community for helping our dream come true,” said Dryg.

The MercyOne Genesis Foundation has played a vital role in funding the playground.

"We often talk about the impact donors have on patient care, and this playground is a beautiful example. Because this project was funded entirely through philanthropy, children with special needs will have a dedicated space where therapists can help them build the physical, social, and emotional skills that make play possible. It is an investment in our children, our families, and their future," said Sara Hodgini, chief development officer, MercyOne Genesis Foundation.

Pediatric therapists utilize many tools to help their young patients. On any given day, you’ll see therapists using everything from simple children’s games to a climbing wall to help kids with special needs achieve their goals and live more complete lives.

“As a therapist, I'm excited to have new equipment to work with children that can replicate their everyday play spaces, allowing them to build confidence and successes in that environment,” said Katie Powers, MercyOne Genesis pediatric physical therapist.

The playground has moved from a dream to reality because of a combination of community support, including the MercyOne Genesis Foundation, Quad City Times Bix 7, Quad City Blues hockey team, as well as GOPEDS families.

Thanks to GOPEDS therapists' advocacy for their patients to bring a variety of modalities to patient care, we are the only pediatric therapy center to offer pediatric serial casting, a pool, and now a therapeutic playground - tools which all allow our therapists to provide the best possible patient care to our families.

Event details:

• Media is invited to this heartwarming ceremony.  
• Ribbon cutting for MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Pediatric Therapy Center (GOPEDS) therapeutic playground 
• Thursday, August 13 at 12:30 p.m. 
• 2535 Maplecrest Rd Suite 23, Bettendorf 
• All the kids on site will have signed releases 
• The Quad City Times Bix will also present a $10,000 check to MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Pediatric Therapy Center for being the charity of choice from this year’s race.