The Camden County Board of Commissioners unveiled a new inclusive playground at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey in Camden on March 28.
The playground is a fully inclusive space with ADA (American Disability Act)-accessible features designed to provide children with disabilities a safe place to play. It represents the Ronald McDonald House’s mission to enhance the health and welfare of children and their families and bolster its commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and community service.
“The Ronald McDonald House is such a vital resource to so many families who have children in the hospital,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Ed McDonnell. “This playground will provide families staying at the Camden City location with a bit of normalcy and fun during a tough time.
“We are thrilled to be unveiling this fully accessible space for the children to enjoy and cannot wait for the kids to start using it.”
Established in 1974, the Ronald McDonald House emerged from a visionary partnership between Dr. Audrey Evans of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill and team owner Leonard Tose and McDonald’s restaurants.
Since its inception, the organization has pioneered family-centered care by providing housing near top children’s hospitals for families facing medical crises. Ronald McDonald hospital family rooms also offer respite, while the organization’s Care Mobile programs extend medical and dental care to underserved communities.
Reflecting on its mission, the Ronald McDonald House expresses a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“We believe it is the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences that each member of our global organization brings to the table every day that allow us to provide the care and support that children and their families need,” notes the organization.
“We know we are stronger together because of our diversity. We will never waver in our commitment to this core value.”
