Children in Martindale-Brightwood will soon explore, learn and play in a nature-inspired environment.
This morning, PNC Foundation representatives broke ground on the project at the Edna Martin Christian Center, unveiling plans to install nature-themed playground equipment across two areas of the campus. The initiative is part of PNC’s $500 million Grow Up Great program, which focuses on preparing children from birth to age five for success in school and life in underserved communities.
Jason Eckerle, PNC regional president for Central and Southern Indiana, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to early childhood education.
“At PNC, this is our 20th anniversary for our Grow Up Great initiative,” Eckerle said. “We are very committed to early learning and early childhood education. A big part is ensuring we’re a big part of the community and inspiring these kids to learn.”
Barato Britt, president and CEO of the Edna Martin Christian Center, spoke about the significance of the new space as part of the center’s broader revitalization plan for the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood.
“Since we acquired the site in 2014, I am pleased to say that we’ve already started an effort to renovate and invest in the site until it complements the programs that the community has articulated that we can play a role in,” Britt said.
The announcement is part of PNC’s broader $5.2 million investment to build or refresh nature-based play and learning spaces across its markets in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Grow Up Great. Since its inception in 2004, the program has impacted over 10 million children, with PNC employees contributing over 1.2 million volunteer hours.
“This outdoor nature classroom will provide opportunities to support learnings about science and other nature-based play education curriculum, said Fred Payne, president and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana. “That’s something that every community organization should do, but not everyone can do it because they may not have the space, and some may not have the leadership and the vision. We’re thankful for Edna Martin for doing that.”
For more details about Grow Up Great and its ongoing projects, visit pncbank.com.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
