Hendrick celebrates opening of new outpatient rehab facility for children

Today, Hendrick Health celebrated the opening of its new freestanding pediatric therapy gym. The 4,170 square-foot facility replaces the therapy gym that was housed in the Hendrick Center for Rehabilitation (HCR).

“The opening of the pediatric therapy gym at Hendrick Center Rehabilitation is a dream come true for our patients and our therapists,” said Brian Bessent, vice president at Hendrick. “The hope to expand our services and have a dedicated space to serve the needs of the children in our community has been a longstanding dream, and I am excited to see the dream become a reality.”

With more than 900 outpatient pediatric visits each month for physical, speech and occupational therapies, the former pediatric gym was too small to accommodate the increasing demand and growing needs of area patients. 

“We are grateful to the organizations that supported us financially as this project could not be completed otherwise,” said Bessent. “The facility will give us the opportunity to expand specialty services to children in our community and in the large region in which we serve.” 

The new facility was built with philanthropic dollars, including funding provided by the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) at Hendrick and the Play 4 Rex Foundation.

“Jill and I and the Play 4 Rex Foundation are extremely grateful to all those who have supported our mission and donated to our cause, which makes a day like today possible,” said Lance Fleming, co-founder for Play 4 Rex Foundation. “When we first started the foundation, we were always asking what we could do to help children and families in Abilene and the Big Country. This pediatric therapy gym will make an impact on the lives of thousands of children and their families. And we know that would make Rex very happy and very proud.”

The Pediatric Therapy Gym includes:

• Large open treatment gym
• Rubberized flooring with track
• Climbing wall
• Ball pit
• In-ground trampoline
• Mini zip line
• Private treatment rooms
• Parent observation room
• Check-in/waiting area
• Daily living/kitchen training space
• Easy access to pediatric playground

The new therapy gym is located directly behind Hendrick Center for Rehabilitation, between Hickory Street and Simmons Street.