Gahanna families can now use a new playground at Ashburnham Park that doubles the size of the old play area.

The City of Gahanna announced Oct. 28 that the roughly $237,000 project is complete. The redesigned space replaces equipment that, according to Parks and Recreation Director Stephania Ferrell, offered limited play opportunities.

The new playground combines traditional features with what the city described as more challenging elements meant to encourage imaginative play. Nature-inspired colors and design tie into the park's existing surroundings, including an adjacent nature play area and nature path.

Neighbors helped shape the design

The city mailed postcards to 304 households in the Villages of Gahanna neighborhood earlier in 2026, asking residents what they wanted in a playground. That feedback guided the final layout, according to the city's construction announcement in September.

The city reviewed survey responses alongside standards from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), then worked with Midstates Recreation to develop the design. The playground uses an engineered wood fiber surface, which Parks and Recreation Director Ferrell told Gahanna City Council in June allowed more flexibility during fall installation than a poured surface would.

From council approval to construction

Ferrell presented the Ashburnham project to the Committee of the Whole on June 15, requesting approval for the city to enter an agreement with Midstates Recreation for purchase and installation. Zac Guthrie, park operations manager, served as project manager.

Councilmember Padova asked at that meeting whether the Ashburnham timeline matched a separate Friendship Park playground replacement. Ferrell said the city hoped to install both in the fall, with equipment delivery and weather as the main variables.

Construction was scheduled to begin Sept. 28, and the city announced completion Oct. 28, within the projected end-of-October window.

Residents with questions can contact Guthrie at (614) 342-4268 or [email protected].