Norfolk Southern Corporation has donated $300,000 to fund renovations of a pediatric playground at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.
The rooftop playground was built in the early 2000's but was closed in 2019 due to safety concerns, according to NGMC Director of Pediatrics Gentry Hunt.
"The renovation of that had just kind of fell flat due to costs," Hunt said. "It's so important because it really creates a space of healing for our patients to get out, get sunshine and be able to get out of their hospital room."
The funding was announced at a press conference Friday afternoon at the Pope Family Garden at the hospital's Yellow Tower. Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George spoke at the event.
"We're happy to see this facility. It's something you all should be proud of, and the fact that we can add to it with this pediatric playground makes us really pleased," George said.
The renovated playground will also be built as an inclusive playground with help from Hope for Hall, a local organization which recently helped push for state legislation to create more inclusive playgrounds at schools across Georgia.
