Children's Hospital Playscape - Wellington

The Lions clubs of the Wellington region have agreed with the Wellington Hospital Foundation, that we will raise NZ$500,000 toward the Lions Playscape. After grants and several clubs generous donations $50,000 is our final push.

Children need a secure and safe environment (the Playscape) to be able to regain their health, confidence, and the full range of their motor skills following surgery and treatment. Children with chronic health issues and varying disabilities, also have these needs. This outdoor facility will provide a wide range of therapeutic, rehabilitative, and developmental benefits to all young patients, such as, increasing physical activity, assisting with both fine and gross motor skills, and cognitive development.

It is well known that children respond better to therapy and exercise regimes if it is disguised as ‘play’. Play, is familiar, fun, exciting and reassuring. Play, be it free play or structured activity, is greatly beneficial in the growth and development of children both mentally and physically. The facility will be used by patients aged 0 – 16 years who receive specialised assessments and interventions.

Wellington Children's Hospital will be one of New Zealand’s largest Hospitals, it will provide specialist care to young patients from the lower half of the North Island and the top of the South Island (specifically the Hawke's Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui, Wellington, Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough regions), and for the Chatham Islands. A demographic whose population is around 900,000 and includes children from all socio-economic groups.

Construction of the Playscape will begin shortly and is expected to be completed within 6 to 8 months. This is a one-off project and once the funds are raised, we will have completed our commitment.

The Lions clubs of the Wellington Region are part of a worldwide service organisation that work locally to serve their communities. Your support would be appreciated.