Everychild 2005 Grant: Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation

The Everychild Foundation Universally Accessible Playground at Orthopaedic Institute for Children is a popular site for young patients, along with children who reside in its inner-city neighborhood. With numerous community partners, including the Amor Y Fortaleza Down Syndrome family support group, and structured activities such as monthly play dates, the Playground serves a multitude of constituencies.  Most importantly, the facility allows children who otherwise would not be able to access a typical playground the chance to be like other kids and for able-bodied children to learn to accept others coming from diverse circumstances.

A priority has always been placed on modeling the playground for others to replicate, and that has happened. The hospital now has created a new and exciting spin-off partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers, involving their ‘Dodgers Dreamfields.’ The new program brings baseball fields to low-income neighborhoods, where youngsters can learn the game of baseball in a safe environment. As a result of their experience building and managing the Everychild Foundation Universally Accessible Playground, OIC is currently advising the Dodgers on building a universally accessible baseball field for children with physical challenges.