Columbiana Project Playground

08/28/2026

Not too long ago, a few community members sat in Firestone Park and dreamed of an inclusive playground. 💙

Thanks to everyone who has donated, volunteered, attended events, shared our mission, or cheered us on-that dream is becoming a reality.

We are not done yet but we’re getting so close! 🛝✨

08/26/2026

Friendly reminder! 🚧

The playground area is currently an active construction site, and orange signs are posted asking anyone who is not authorized to please stay out of the construction zone.

We know it’s tempting to check out all the dirt, rocks and equipment—especially with everyone as excited as we are to see this project coming together! However, as crews continue preparing the foundation, it is extremely important that machinery has plenty of room to safely work, maneuver, and enter and exit the site.

Snow fencing will be installed as soon as we are able. Until then, we are asking for everyone’s cooperation in simply reading and following the posted signs. It’s a small ask that helps keep everyone safe and helps us avoid unnecessary delays.

Please also be aware that the construction area is under video surveillance and activity on the site is recorded. If unauthorized entry continues, footage may be provided to the appropriate authorities.

Thank you for helping us keep the site safe, keep construction moving, and get us one step closer to opening this incredible playground! 💛

08/25/2026

A huge THANK YOU to John and Denise Hirschbeck of The Magic of Michael Foundation for sponsoring our sign for Funland!

The Magic of Michael Foundation is a non-profit organization located in North Lima, Ohio that provides support and basic needs to families facing disabilities and rare diseases.

John and Denise established the foundation in 2015 in memory of their son, Michael, who passed away from Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare neurological condition.

The charity aims to bring hope and practical help to families dealing with life's unexpected hardships, medical challenges, and severe disabilities. Including holiday outreach programs for hospitals like Akron Children's.

We greatly appreciate your support, generosity and sense of community!

08/24/2026

08/22/2026

A huge THANK YOU to everyone helping us take the necessary steps to make sure the Columbiana Project Playground is built the right way from the ground up!

Before this work could begin, the engineers at Howells and Baird provided the topography and developed a drainage plan for the playground area. That planning gave us the next important step needed to address and correct drainage issues throughout the site and ensure we have a solid foundation moving forward.

We cannot thank Kendall Rhodes Excavation and Hillcrest Farm & Excavation enough for working together to put that plan into action. Their crews, equipment, time and expertise are helping prepare the foundation so we can be ready for our playground installers in the next few weeks!
There is so much that goes into a project of this size that most people never see. We are incredibly grateful for everyone involved who is taking the time to complete each necessary construction step, taking no shortcuts and making sure the work is done correctly so this playground is built to last for generations of families to enjoy.

Every pipe, load of dirt, engineering plan and hour of work gets us one step closer to opening an incredible inclusive playground for our community.

Thank you, Howells and Baird, Kendall Rhodes Excavation and Hillcrest Farm & Excavation, for being such an important part of making this project a reality! ❤️

08/18/2026

We’re so excited to share this generous donation from last month’s Taste of Columbiana event! ❤️ Firestone Farms donated all proceeds back to the playground. They hosted such a fun event at their beautiful venue, The Barn at Firestone Farms!

Thank you for investing in our community and helping make Columbiana such a great place to live. We can’t wait to do it again next year! 🎉🍽️

08/17/2026

Huge shout out to Tyler and Fine line Excavating for spending their Saturday morning at the playground construction site. When we needed some tasks knocked out quickly so construction could continue, Tyler stepped up to pitch in for his community. We are so grateful for all the small businesses helping us build fun. None of this would be possible without them, remember to support local!!!

08/13/2026

Progress in motion! 🎉 Did you see the action at the site today? Huge thanks to our Electric Department for relocating the telephone pole and helping clear the way for the new walking path. One step closer!

08/11/2026

A big thank you to Reichard Industries, a locally owned family business, for supporting our project! Their generous donation will be recognized on our Donor Recognition Wall-a lasting reminder of the community helping make this playground possible. 🛝💙