DENVER — Broncos head coach Sean Payton is leaving his mark in the community as well as on the football field.
Payton and wife, Skylene, have donated $150,000 to build an adaptive playground at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
The pair visited the hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora to learn more about ways they could give back to Colorado community.
Wins on the football field are nice, but some things are bigger than football.
After some discussions, it was determined that an adaptive playground, a first-of-its-kind project, would be the most impactful.
“We are grateful to Coach Payton and his wife Skylene for their generous gift and thrilled to provide a new experience for our patients and their families for years to come,” said Christy Dobson, vice president of board and community relations at Children’s Colorado in a news release.
The playground, which will be available for patients and their families, will feature:
- Sensory walls, which include objects children can play with, providing visual and tactile stimulation, improving fine motor skills.
- Self-expression tools, including musical objects, art walls and options for open play, such as building.
- Adaptive swings.
- Shaded structure for privacy and shade, in addition to sunny areas.
- Rock-climbing wall.
- Wheelchair-friendly spaces.
“This playground will create opportunity for kids to just be kids and for families to have a change of pace while receiving care at Children’s Colorado, which can include long days for patients and their families,” Dobson said.
The Broncos recently renewed and expanded their long-standing team partnership with Children’s Hospital this year to include becoming the only pediatric hospital to be featured on a practice jersey in the NFL, NHL, NBA or MLB.
Payton will also rep Children’s Hospital during the team’s My Cause My Cleats game on Monday Night Football when the Broncos host the Cleveland Browns (6:15 p.m. MT) at Empower Field and Mile High.
