HJNO Mar/Apr 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS  I  MAR / APR 2025 51 Lucio A. Fragoso President and Chief Executive Officer Manning Family Children’s FOR CHILDREN facing illness or injury, hospitals can often feel intimidating and overwhelming. Yet research has shown that play is not just a way to pass the time — it is a crucial part of healing. Engaging in play can reduce stress, improve recovery outcomes, and foster resilience in young patients. Recognizing this, Manning Family Children’s is developing Walker’s Imaginarium, a first-of-its-kind child enrichment center designed to support children and families navigating medical challenges. The Vision Behind Walker’s Imaginarium Inspired by the legacy of Walker Beery, a young boy who faced pediatric brain cancer with courage and a commitment to helping others, Walker’s Imaginarium is being created in partnership with Kids Join The Fight, a non-profit that he helped envision before ultimately losing his battle. The space is designed to bring moments of joy, movement, and creativity into the hos- pital setting, providing an escape where children can simply be kids — even during difficult medical journeys. The 15,000-square-foot space will feature interactive exhibits that engage children of all ages and abilities, includ- ing a Funky Forest, Dance Stage, Percus- sion Tree, Ryan Seacrest Studios, Airboat Adventure, and a Krewe of Walker Float, where kids can design their own Mardi Gras throws. Reflecting Louisiana’s vibrant culture, the Imaginarium will also show- case local art and themes throughout its design. Why Play Matters in Pediatric Care Beyond creating a fun and engaging environment, spaces like Walker’s Imag- inarium play a critical role in enhancing pediatric care. An unexpected diagnosis or hospital stay can be stressful for both children and their families. Research has shown that interactive play can help im- prove physical and mental well-being, ac- celerate recovery, and provide emotional relief during treatment. Walker’s Imaginarium aims to be more than just a play environment — it will offer a space for families to form connections and find community support. The ability to step away from a clinical setting, even for a short time, can make a significant difference in a child’s overall hospital ex- perience. Bringing the Project to Life Slated to open in the summer 2026, Walker’s Imaginarium is being developed with a focus on accessibility and universal design. The project, made possible entirely through philanthropic support, is led by New Orleans-based EskewDumezRipple, with exhibit design by Gyroscope, a firm specializing in children’s museums and enrichment spaces. The exhibits will be fabricated by Solomon Group, with con- struction led by Lemoine, beginning in early 2025. Walker’s Imaginarium is reimagining the child healthcare experience by creating an environment where children can thrive, play, and heal. While medical care address- es the physical aspects of illness or injury, an innovative space like this reminds us that healing also happens through joy, cre- ativity, connection and fun. n Lucio A. Fragoso is President and CEO of Manning Family Children’s. In his role, he oversees the hos- pital’s operations, expansion of pediatric programs, recruitment of topmedical talent,and improvement of patient experiences. Prior to this role, he served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at Manning Family Children’s.His background includes leadership roles at Lurie Children’s in Chica- go andTexas Children’s Hospital, bringing extensive experience in pediatric healthcare management.