 A priority capital project for The Inn is to design and equip a state-of-the-art playground and outdoor play space adjacent to The Inn. Surrounded by a natural forest area, our goal is to build a readily accessible play area for our residents that will appeal to and accommodate the needs of all children, regardless of age, physical strength or abilities.
Research shows that unstructured play can make a real difference in the health and well being of a child. After a long day at the NIH Clinical Center, children return to The Inn to find "a place like home," where kids can be kids, relax and play with their friends and family.
 The existing outdoor playground, located on a hill in the back of The Inn, is now more than 20 years old. It has been an integral part of The Inn for years, but the equipment is outdated and in need of replacement. Because the playground is located on a hill, it is difficult for physically challenged children and older caregivers to access it. Improving accessibility and re-grading the area will allow The Inn to better meet the needs of Inn residents.
Our vision for the outdoor play spaces includes a walkway with elevated bridge that will connect the indoor Playroom to the outdoor play areas and to an amphitheater. Landscaped with shade trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, annuals and perennials, the play areas will include:
- Benjamin's Tree House and other playhouses
- Sound Garden - tune drums, pagoda bells, chimes, "talking" flowers
- Colonnade and windpoles
- Golf putting green
- Swings and slides, animal sculptures, and boulder ridges for climbing
- Gazebo, Adirondack chairs, benches and hammocks
How to Support the Playground and Outdoor Play Spaces
 Your charitable, tax-deductible donation will help The Children's Inn create a playground and outdoor play space for our residents of all ages. Many naming opportunities are available and accommodate a wide range of donation levels.
To make a tax-deductible contribution to support The Children's Inn playground and outdoor play space click here, or send a check payable to The Children's Inn at NIH
with "Playground" in the memo line to:
The Children's Inn at NIH
7 West Drive
Bethesda, MD 20814-1509
The Power of Words: For a $1,000 Donation
 The inspiration of words combined with the timelessness of stone. This $1,000 donation level will help to provide inspiring words throughout our new play garden. Children at The Inn have developed the following list of inspiring words that they would like to see throughout their garden. Help make their aspirations a reality. What words inspire you? Choose a word from their list and we will have it engraved and placed in an important location within the garden:
Hope – Fun – Play – Love – Strength – Courage – Spirit – Innocence - Beauty
Faith – Childhood – Friends – Family – Community – Peace – Serenity
Authenticity – Grounded – Centered – Eternal – Trust – Wish – Anticipation
Enjoy – Amuse - Awesome - Breathe - Slow Down – Adore – Bravery
Audacity – Will – Stillness – Tranquility
Light the Way: $5,000 Donations (12)
After an exhausting day of treatment up at the clinical center, our kids and their families really enjoy some time outdoors with a walk through the gardens. Help light the way with inspirational light bollards that help to encourage them along their way.
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Naming Gift Opportunities
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Gift Amount
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Amphitheater
Bridge/Elevated Walkways*
Tree House *
Gazebo
Colonnade and Windsocks*
Nest
Boulder Ridge |
$250,000
$75,000
$70,000
$30,000
$25,000
$25,000
$25,000
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Designated Playground:
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Basket Swings
Play Center
Spiral Slide
Bing Boing
Arch Swings
Scrambler
Play Ladybug
Play Mushrooms (3)
Animal Sculpture - Large
Animal Sculputure - Small
Golf Green
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$16,000
$11,000
$11,000
$6,000
$5,600
$1,400
$1,400
$760 each
$16,000
$5,600
$12,000
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Sound Garden:
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Chimes
Pagoda Bells
Talking Flowers
Tune Drums
Benches – with back (6)
Benches – without back (6)
Table and Chairs (3 sets)
Adirondack Chairs (16)
Hammocks (5)
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$9,000
$5,000
$4,800
$4,200
$2000 each
$1400 each
$1800 each
$800 each
$400 each
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* Named
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To make a tax-deductible contribution to support The Children's Inn playground and outdoor play space click here, or write a check payable to The Children's Inn at NIH and include "Playground" in the memo line. Checks may be sent to: The Children's Inn at NIH, 7 West Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814.
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