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LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR BIG WINS CONSERVING OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE CREATING A MORE EQUITABLE CITY STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
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Achieving CAPRA accreditation, the highest honor in our field, underscores our commitment of excellence to our community. iii
LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR In 2023, we dedicated ourselves to excellence by establishing a new conservation section, creating an equitable work culture, achieving CAPRA accreditation and celebrating several wins which we called “The 4 C’s.” Achieving CAPRA accreditation, the highest honor in our field, underscores our commitment of excellence to our community. I want to thank our staff, residents and city leaders for their support — none of these accomplishments would have been possible without you.
Here’s to a bright future filled with even more to come in 2024. This year, we will focus on our “4 R’s” — reach, reinvest, recreate and reshape. It’s our responsibility to reach out to our community, reinvest in personnel and recreate as needed to stay current with trends while reshaping the culture of our department.
Bernita A. Reese, M.S., CPRP Director 1
5,200+ PLAY scholarships were awarded, ensuring all youth have access to participate in recreation programs.
CAPRA ACCREDITATION The department was proud to earn this recognition from the National Recreation and Park Association. Only 2% of agencies hold this honor.
CELEBRATED HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH by participating in the parade and hosting community events 2
5,300+ youth learned valuable life skills and sportsmanship through golf.
NEW CONSERVATION SECTION CREATED This section leverages the department’s education, protection and advocacy resources and expertise.
VOICE PROGRAM RECOGNIZED The VOICE program earned a National Recreation and Park Association Innovation Award for its work supporting victims of violent crime and helping break the cycle of violence. VOICE is in partnership with Columbus Public Health.
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10,700+
FRAN RYAN CENTER CONSTRUCTION Construction began on this new facility that will serve as a place for our older residents to engage in creative pursuits and wellness activities.
residents gave back to the community through volunteer efforts such as park clean-ups, tree plantings and beautification projects.
COAAA RECEIVES $1.5M GRANT Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) was awarded a $1.5M grant to help launch a new Social Determinants of Health Accelerator Program. 4
3,100+
older adults were provided with information and assistance related to caregiving, housing and other benefits.
EXPANDED AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING to 11 additional community centers (for a total of 15 locations). 5
CONSERVING
OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Protecting our resources ensures they are here for generations to come
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Passed the first updated public tree code in the city in more than 30 years. This initiative will help the department reach its goal of doubling its tree canopy. Hosted environmental-themed art exhibitions and events encouraging participants to rethink their relationship with our planet.
Acquired 107 acres of new parkland, which will offer more access to greenspaces, specifically in underserved neighborhoods. Planted 3,000+ trees to increase Columbus’ urban canopy, which benefits residents by providing cleaner air, cooler temperatures and more walkable communities.
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BUILDING FOR THE
FUTURE Long-term, strategic investments in all facilities allow us to build for today and plan for tomorrow
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Investing in athletic complexes like Kilbourne Run will continue to give residents access to premier facilities all over the city and increase tourism. Reduced our energy footprint by more than 40 percent by automating building controls in department facilities.
Approved the development of 36 new dedicated pickleball courts, including a new 12-court indoor complex at Mock Park, in response to the skyrocketing popularity of the sport. Managed $70 million in capital improvement projects.
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CREATING A MORE
EQUITABLE CITY Ensuring all residents have access to quality programs, services and facilities
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Opened the new Glenwood and Windsor pools, ensuring access to aquatics facilities and life-saving swimming lessons. Linked 280+ youth to career opportunities and resources that help them see their future potential through our Job Readiness program.
Celebrated Columbus’ vibrant Black culture, music and soul during CBUS Soul Fest, bringing Grammy Award-winning artists to the city for a free community event. COAAA provided 10,000+ older adults with case management services across eight counties.
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STRENGTHENING OUR
COMMUNITY Working together and leveraging resources allows us to build a stronger community
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Hosted 240,000+ residents at 38 free community events and festivals celebrating Columbus’ culture, creativity and community. Shared information about programs and services with 6,800+ residents at community events, connecting them with all the resources the department offers.
4,800+ residents attended classes and workshops at the Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center. 6,500+ community members received meals, winter essentials and gifts during the holiday season through our Adopt a Center program.
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1 + 1 Foundation
Coca-Cola
Dick’s Sporting Goods
ms consultants
7NT
Columbia Gas
Dynotec, Inc.
Roosters
Accenture
Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation
George R. McCue
SMBH, Inc.
Smoot Construction
Grange Insurance
Southeast Lions Club Foundation
American Electric Power AmeriHealth Caritas Anser Advisory
Columbus Building Trades Council
HDR, Inc.
Arcadis US, Inc.
Columbus Downtown Development Corporation
Black & Veatch Holding Co.
Community for New Direction
In The Number
Boar’s Head
Cooper Family Foundation
Jacobi Carbons
Brian S. Casey Memorial Fund
Crane Group
Jay and Elaine Stowe
Chris and Lori Holtmann Foundation
Crowe LLP
Kokosing Industrial, Inc.
CTL Engineering
Midstates Recreation
Hill International
Stanley Steemer International, Inc. Stantec T&M Associates Walmart White Castle
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ColumbusRecParks.com