Published: July 18, 2025

Avita Breaks Ground on Pediatric Therapy Sensory Playscape

GALION – On Tuesday, July 15, more than 120 donors, patients, and hospital employees gathered as Avita Health Foundation hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a sensory playscape at the Avita Pediatric Therapy Center, located at 865 Harding Way W, Galion.

“The sensory playscape will be the first of its kind,” explained Jerry Morasko, President/CEO of Avita Health System. “Not a traditional playground for Avita’s children, rather an outdoor sensory playscape that will offer a unique environment for children to engage in therapy activities disguised as play, aiding in the development of crucial skills, all while children are having fun. Specifically, this playscape has been strategically designed with a rich sensory environment, recognizing the vital role that engaging the senses plays in a child’s development. Through elements that stimulate touch, sight, sound, movement, stability, temperature, and smell, our children will have the opportunity to enhance their sensory motor and communication skills while exploring.”

The sensory playscape will provide a therapeutic adventure that allows Avita’s pediatric patients to experience and explore an outdoor space that encourages exploration in an accessible environment to children of all abilities. It is part of several recent projects at the Avita Pediatric Therapy Center aimed at educating and promoting healthy activity and eating habits that support the growth and development of children while minimizing health risks. Renovations have included a basketball court for activity and play, as well as an updated pavilion for gatherings and preparing healthy snacks and meals. A greenhouse was added on-site to provide a space for children to learn more about where healthy foods come from and to develop an appreciation and increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.

In the future, Avita will be hosting healthy eating camps to help children develop the knowledge and skills needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle through the balance of proper nutrition and activity. Campers will be encouraged to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere and make new friends through experiences that will provide social, emotional, and physical wellness.

“For several years, Avita Health Foundation has been raising awareness and funding to support the construction of a sensory playscape,” said Chuck Cangelosi, Chief Development Officer at the Avita Health Foundation. “We’ve raised more than $400,000 to fund the sensory playscape and have already begun construction and renovations on an activity courts, greenhouse, and pavilion.”

According to Cangelosi, these projects impact more than 1,400 families and the community has responded in a significant way with donations and in-kind gifts. The project was designed by KD Outdoor Design of Wadsworth. The contractor for the project is Adena Corporation from Mansfield.

If you would like to donate to this project, visit avitahealth.org/foundation/#donate and designate Women’s & Children’s Fund. There are still naming recognition opportunities for gifts of $1,000 and above. All contributions of $250 and above will also receive recognition. For questions, contact Chuck Cangelosi at ccangelosi@avitahs.org.