Columbus Foundation Opens 14th Blue Jackets Learning Center Play Space
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and Columbus Early Learning Centers opened a new learning center playground at the South Side Early Learning Center on Reeb Ave, restoring outdoor play space for preschool-age children after a 2024 groundcover fire damaged the prior area.
The project at 280 Reeb Ave was made possible by a $175,000 contribution from the foundation’s health and safety pillar. The new space includes a custom-designed play structure with a climbable version of Stinger, hockey stick posts, team imagery, two covered areas and a soft turf surface.
Tara Battiato on the partnership
Tara Battiato, executive director of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, said, "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". She also said, "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 site is designed to support gross motor skill development through climbing, balancing, running and full-body movement. Denise Hurley, the South Side Early Learning Center director, said, "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."
South Side Early Learning Center damage
The previous play area suffered significant damage in 2024, leaving the center to replace a space used by preschool-age children. The new playground restores that outdoor area with a safer, age-appropriate setup.
Midstates Recreation designed the playground and has partnered with the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation to create and install 13 additional playgrounds across central Ohio. The team built this site with Columbus Early Learning Centers staff, Blue Jackets staff and volunteers, along with landscaping support.
Central Ohio Blue Jackets sites
Additional support for the project came from the Crane Family Foundation and RSM, and turf installation was supported by a HUD Community Development Block Grant from the City of Columbus. Other Blue Jackets-themed playground locations include Delaware, Ohio State Park, YWCA Columbus Family Center, Krumm Park and Driving Park.
For families at South Side Early Learning Center, the change is immediate: a damaged play area has been replaced with a new space built for daily use, climbing and movement.
