Children receiving care at The Moncton Hospital now have access to five newly transformed Smilezone spaces in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit.

Smilezones are colourful areas designed to bring joy and ease stress for young patients and their families. The spaces feature bright murals, interactive play walls and nature‑themed designs.

Frances LeBlanc, president and chief executive officer of the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation, said the project is part of a national effort by the Smilezone Foundation.

“There are over 500 Smile Zone spaces across Canada, and the one that was just added to the child and adolescent psychiatric unit is the 10th province. So it’s the first in New Brunswick and make sure that there’s some from across coast to coast,” she said.

LeBlanc said the Moncton unit serves children aged nine to 17 from across the province.

She noted the redesigned areas replace what had been a grey, institutional space with brighter features such as underwater, beach and forest murals.

One installation includes a large tree where children can add handprint leaves.

She added that play was built into the design. “And there’s also the integration of play. So we have an eye spy wall that has all these elements that can also be used as play but also a therapeutic setting for the children and the staff as well,” LeBlanc said.

Feedback from staff and patients has been positive, according to LeBlanc. She said children have already engaged with the murals and interactive features, describing them as joyful and uplifting.

A fifth installation, created by a New Brunswick Indigenous artist, is expected to be added in December.

LeBlanc said the piece was commissioned to ensure cultural representation in the unit.

The project was funded through support from Assumption Life, which partnered with the hospital foundation to bring the Smilezones to Moncton.