PORTLAND, Maine — The MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital in Portland received one of its own pinball machines Monday.
It comes from Project Pinball, a non-profit that donates pinball machines across the country to places like children's hospitals. The goal is to offer motivation and fun to young patients and their families.
The game is superhero-themed with Marvel's Avengers fighting to save the galaxy one pinball at a time.
"In the Child Life Program, we strive to have activities and opportunities for fun that kids are familiar with, and having a pinball machine that features some of their favorite Marvel characters of Avengers just supports our mission," Sharon Granville, the John D. Bancroft Child Life Program Manager at BBCH, said.
Dan Yarrington is the CEO of Pinball Tycoon. Through Project Pinball, Yarrington donated the Avengers pinball game with hopes of bringing the experience to the patients at the children's hospital.
"Coming from tabletop games, all analog games, and a lot of kids, especially our kids at any age, they're always playing video games now, right? That's what they grew up with. So pinball is a unique kind of blend of digital and analog," Yarrington said.
Even though patients couldn't take a crack at the game as soon as it was set up, Granville hopes those at the children's hospital find joy when playing.
"A time to not be so focused on being here in the hospital, being away from home, being away from siblings, other family members, and pets, and having a chance to experience a moment of fun," Granville said.
To make the pinball game more accessible to patients, their families, and staff, there is an adaptive piece that connects to the machine. The accessory was made by a group called Inclusive Game Werks. It allows someone who may have to sit or is in a wheelchair to be able to reach the controls. It also allows for one-handed play.
So, with no quarters required, the children's hospital is ready to play unlimited pinball.
Project Pinball has donated over 70 pinball machines around the country.
Local volunteers help with maintenance so the machines can be enjoyed for years to come.