YMCA of Central Ohio, PNC Foundation Celebrate New Nature Playscape at Hilltop YMCA, Expanding Space for Preschool Students
Oct. 9, 2025
The YMCA of Central Ohio officially dedicated an outdoor nature-based playscape at its Hilltop YMCA location, made possible through a $100,000 grant from the PNC Foundation.
COLUMBUS, Ohio The new playscape marks a significant increase in space for the Hilltop YMCA’s preschool program, which serves 12–15 pre-K students each year. With limited outdoor play space previously available, this new addition expands opportunities for daily exploration, growth and imaginative play.
PNC regional president Mary Auch (on the right with big scissors), our Executive director or early learning Bobbi Shannon (left with big scissors) and then teachers and members of the YMCA's early learning team + kids from the Hilltop YMCA preschool.
PNC supports high quality early childhood education as part of PNC Grow Up Great®, a $500 million, bilingual initiative created to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and in life, with particular emphasis on underserved communities. In 2024, the PNC Foundation awarded a two-year grant to the YMCA of Central Ohio to develop the outdoor play and learning space in celebration of the 20th anniversary of PNC Grow Up Great.
“We are excited to continue our collaboration with the YMCA of Central Ohio to play a part in expanding opportunities for our youngest students to learn and grow in new, inspiring ways,” said Mary Auch, PNC regional president for Columbus. “This project reflects our continued commitment to early childhood education and strong community relationships. This collaboration allows us to create a space where children can build confidence, curiosity and a love of learning from an early age.”
The YMCA collaborated with Midstates Recreation and the PNC Foundation to co-create the outdoor play and learning area, the second of its kind at a YMCA in the region. The first was constructed in April at the North YMCA. This Playscape’s design integrates the need for safe, stimulating surroundings with a nature-filled aesthetic that encourages creative play. Directly attached to the classroom, it promotes consistent access to outdoor learning year-round.
Enclosed by a decorative fence, the playscape features a wide range of interactive and sensory experiences. Highlights include an ADA-accessible swing, balance beam, mud kitchen, tire swing, obstacle course and water table, alongside a sensory play zone with textures and musical elements, climbing structure and lush greenery. Each feature was designed to build motor skills and incorporate learning into the daily preschool curriculum. With open space for future additions, the playscape can evolve to meet the changing needs of students.
“As the largest child care provider in Central Ohio, it’s our priority that every child has a safe and inspiring space to learn, play and grow,” said Tony Collins, president and CEO of YMCA of Central Ohio. “Thanks to the generosity of the PNC Foundation, our second outdoor playscape at the Hilltop YMCA is expanding our ability to support children with endless opportunities to explore, create and develop essential skills that will serve them for a lifetime. We’re grateful for this growing relationship and excited to see its lasting impact on the families we serve.”
The YMCA of Central Ohio is committed to fostering an environment where children from birth to age 18 can grow, learn and thrive. This new outdoor play space will provide countless opportunities for creativity, exploration and age-appropriate development, ensuring that local families enrolled in the Hilltop YMCA’s preschool program have access to enriching outdoor experiences for years to come.
About PNC Foundation:
The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The Foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. Through PNC Grow Up Great®, its signature cause that began in 2004, PNC has created a bilingual $500 million, multi-year initiative to help prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. For more information, visit: http://www.pncgrowupgreat.com.
About YMCA of Central Ohio:
For 170 years, the YMCA of Central Ohio has served as the heartbeat of the community. The YMCA of Central Ohio envisions strong communities where all people reach their full potential. The organization is dedicated to programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving over 114,000 individuals across Central Ohio - and almost 5,000 at the North YMCA - the YMCA provides a holistic and wide range of services, including housing support, childcare, fitness programs, and more, impacting five generations daily. To learn more about the Y’s efforts in nurturing the full potential of all youth, please visit: https://ymcacolumbus.org/youth-development.