GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A recreational facility designed for children with weakened immune systems and their families has found a new home in Grand Rapids.
The Children's Healing Center originally opened in 2015 on Fulton Street in Grand Rapids and this year, it moved to a brand new facility on the East Beltline in Grand Rapids.
The Children's Healing Center is designed for children who are immune-compromised and entry requires a wellness check. The center said that immune-compromised children can have limited access to public spaces, so this facility sometimes is the only place where these kids can socialize.
This new facility, made possible through an $8.5 million fundraising campaign, is 15,000-square-feet and has many amenities:
- A half gym that provides a flexible space for fitness and group classes, sports activities and a variety of other year-round programs while ensuring all members can play more freely.
- An entry and intake area to provide adequate room for health screenings for multiple families at a time and ample room for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers as well as places to store belongings.
- A state-of-the art mechanical room, housing a premium HEPA-HVAC unit, water filtration system and other equipment needed to ensure the integrity of the Center’s super-clean environment.
- An expanded exploratory play room featuring a larger area to support exploration and play-based learning, including an educational environment for the Center’s Little Tots University Preschool and areas for creativity and imagination.
- A dedicated art and snack room for Little Tots University, with appropriately sized tables and chairs so all can easily participate.
- A dedicated space for teens and young adults for group activities and games.
- Community spaces for parents and caregivers to relax, including a café, lounge and counseling room.
The Children’s Healing Center said it's the nation’s first year-round recreational facility for kids with weakened immune systems and their families.
Take a look inside the new Children's Healing Center in Grand Rapids
The Children's Healing Center also has a facility in Ypsilanti, which opened in 2024.
You can learn more about the Children's Healing Center and how to become a member here.
