The Making of a Park

Westerville's parks are built together so we can play together

Parks and Facilities Administrator Laura Ball manages Westerville Parks and Recreation’s Capital Improvement Program, including budget preparation, land acquisition, concept development, public engagement, project oversight, public art installation and much more. If a park is due for improvement or a new park needs to be built, Ball is at the helm, ensuring the project meets community expectations from concept to park opening.

The landscape architect behind Westerville's award-winning parks is sharing what it takes to bring a park from idea to reality. In the following section, Ball discusses the City’s approach to park development.

Westerville is known as a “City Within a Park.” Explain the City’s philosophy when it comes to park development.

When residents walk outside for a day of relaxation and recreation, they should be connected with tree-lined sidewalks and trails leading to parks or open spaces. Residents should have options for the pursuit of their personal interests, be it bicycling, walking, playing basketball, swimming, reading or simply playing. There should be something for everyone of all abilities, so they never have to leave Westerville for their recreational needs.

With the City’s philosophy in mind, what factors do you personally like to keep in mind while developing a new park space?

Playgrounds aren’t or shouldn’t be just pieces of equipment on safety surfacing. Children have imaginations that need to be nurtured. Research has shown that creative spaces attract children and children want to go to playgrounds to be with other children. The bonus is that creative playgrounds spark imagination and automatically become more inclusive. Inclusive playgrounds are good for everyone.

How does the City assess parks for redevelopment?

We follow an asset management plan to ensure the park amenities are in good repair and safe. When playgrounds and park features reach the end of their usable life, reinvestment projects allow the department to revisit parks and facilities to refresh them, add signature spaces and make them more resilient and sustainable.

How do you ensure community input is included in new park designs and updates to existing parks?

Options and compromise. It is critical to give the public choices and really listen to the feedback. Compromise is achieved by blending concepts, feedback and city program needs. The emerging park is often more thoughtful, creative and truly embraced by the community.

Which parks are due for upgrades in the near future? What can residents look forward to?

There are several projects in development right now. Here are some highlights:

• Walnut Ridge Park will undergo an environmental sustainability project that will realign Walnut Ridge Run and create wetlands while maintaining active infrastructure. The project will help slow and hold water to lessen the impacts of storm events and make the more park usable.

• In 2026, Millstone Creek Park will see a refresh and reactivation of the playground and natural areas, incorporating new inclusive equipment and creating an experience that stimulates imagination and cooperative play.

• The historic Everal Barn at Heritage Park will receive a refresh while protecting its historical legacy. The upcoming 2026 project will refresh the interior for continued public enjoyment, and improve its energy efficiency.

Steps to Make a Park

1. Consult guiding documents to prioritize park projects (Community Plan; Mobility Plan; Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan; Council’s Strategic Outcomes; and the five-year Capital Improvement Program projects).

2. If land acquisition is required, get appraisals and furnish them to the administration and legal team.

3. Develop a project budget.

4. Look for applicable grants and administer them, if successful.

5. If applicable, issue a request for the proposal for professional services.

6. Obtain a survey and any needed soil borings.

7. Work with the successful consultant, if applicable, to develop concepts that match the project and program goals.

8. Share the project information with City Council, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the public.

9. Refine the concept to reflect the feedback received.

10. Develop construction documents and specifications.

11. Submit the project to the Planning Commission or Uptown Review Board, based on location.

12. Submit the approved plans to Engineering for review and approval.

13. Submit the plans to the Building Department and any other applicable agencies for permitting.

14. Present the project to City Council for contract award consideration.

15. Begin construction administration.

16. Work with Parks and Recreation staff and Community Affairs to schedule a dedication event.

Stay Tuned for Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces (PROS) Plan Feedback Opportunities

City Manager Monica Dupee announced in the spring that the team at Westerville Parks and Recreation will begin a refresh of the Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces (PROS) plan between 2025-2026. Last updated in 2014, the plan for parks and recreation programming is developed in collaboration with the community and serves as a guide for staff as they manage resources and prioritize future projects.