Giant bubble tubes, software for story-writing, and a wall-sized aquarium are a few highlights of the Irving Koven Children's Playroom.

In November 2001, two new playrooms on Bellevue's 8 North Pediatric Inpatient Unit were dedicated in memory of Irving Koven, founder of Ambassador Construction, one of New York City's leading interior construction firms. Although Ambassador Construction received many proposals, its President chose the Bellevue project because it would benefit the most needy and largest number of sick children and teenagers on an annual basis.

The dedication ceremony marked the culmination of an intensive six-month development process. It involved Bellevue's Child Life and Developmental Services Department, the Facilities Management Department, Children of Bellevue, Inc., an auxiliary of Bellevue that raises funds for children's programs, Ambassador Construction, The Starlight Children's Foundation NY*NJ*CT, responsible for introducing Ambassador to Children of Bellevue, and an array of sub-contractors who donated their time and materials for the $130,000+ construction project.

Teens use the Irving Koven Adolescent room for video-making, puppetry, computer work and movie nigts.

A large fresh-water fish tank built into the wall divides the renovated playrooms. The rooms include computers, entertainment systems and other equipment designed for therapeutic play, art therapy, arts and crafts, marionette making, video creation and other activities that assist with pain management and relaxation for these young patients. The playrooms are also beneficial to the parents of these children, creating a warm environment to escape from the stresses of hospitalization and treatment regimens.

"Hospitalization interferes with the psycho-social development of a child. Parents and children alike may alternately experience emotions such as anger, fear and anxiety, particularly around separation," said Gloria Mattera, director of Bellevue's Child Life and Developmental Services. "These young patients are experiencing many changes and adjustments. They are dealing with an unfamiliar environment, medical procedures, new or restricted eating habits, a lack of mobility, feelings of isolation and sometimes-painful treatments. The new Irving Koven Children's and Teens' Playrooms offer a welcome respite during this difficult time."

back to What's Going On