Columbus Blue Jackets Unveil Inclusive Playground at Delaware State Park

Delaware State Park has opened a new inclusive playground themed around the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team, designed to accommodate children of all abilities with sensory-friendly structures, inclusive swings, and a climbable model of the team's mascot, Stinger. The playground is a collaborative effort among the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, the Ohio State Parks Foundation, and other local partners, with the Blue Jackets Foundation contributing a $250,000 grant. This facility, the 14th playground funded by the Blue Jackets Foundation and the first in partnership with the Ohio State Parks Foundation, also includes ADA-compliant restrooms and new sidewalks to enhance accessibility. At the ribbon-cutting event, the presence of Stinger and Smokey Bear delighted families, emphasizing the playground's mission to foster community connection and support health and wellness for children. Officials highlighted the playground as a safe, welcoming space where kids of all abilities can play together, reflecting a shared commitment to inclusivity in outdoor recreational spaces. The project serves as a model for how communities and organizations can unite to create accessible and enjoyable environments for all children.