BEACH THEMED CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
HOSPITAL OASIS BEACH THEMED PLAY AREA
This vibrant, beach-themed play area at the Stollery Children’s Hospital brings the serenity and adventure of the seaside indoors. Designed to create a calming, child-friendly environment, this immersive space allows young patients and visitors to relax within a fun, engaging oasis.
The play zone is filled with ocean-inspired elements, including a whimsical sandcastle on the beach. The underwater adventure continues with playful murals and themed seating, capturing the essence of the ocean world. At the heart of the play area is a bright yellow submarine tunnel, leading kids from the indoor play space to an outdoor play area.
One of the unique aspects of this project is the integration of signs throughout the space, each featuring the names of generous donors who made this play area a reality. This thoughtful touch shows the community involvement. Friendly crabs adorn each sign.
The area also includes a kitchen area, where a friendly cartoon crab in a chef’s hat and wielding a spatula brings a touch of humor and warmth to the space. This kitchen corner provides a welcoming spot for activities and small gatherings, making it a true haven for both patients and families.
This beach-themed play area exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform a medical space, offering a retreat that comforts, entertains, and inspires children during their time at the hospital.
The Beach is really a safe space for them to come into being control of their activities and what they want to do. Just giving them back an opportunity to be in control of some elements of their care is vitally important to their growth and development and their coping in hospital.
– Alison Naylor, Child Life Specialist at Stollery
You know the adrenaline kicks in and you’re just trying to figure out what’s going on with your kid, how to get him the care he needs. It was a relief after five days of being in here to see him smiling, giggling. For us just to play as a father and son, I wouldn’t have expected this to be something we could do at a hospital.
