(Ashland, Ohio) – A new playground and outdoor space are now open at the Ashland Department of Job and Family Services.

A ribbon-cutting was held on Tuesday commemorating the grand opening and acknowledging the large-scale community collaboration that made it all possible. The “Play. Connect. Grow.” playground has been in the works since 2014 with the Leadership Ashland class at the helm of planning and development. The project marked the largest in the class’ 30-year history.

The team of community members came together and transformed what used to be a vacant lot occupied by disabled vehicles, into an enclosed space for children and their parents to spend time together.