Kwanzaa Playground

Kwanzaa Playground

Kwanzaa Playground, also known as the Children’s Africentric Playground, sits on just over half an acre of land in the Old Towne East neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. The park was Inspired by Shirley Bowen’s desire to create a playspace for her son.  

The Kwanzaa playground was developed in 1995 as a joint effort between the community and the City of Columbus. Seven local artists and sculptors contributed the design and construction. The park is designed in the shape of a human which represents a first ancestor. The park focuses on positive African-American images based on the concept that “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” The park is also known in the community as the Children’s Africentric Playground. The park was renovated in 2014 with new play equipment and art restoration as well as a new portal by artist Queen Brooks.

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