Mike Wolanin | The Republic Shanda Sasse, manager of The Commons, demonstrates how to use the NEOS Wall at the newly renovated James A. Henderson Playground inside The Commons in Columbus, Ind., Monday, March 7, 2022.
After two years of being closed — due to both the pandemic and $1.27 million in renovations — the James A. Henderson Playground at The Commons reopens at 10 a.m. today.
“The Playground Project began in 2017 when we recognized that we could create a better playground for our community members and visitors,” Commons officials said when announcing the reopening. “Through community surveys and meetings, we found that our community desired: Expanded Inclusive Play Opportunities, Increased Safety and Cleanliness, Additional Sensory Experiences, and Opportunities for Socialization.”
Updates to The Commons playground include antimicrobial technology to facilitate easier cleaning, play elements that create “new sensory experiences” for kids, “better separation” between the toddler area and rest of the playground, and play elements that encourage kids to interact with each other.
According to Parks Associate Director of Business Services Pam Harrell, the total cost of the project was $1,272,004.04 — about $128,000 less than the $1.4 million that was previously estimated.
Admission to the playground is free and the playground is reopening with a mask optional policy.
The indoor playground typically saw more than 100,000 visitors annually, prior to closing amid the pandemic beginning in March 2020.
The renovation project saw delays due to factors such as material and labor shortages. The main contractor was PLAYTIME, LLC. However, lighting work and Luckey Climber repairs were done by other companies.
“Thank you to our donors, grantors, and supporters for continuing to support Columbus’ largest free indoor playground,” officials said when the official announcement of the reopening was made.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view sign with playground rules at the newly renovated James A. Henderson Playground inside The Commons in Columbus, Ind., Monday, March 7, 2022.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of the newly renovated James A. Henderson Playground inside The Commons in Columbus, Ind., Monday, March 7, 2022.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
A view of the newly renovated James A. Henderson Playground on Monday inside The Commons in downtown Columbus.
Pictured: A view of the newly renovated James A. Henderson Playground on Monday inside The Commons in Columbus. Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of a light-up tunnel at the newly renovated James A. Henderson Playground inside The Commons in Columbus, Ind., Monday, March 7, 2022.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of the newly renovated James A. Henderson Playground inside The Commons in Columbus, Ind., Monday, March 7, 2022.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of the newly renovated James A. Henderson Playground inside The Commons in Columbus, Ind., Monday, March 7, 2022.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic Shanda Sasse, manager of The Commons, demonstrates how to use the NEOS Wall at the newly renovated James A. Henderson Playground inside The Commons in Columbus, Ind., Monday, March 7, 2022.
