A new chapter is beginning for young patients at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville. Through a $300,000 contribution from Norfolk Southern, the hospital will soon begin construction on an outdoor therapeutic playground designed to help children heal through play and time spent outside.
The initiative reflects Norfolk Southern’s broader commitment to the Northeast Georgia region.
“We hope that when people see more Norfolk Southern trains roll through Northeast Georgia in the coming years, they see more than just a passing locomotive,” Mark George, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern, said. “We hope those trains are a reminder of our long-term commitment to supporting a thriving community and serving as a beacon of sustainable, reliable transport. This new playground is a reflection of that commitment—an investment in the well-being of families in this region and a tribute to the incredible, life-saving work being done every day at NGMC Gainesville.”
The new playground will replace a beloved play area first built in 2007 through a gift from the Jim, Greg & Steve Syfan Family Foundation. After more than a decade of use, the original playground was closed in 2019 due to aging infrastructure. Now, Syfan Logistics is once again stepping in to help. The company has pledged an additional $100,000 to support the new project, reinforcing its long-standing support of pediatric care at NGMC.
For hospital staff, the playground is more than just a fun space — it’s a key part of helping children feel better during their hospital stay.
“Being stuck inside, in a hospital bed, can be challenging for our young patients,” said Gentry Hunt, MSN, director of Pediatric Services at NGMC. “The playground was often the highlight of their stay with us – getting outside in the sunshine and fresh air – so we’re excited we’ll be able to offer that joy to them again.”
Hospital administrators echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact the new space will have on patient experience.
“Thanks to Norfolk Southern and others, we will be able to provide a safe and fun play area for our pediatric patients,” said John Kueven, president of NGMC Gainesville and chief operating officer for Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS).
The NGHS Foundation is leading the planning effort for the project and has already begun work to bring the vision to life. The playground is expected to be a vibrant, accessible area that will offer children a chance to enjoy the outdoors while receiving care.
“Every child deserves a chance to play, especially during challenging medical treatments,” said Chris Bray, NGHS Foundation president and chief philanthropy officer for NGHS. “We invite our community to join Norfolk Southern and Syfan Logistics to make a gift to our Foundation to help make this space a reality for our youngest patients.”
