Superheroes drop in for opening of Mimi’s Playground at Children's of Mississippi
A few special guests dropped in at Children’s of Mississippi to celebrate the opening of Mimi’s Playground – Spider-Man, Batman, Superman and The Hulk, among others.
On Friday, the superheroes, whose alter egos work at the Mississippi Fire Academy, rappelled from the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower and the Blair E. Batson Tower as well as Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants, descending to a playground funded by philanthropist Robbie Hughes. The playground will offer a spot for pediatric inpatients and outpatients to play.
“This new playground is every child’s dream,” said Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair of Pediatrics and incoming CEO of Children’s of Mississippi. “We’re so excited to see Mimi’s Playground open and to see these heroes brighten the day for our patients. The generosity and joy of Robbie Hughes brought this day about, and we are so thankful for her support of Children’s of Mississippi.”
Nestled between Children’s of Mississippi’s Batson Tower and Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants, Mimi’s Playground was funded by a significant gift from Hughes, a philanthropist who, with late husband Dudley Hughes, has donated millions to the University of Mississippi Medical Center over the years. Most of her donations were given to Children’s of Mississippi, UMMC’s pediatric organization, and the Memory Impairment and Neurodegenerative Dementia (MIND) Center.
Colorful play equipment designed for inclusion engages children while teens can enjoy the basketball court. Mimi’s Playground is ringed by a walking trail. The playground was designed by Wier Boerner Allin Architecture.
“Play is an essential part of healing for our children,” said Tara Husband, director of Children’s Rehabilitative Services at Children’s of Mississippi. “This playground will give our patients a chance to move and play outdoors as part of their therapy or just for fun.”
The superhero rappelling event was sparked by collaboration between the Mississippi Fire Academy and the state’s only children’s hospital to create uplifting experiences for children receiving care and their families.
“Seeing superheroes coming down the side of the hospital to welcome kids to their new playground was a moment our patients will never forget,” said Dr. Nikki Cowan, director of nursing in Children’s of Mississippi’s medical-surgical and psychiatric units.“It’s a celebration of joy, strength, and the spirit of childhood.”
Robbie and Dudley Hughes had a history of giving back to the state, earning the honor of 2009 Philanthropists of the Year by the state. She has continued that legacy of generosity by making gifts to the Campaign for Children’s of Mississippi, a $100 million philanthropic campaign to help pay for the construction of the seven-story Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower, which opened in 2020. In 2015, Hughes made a $2 million gift to the MIND Center to establish a faculty chair.
Children’s of Mississippi patients were the inspiration of her gift, she said.
"I just love children,” said Hughes, the mother of two, grandmother of five and great-grandmother of six. “Many call me Mimi. I hope the children think of their grandmothers when they come here, and I want to thank the doctors, nurses and all the wonderful people who have dedicated their lives to making children’s lives better.”