Columbus Early Learning Center gets CBJ-themed playground
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation partnered with the Columbus Early Learning Centers to put in a brand new playground on the South Side Early Learning Center at this time. Located at 280 Reeb Ave, the playground was made doable with the assistance of a $175,000 contribution from the Foundation’s grant program’s well being and security pillar. The upgraded outside area supplies preschool-age kids with a secure, age-appropriate area to play. The challenge follows vital harm to the earlier play space attributable to a 2024 groundcover fireplace that restricted usable area and tools for youngsters.
“The Blue Jackets Foundation is proud to partner with organizations like Columbus Early Learning Centers to create spaces where kids can play, imagine and just be kids,” stated Tara Battiato, government director of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. “This playground marks the 14th Blue Jackets–themed play space in central Ohio and is another example of how we’re working alongside community partners to make a lasting, positive impact for local families.”
The new play space includes a custom-designed play construction with Blue Jackets–themed components, together with a climbable model of Stinger, hockey stick posts and staff imagery. The area is designed to help lively play whereas serving to younger kids construct power, coordination and confidence, with an intentional give attention to gross motor talent improvement via alternatives to climb, steadiness, run and have interaction in full-body motion. The playground additionally consists of two lined areas, in addition to a gentle turf floor, enhancing security by making a extra comfy play setting and serving to cushion falls as kids develop coordination.
“We dream of a playground where children can climb, balance, and jump with joy, because right now, too many of them struggle with core strength and can’t even jump with both feet. They deserve the chance to build those skills through play,” stated South Side Early Learning Center Director Denise Hurley.
Additional supporters of the challenge embody the Crane Family Foundation and RSM. Turf set up was supported by a HUD Community Development Block Grant from the City of Columbus. The playground was designed by Midstates Recreation, which has partnered with the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation to create and set up 13 further playgrounds throughout central Ohio. Other areas embody Delaware, Ohio State Park, YWCA Columbus Family Center, Krumm Park, Driving Park and extra.
Midstates Recreation, together with Blue Jackets workers and volunteers, joined Columbus Early Learning Centers workers to construct the playground and help with landscaping efforts.
For extra details about the Blue Jackets Foundation and how one can help its work locally, go to BlueJackets.com/Foundation.
