The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation has funded a new hockey-themed playground at the South Side Early Learning Center in Columbus, Ohio.
The project, completed on May 19, 2026, replaces a previous playground that was heavily damaged by a groundcover fire in 2024.
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Custom Design and Features
The $175,000 grant from the foundation's health and safety initiative financed the custom-designed space at 280 Reeb Ave.
The playground includes hockey stick posts, team graphics, and a climbable structure shaped like the team mascot, Stinger.
It also features a soft turf surface and two covered areas engineered to help preschool-age children develop gross motor skills, balance, and safety.
"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," said Tara Battiato, executive director of the foundation.
This playground is the 14th Blue Jackets-themed play area established across central Ohio through a partnership with Midstates Recreation.
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"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," Battiato added.
South Side Early Learning Center Director Denise Hurley emphasized the need for such facilities.
"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," she said.
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Additional support for the project came from the Crane Family Foundation, RSM, and a HUD Community Development Block Grant provided by the City of Columbus.
