Kids at South Side Early Learning Center are getting a brand new place to play, and it’s got a distinctly Columbus touch.
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation has partnered with Columbus Early Learning Centers to install a new Blue Jackets-themed playground at the South Side Early Learning Center on Reeb Avenue. The new play space is being installed this week and comes after the school’s previous playground area was heavily damaged in a 2024 groundcover fire.
The upgraded playground was made possible through a $175,000 contribution from the Blue Jackets Foundation as part of the organization’s health and safety grant initiatives.
The new space includes a custom-designed playground structure featuring Blue Jackets-inspired details like hockey stick posts, team graphics, and even a climbable version of Stinger. The area was specifically designed for preschool-age children, with equipment focused on helping kids develop coordination, balance, strength, and confidence through active play.
There will also be covered play areas and a soft turf surface designed to make the playground safer and more comfortable for kids as they run, climb, and explore.
“We dream of a playground where children can climb, balance, and jump with joy,” South Side Early Learning Center Director Denise Hurley said in a statement. “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.”
According to the Blue Jackets Foundation, this marks the 14th Blue Jackets-themed playground installed across Central Ohio.
“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 Foundation Executive Director Tara Battiato.
The playground project also received support from the Crane Family Foundation, RSM, and a HUD Community Development Block Grant from the City of Columbus, which helped fund the turf installation.
The playground was designed by Midstates Recreation, the same company that has worked with the Blue Jackets Foundation on playground projects throughout the region, including installations at Krumm Park, Driving Park, the YWCA Columbus Family Center, and several other community spaces.
Blue Jackets staff, volunteers, and community partners are all helping build the playground alongside staff from Columbus Early Learning Centers.
For families on the South Side, the project means something pretty simple: more room for kids to run around, climb on things, and actually get to be kids again.
