August 17, 2026
KSS Celebrates Opening of Sensory Garden Play Space
KSS celebrated the completion of the Sensory Garden, a new inclusive playful learning environment at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philadelphia Region and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. Designed as part of KABOOM!'s Play Everywhere Philadelphia initiative, the roughly 3,500-square-foot project transformed a previously underutilized courtyard into a destination where patients, families, and staff can explore, heal, and connect.
The design was shaped through community-informed visioning and focus groups with families caring for children receiving orthopedic and neurological treatment, many of whom navigate the campus using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. Those conversations reinforced sensory design as a foundation for inclusion, guiding KSS toward an environment where auditory, tactile, visual, and movement-based experiences empower every child to participate, build confidence and independence, and connect with others in ways that reflect their unique abilities.
By listening closely to families and grounding the design in sensory experience, music, and nature, KSS created a space that meets children exactly where they are and gives them room to play, express themselves, and focus on being kids.
Beth Emig, Principal, KSS Architects
Rooted in the idea that learning can happen anywhere, the Sensory Garden integrates musical instruments, tactile play elements, bilingual learning prompts, nature-inspired painted pathways, interactive seating, and playful graphics into a cohesive landscape. Features include a chime and percussion "Sound Waves" play area, a "Circle of Fifths" musical installation, a scavenger-hunt bench with engraved prompts and matching stepping stones, silhouette shadow-play sculptures, and signage that is displayed in Spanish and English.
Community feedback on the project has been overwhelmingly positive, with families noting that the Sensory Garden made previously anxiety-filled medical visits more comfortable and made the area feel more welcoming and vibrant.
Laura Van Tassell, Director of Development, Ronald McDonald PhiladelphiaHouse Philadelphia
