Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa, Ariz., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for “The BIG Outside,” an outdoor play space and healing garden for patients and families. The outdoor area, which is expected to open in December, will offer activities and features to help kids keep their minds off treatment or to receive rehabilitation therapy outdoors. This includes mini golf, a basketball court, an amphitheater for kids’ programs and a bereavement garden.

A group of community members, parents and young patients (ages 3 to 18) worked together with Banner Children’s staff and the Banner Health Foundation to raise nearly $520,000 for The BIG Outside.