Pickaway Co. gets new playground thanks to 6-year-old

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Six-year-old Sebastian Nelson had a dream and took the first step toward making it a reality. In March 2023, the confident and outgoing first-grader from Circleville Elementary School visited Pickaway County Community Action Organization (PICCA) and met in person with Executive Director Becky Hammond. His request was simple but impactful: he wanted a playground near the Ohio Heights apartment where he lives with his mother, Paige Giffin, and three siblings.

“The kids have nothing to do, and a playground would be cool and would be a benefit to the community,” Sebastian told Hammond. He noted that many families in Ohio Heights and nearby Lincoln Heights don’t have transportation to get to Barthelmas Park, the closest playground, which is nearly a mile away. The kids, he said, were also afraid to cross busy Kingston Pike to get to the park.

Sebastian’s heartfelt request touched Hammond and PICCA Housing Director Nicole Smith, inspiring them to create a playground on a 4,300-square-foot lot in Ohio Heights that already had a small climbing structure and slide donated several years ago.

Sebastian’s vision is starting to materialize. On July 3, a new swing set was unveiled at the site, funded by PICCA’s operating budget, according to Smith. In the meantime, PICCA is actively seeking grants and donations to complete the playground project, which could cost more than $150,000.

The new swing set cost $12,000, and the mulch for the area cost another $2,100. PICCA also improved the chain link fence surrounding the playground.

“We are committed to making this happen for our families,” Hammond said. “This is just the first step.”

At a small ribbon-cutting event Wednesday afternoon, Nelson, now 7, was the first person to ride the swing, followed by his 10-year-old brother, Chase, and other children from the complex. The joy and sense of accomplishment on Sebastian’s face showed how one person — even a child — can make a significant difference in their community.

“We’re just so grateful,” Giffin said. “The kids are going to love it.”

Sebastian, when he is not playing, has big plans for the future, he wants to become a professional footballer or the President of the United States.

“He has big dreams,” Giffin said.

Those interested in making a donation to the Ohio Heights/Lincoln Heights Playground Project may contact Becky Hammond at (740) 477-1655, ext. 1000 or via email at (email protected).