Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center recently held the grand opening and dedication of its new therapeutic playground for children with special needs served by the nonprofit.

The outdoor playground was designed for use in therapy sessions with purposeful obstacles for children to overcome. The accessible play area was created to be interactive, challenging, and, most importantly, fun for the children.

"We are thrilled to open our new playground to the children and their families at Special Kids," said Ginger Spencer, Special Kids director of marketing. "The playground has been a dream for many of our staff at Special Kids, and we are so thankful for all of the donors who made our dreams a reality for the children."

The therapeutic playground was made possible by a grant from the Christy Houston Foundation in Rutherford County. The foundation was in good company with local individuals and businesses from across the country providing in-kind donations to the building project. Donors included Hooper Fence, Christopher Duggin, Shawn and Aimee Bolinger, Burke, and Rubber Designs.

The playground features multiple types of surfaces for children to work on transitioning to different terrain. The ramps allow for strengthening and balance while the musical components provide an area for fine motor development. The area was constructed for wheelchair use and to be accessible for all children.

The therapeutic playground is open to patients at Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center and their families during Special Kids' regular hours. To tour the new playground or learn more about Special Kids' therapy and nursing services, call 615.809.2632 or visit specialkidstn.com.

Special Kids is a Christian therapy and nursing center for children with special needs. The Murfreesboro-based ministry started with one child in 1998 and has grown to serve over 3,100 children from 18 counties in middle Tennessee.