What’s in the $2.5 million room at Richmond Children’s Hospital at VCU

RICHMOND, Va. — Leaders at VCU’s Richmond Children’s Hospital gave CBS 6 a behind-the-scenes look at a new $2.5 million “Children’s Living Zone” currently under construction.

Located in the Sky Lobby at Children’s Tower in downtown Richmond, the 3,000-square-foot area will include spaces for patients to watch movies, play video games, complete art projects, music and enjoy snacks.

Similar to the Children’s Tower, the Child Life Zone’s design and decor will reflect the Central Virginia region, including an interactive water table resembling the James River and a clubhouse built like a Native American longhouse, according to a Press release.

The hospital’s child supervisor, Bethany Fisackerly, said The Zone is designed to provide young patients with an escape from their current reality.

“Having space doesn’t change the fact that they have to deal with things that we wouldn’t want kids to ever have to face. But if for 10 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour, we can give them the opportunity to come out of that and be kids again to find themselves,” Fisackerly said.

This innovative space is designed and built in collaboration with the Teammates for Kids Foundation, founded by country music star Garth Brooks.

“We are truly fortunate that they saw such value in a partnership with Richmond Children’s Hospital.” So we’re going to be opening this space at the end of the summer and we’re just really excited about how we can make the hospital feel more like a place where a child can be a child and not a place frightening or anxious. with all the things they come to us for,” said Lauren Moore, president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The project is funded by individual and corporate donations, including an anonymous lead gift of $2 million.

“There is no limit to the number of patients who will benefit from this space,” Fisackerly said.

Once completed, the Richmond Zone will join 14 others across the country, including Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles.

The space will be managed by a team of certified child life specialists. These professionals are dedicated to helping children and families overcome medical challenges through play, education and self-expression, according to a press release.

To meet Child Life Zone’s fundraising goals, the donation was bolstered by a $300,000 donation from Meta, as well as $185,000 from the 7th annual Words & Wisdom event.

In addition to the $2 million contribution, Meta’s $300,000 commitment will help build the makerspace, teen lounge and gaming pod.

For more information or to donate to the Children’s Hospital Foundation, click here.

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