Columbiana Project Playground

09/03/2026

Our amazing friends over at Fix the Sticks recently finished up the restoration of the The Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park and Columbiana Cemetery Stick Chapel. Not only is it absolutely beautiful it's also ADA compliant! 😍😍

We are so proud of their committee on a job well done and for also keeping those with mobility challenges in mind. Thank you to everyone who made this project happen. 👏👏

Santini's team finishing the concrete ADA compliant area

09/03/2026

💚 Firestone Park Has a Story — and You’re Part of It! 🌳

Think back on all the memories made at Firestone Park over the years. Maybe yours includes summer days at the pool, family reunions, sporting events, birthday celebrations, major milestones, or simply spending time with family and friends.

We want to hear YOUR Firestone Park memories!

We’re collecting stories from throughout the community to share with the Firestone Legacy Center, where they can be preserved and displayed in their new facility.

📖 Share your memory here: 👉 https://playatfirestone.com/write-your-memory/

While you’re reminiscing, be sure to visit the Firestone Legacy Center, located right at the main entrance to Firestone Park on East Park Avenue. Inside, you’ll find a museum filled with photographs, history, and pieces of Firestone Park’s past.

Hours and days vary, so please reach out to the Legacy Center directly or check their electronic sign out front for the latest updates.

Every memory helps tell the story of Firestone Park. What’s yours? 💚

09/03/2026

🌳 What’s Your Favorite Firestone Park Memory? 💚

For generations, Firestone Park has been the backdrop for some pretty amazing memories — and we want to hear yours!

Maybe it was a family reunion under the trees, a championship game, a major milestone, a summer afternoon at the pool, a first date, a community event, or simply a day at the park you’ll never forget.

📖 Share your Firestone Park story with us!

Your memories will be shared with the Firestone Legacy Center and may be put on display in their new facility, helping preserve the stories that make Firestone Park so special for generations to come.

Submit your memory here:
👉 https://playatfirestone.com/write-your-memory/

Have old photos to go along with your story? We’d love those too!

09/02/2026

Apparently “President” was just a fancy way of saying whatever needs done. 😂🔨

Michaela got her hands dirty this morning and jumped right in! A huge thank you to our fearless leader for always being willing to do whatever it takes to keep this project moving forward.

We also want to sincerely thank John Gross, Bob Garwood, Kendall Rhodes, Neuenschwander Excavating and Richards Excavating & Trucking for generously giving their time and helping us get the job done. We are so grateful for the incredible people behind this project!

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! ❤️