In 2022, the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department made plans for renovations to Pawnee and Gerrard parks. To ensure that the public who use the parks have a say in what they look like, the department is seeking public input on the specific changes that should be made.
Memorial Stadium at Pawnee Park
An open house to discuss ideas for the parks will be held by Confluence, an architectural and creative firm that specializes in planning parks and public spaces. The company will use the public's opinions to create a master plan that the city can refer to in the future.
Parks and Recreation Manager Betsy Eckhardt stated that the parks are for the community, and they should have control over what they want to see in the parks. The open house aims to gather ideas and opinions from the community on how the parks can be improved. The open house will be held at the Columbus City Council Chambers on May 3 from 4-6 p.m.
The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department considers finances when looking at the suggestions from the community. Their main priority is to repair Memorial Stadium at Pawnee Park and the tennis courts at Gerrard Park, which are getting old and difficult to play on.
The original idea was to replace the tennis courts with basketball and/or pickleball courts, and the open house will allow people to express their opinions on this matter.
Pickleball Courts
Public Properties Director Doug Moore emphasized that the city needs to consider the repairs and renovations that are most important to the community.
During the planning of a proposition to present to the Columbus City Council, city officials realized that including repairs for both Pawnee and Gerrard Park would be beneficial.
Moving forward, the city wants to hear what people would like to see in the parks and will base plans on the most common responses. Moore emphasized the importance of fixing the stadium's leaks, press box, and general wear-and-tear concerns for the future, while also maintaining the park's identity.
Parks serve the community, and it is crucial that they have a voice in their development, said Eckhardt.
The community is invited to share their ideas for the future of the parks at an open house on May 3rd at the Columbus City Council Chambers.
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