LITTLE ROCK — A new pediatrics center serving children with disabilities and developmental delays in west Little Rock will create at least 50 jobs, organizers said at a grand opening Thursday.
Gov. Mike Beebe and Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola helped cut a balloon ribbon signifying the ceremonial opening of Pediatrics Plus at a 31,000-square foot building on Aldersgate Road south of Kanis Road.
The $7.2 million project will create at least 50 jobs, owner Amy Denton said, noting the center is still figuring out how large its staff will grow. The new space will also allow the group to serve more than 400 families through features including 11 classrooms, two playgrounds and a large amount of dedicated therapy space.
The center is a major upgrade from smaller facilities Pediatrics Plus previously opened in Little Rock
"What we have unveiled is actually doubling and tripling the space," Denton said. "We can serve a lot more children. But also, [it's] the ability to serve the individual needs of each child. So all the space that's here has some special purpose to serve a unique need of a child."
The center has a special treadmill system that helps teach children how to walk and classrooms set up specifically for children with autism and social-emotional delays, among other features.
Pediatrics Plus, which has facilities in Russellville, Conway and North Little Rock in addition to Little Rock, offers physical, occupational and speech therapies to patients ranging from infants to 21 years old.
Denton said the center has been a hit with children already.
"Everybody is so blown away," she said. "Everybody is walking in saying 'this is so amazing.'"