A child’s appeal launches playground effort

By Jeff Phillips

PICCA seeks to provide for children at its Ohio Heights/Lincoln Heights apartment complexes

Sebastian Nelson had an idea and took the first step to make that idea a reality.

In March 2023, the 6-year-old visited Pickaway County Community Action Organization and met one-on-one with Executive Director Becky Hammond. The confident, gregarious Circleville Elementary first grader requested the installation of a playground near the Ohio Heights apartment he shares with his mother, Paige Giffin, and three siblings.

“He told me there is nothing for children to do, and that a playground would be fun and benefit the community, Hammond said. “He said that many families at Ohio Heights and nearby Lincoln Heights do not have transportation to get to Barthelmas Park, the closest playground to the complexes. He also said that children were afraid to walk the nearly one mile distance to the park because it means crossing busy Kingston Pike.”

Hammond and PICCA Housing Director Nicole Smith said Sebastian touched their hearts that day, and put into motion an effort to create a playground on a 4,300-square-foot plot of land at Ohio Heights. The area already included a small climbing and slide structure donated a number of years ago.

Sebastian’s idea is beginning to take shape. On July 3, a new swing set opened on the site, as PICCA was able to earmark operating funds for that purpose, Smith said. Meanwhile, PICCA is pursuing grants and/or donations to complete a playground, the total of which could exceed $150,000.

The swing set cost $12,000 and mulch for the area cost $2,100. PICCA also improved a chain-link fence around the playground.

“We’re determined to make it happen for our families,” Hammond said. “This is merely the first step.”

At a small ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday afternoon, Nelson, now 7, was the first person to use the swing set. Brother, Chase, 10, was the second person on the apparatus, followed by other children from the complex.

The joy and sense of accomplishment in his face told the story of how one person—even a child—can make a difference and serve his community.

“We are just so thankful,” Giffin said. “The children will love this.”

As for Sebastian, when he is not swinging, he said he plans to continue working to be a professional football player or president of the United States.

“He’s got big dreams,” Giffin said.

If you are interested donating to the Ohio Heights/Lincoln Heights Playground Project, contact Becky Hammond at (740) 477-1655, Ext. 1000, or email her at bhammond@picca.info.