WILHELMINA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL – WHEELCHAIR-FRIENDLY COURTYARD

In 2024 a long-cherished wish of the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) in Utrecht was fulfilled: a new, wheelchair-friendly courtyard. The mission of the WKZ is to promote the total health of every individual child with a chronic illness in his or her environment, now and in the future. More than 7.200 (chronically) ill children between the ages of 0 and 18 are admitted to the WKZ every year and more than 15.000 children visit the outpatient clinic. The WKZ had a wish for an indoor garden in which all children are challenged to exercise. Because fun and exercise are very important for the therapy and treatment of children. With the support of Fonds 1999, the courtyard of the WKZ has been transformed into an inviting, child- and wheelchair-friendly play area. Children can play with scooters, bicycles and go-karts or jump on a wheelchair-friendly trampoline. There is also a new, large play area in the shape of a play bump. Under the play bump there is a tunnel that is also accessible for wheelchairs. The garden is extensively used by sick children and their brothers and sisters. A brisk, green spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the hospital!