The wait is over, and it was worth it. The brand-new Panda Playground at UMC Children’s Hospital is now open, and it’s already bringing smiles to the faces of kids and families who need them most.
If you followed last year’s Children’s Miracle Network broadcast, you probably remember hearing whispers about this project. Today, that dream is a reality. Tucked just outside the new East Tower, the playground is a bright, cheerful space where kids can laugh, play, and just be kids — even while they’re facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
This special spot wouldn’t exist without the generosity of Panda Express and the incredible support of the Children’s Miracle Network. Over the years, customers in Lubbock and beyond have dropped their change, rounded up their bills, and donated at local Panda Express restaurants. Together, those small gifts added up to more than $400,000 — enough to create a safe, fun space for little patients to swing, slide, and climb. That’s why it’s called the Panda Playground — every corner of it carries a bit of Panda magic.
The ribbon-cutting on August 25, 2025, was a true celebration. City leaders, hospital staff, and community members gathered at 602 Indiana Avenue to mark the occasion. But the day wasn’t just about opening a playground. It was about giving kids a sense of normalcy — a place to escape, even for a little while, whether they’re recovering from surgery, healing in the burn unit, or undergoing tough treatments.
The playground is just one part of the exciting changes happening at UMC. The new East Tower brings all pediatric and maternity services under one roof. The first floor houses the NICU, the second floor focuses on newborn recovery, the third floor is home to pediatric and pediatric intensive care, and the fourth floor is where surgical and procedural spaces are located. This setup means families don’t have to move across different facilities, making care more seamless and less stressful.
UMC plays a huge role in our region. It’s a 500-bed public, nonprofit hospital, the only Level I trauma and burn center in West Texas, and a teaching hospital for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Being part of the Children’s Miracle Network means that when the community steps up, it directly benefits the families who need it most.
The Panda Playground is proof of that. It’s more than a playground — it’s a reminder that healing isn’t just about medicine. It’s about laughter. It’s about hope. And sometimes, it’s about a safe place to swing while mom or dad takes a moment to breathe.
