03.26.15
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) kicked off its 2015 Annual Meeting earlier this week by creating a safe play haven for children in Las Vegas, Nev.
AAOS members and representatives of the national non-profit KaBOOM! worked side-by-side under a warm desert sun on March 24, turning an empty lot at Palabra Viva Church on South Mojave Road into a safe and accessible playground for school-age children. Over the last 16 years, the Academy has sponsored a day-long playground build as a gift to the Annual Meeting host city. This year's project was the second to occur in the Las Vegas area.
The playground covers 2,600 square feet and was built with components for children ages 2 through 12 of different abilities; it features two slides, swings, a climber, a series of interactive panels, a “cozy cocoon” designed for children with autism spectrum disorders, and accessible wheelchair ramps.
“The Safe and Accessible Playground Build is a great way for the Academy to show appreciation to the people of Las Vegas, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community,” incoming AAOS President David D. Teuscher, M.D., said. “In line with the AAOS vision of keeping the world in motion through prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, the playground is one way for orthopedists to encourage all children to safely remain physically active with healthy lifestyles to build strong bones, reducing risk of future bone and joint injuries.”
A photo montage of the playground build follows. Images are courtesy of AAOS.
AAOS members and representatives of the national non-profit KaBOOM! worked side-by-side under a warm desert sun on March 24, turning an empty lot at Palabra Viva Church on South Mojave Road into a safe and accessible playground for school-age children. Over the last 16 years, the Academy has sponsored a day-long playground build as a gift to the Annual Meeting host city. This year's project was the second to occur in the Las Vegas area.
The playground covers 2,600 square feet and was built with components for children ages 2 through 12 of different abilities; it features two slides, swings, a climber, a series of interactive panels, a “cozy cocoon” designed for children with autism spectrum disorders, and accessible wheelchair ramps.
“The Safe and Accessible Playground Build is a great way for the Academy to show appreciation to the people of Las Vegas, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community,” incoming AAOS President David D. Teuscher, M.D., said. “In line with the AAOS vision of keeping the world in motion through prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, the playground is one way for orthopedists to encourage all children to safely remain physically active with healthy lifestyles to build strong bones, reducing risk of future bone and joint injuries.”
A photo montage of the playground build follows. Images are courtesy of AAOS.