Ten-year-old Finnley Hynes is relearning everyday movements after a May 2025 playground fall fractured her cervical spine and left her quadriplegic. After emergency surgery at SickKids Hospital and an extended rehabilitation period at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, Finnley now focuses on physiotherapy and occupational therapy to regain functional skills. She uses a power chair, feeds herself and practises sitting independently and transfers as part of her structured daily routine.
The injury underscores the potential severity of playground falls and the importance of safe play equipment design, appropriate fall-protection surfacing and ongoing risk assessment in child play environments. High-energy activities that challenge balance and coordination must be matched with compliant safety measures, proper maintenance and supervision to minimise catastrophic outcomes.
Finnley’s family is preparing to retrofit their home to make it wheelchair accessible before her discharge next month, highlighting the need for accessible built environments beyond the play space when serious injuries occur. Neighbourhood support has included community donations and a fundraising campaign to assist with necessary home modifications such as ramps, widened doorways and ground-floor bedroom and bathroom access.
