This Children's Center for Health & Wellness in Springdale is where UAMS Schmieding Kids First and the UAMS Schmieding Developmental Center will be relocated.
The Schmieding Foundation in Springdale has donated $300,000 to help pay for new playground equipment and for moving the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Schmieding Kids First and the UAMS Schmieding Developmental Center.
The centers will be moved from the Centers for Children building in Lowell to a new site just north of Arkansas Children’s Northwest Hospital in Springdale.
“We are excited to see these meaningful services for children continue to expand as the programs move into the new Springdale facility,” Lance Taylor, foundation president, said in a news release.
The centers plan to open at their new site on Monday.
The Lowell location has three outdoor play areas, purchased in 2007. Two of the playgrounds were used by Kids First. The Schmieding Developmental Center used the third playground.
The new Springdale location features three separate play areas, with screening to protect patient privacy and reduce distractions. The UAMS Schmieding Kids First play area is about 1,200 SF, while the preschool play area is 1,500 SF and the Schmieding Developmental Center play area is about 900 SF.
“With the generous support of the Schmieding Foundation, we will be able to create a child-friendly clinic and playground area that is a safe place to play and learn for children of all abilities,” said Kimberly Cox, director of UAMS Schmieding Kids First.
“Having an outdoor space to break up a long day of structured testing helps enhance the experience for children and their families and allows clinicians to see how children respond to physical play,” Mary Ann Scott, director of the Schmieding Developmental Center, added. “The playground is a great addition to a diagnostic program and is only possible with such a generous gift to offset the expense.”
Lawrence H. Schmieding started H.C. Schmieding Produce, a wholesale distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables, in 1961. But he was also known for philanthropy focused on programs for children and the elderly. He died of cancer in 2009.
In 1995, the Schmieding Foundation gave money to create the Schmieding Developmental Center and Schmieding Kids First. In 1999, he gave more than $15 million to UAMS to establish the Schmieding Center for Senior Health & Education.
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