Volunteers plant trees in a park, supporting the implementation of the Urban Forestry Master Plan.
Renovations to the Scioto Mile Fountain include features such as lighting that make the fountain a year-round destination.
Director Reese addresses participants in the department’s Girls Empowerment Day program.
This roadmap will ensure we grow our programs and amenities in an equitable way so every resident has access as our city grows…
In 2024, we improved the quality of life for Columbus residents by adding new parks, preserving natural spaces, reducing violence and strengthening our communities. Through research and community input, we also built the foundation for the future with Playbook Columbus, our 2025–2035 vision plan. This roadmap will ensure we grow our programs and amenities in an equitable way so every resident has access as our city grows. All of this was possible thanks to the city leaders who support our work
and the community members who helped shape our future. I also want to thank our dedicated staff who work tirelessly every day to lift up our community. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Columbus!
Bernita A. Reese, M.S., CPRP Director
in the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association’s Awards of Excellence for the APPS Job Readiness Program and the VOICE Program.
4,355 youth attended 58 summer camps, providing safe, supportive and enriching experiences.
$3.5 MILLION IN GRANTS awarded to 47 nonprofits hosting youth summer programs, complementing department efforts.
This new 46-acre park featuring a nature preserve, futsal fields, pickleball courts and a rental pavilion, bringing much-needed green space to northeast Columbus.
207,643 meals served through the Go, Lunch! summer food program, and 300,000 pounds of produce through Mobile Produce Markets, addressing food insecurity.
assisted 88 individuals, with impactful results including a re-victimization rate of <5% and a recidivism rate of <10%.
Delivered 6,540 hot meals, 7,000+ gifts and 1,000+ warm clothing items through the Adopt a Center program thanks to $131,375 in financial contributions and in-kind donations from sponsors and the support of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation.
with new pickleball courts and updated handball courts, reflecting community interests.
Our occupational safety team oversaw American Red Cross certification for 145+ lifeguards, ensuring residents are safe at our pools. 6 staff members were certified as instructors, expanding training capacity.
at Franklin Park Adventure Center by beginning renovations, engaging 492 youth in summer camps and hosting 254 participants in sports and social events fostering community.
Doubled the Center Without Walls sites to 10 locations and served 1,140 youth who live in underserved areas.
48,000+ home visits performed by COAAA (Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging). The agency also supported 15,000 individuals with case management services and distributed $250,000 to 234 households through its Housing Assistance Program.
We’re committed to protecting and enhancing Columbus’ natural resources for future generations.
Added 5 new nature preserves, bringing the total number to 25, creating a 25% increase.
Planted 4,921 trees, growing the city’s tree canopy in support of the Urban Forestry Master Plan.
Launched the Conservation Stewardship Program, where volunteers assist with pollinator habitat maintenance.
Partnered on educational events like Columbus ArborFest, Pollinator Field Day and prairie management projects to engage the community in conservation.
Partnered with the Department of Public Utilities to reduce flooding in the Franklinton neighborhood by incorporating stormwater mitigation features in future improvements to McCoy Park.
The newly renovated Scioto Mile Fountain is a regional destination, especially on hot summer days.
We’re planning strategically to meet today’s demands while preparing for the future.
Rebuilt the Scioto Mile Fountain, enhancing the experience for the 250,000 visitors it attracts annually.
Gathered feedback from 6,000+ residents to shape Playbook Columbus, the department’s next 10-year vision plan that will guide the future of parks, trails, recreation programs and community spaces.
Renovated key rental facilities, improving spaces where 136,163 residents celebrated special events in 2024, including 260 weddings.
Acquired land to build the Linden Green Line, a 7-mile-long linear park that will connect residents to 3,000 businesses, 19 schools and 10 parks.
City Leaders participants visit City Hall to meet council members and learn about local government.
We host programs that empower young people with skills, resources and opportunities for a brighter future.
An attendee at Girls Empowerment Day focuses on her art activity.
Connected 334 youth to career pathways through the APPS Job Readiness Program.
Provided safe spaces for connection and belonging through events like Girls Empowerment Day and the LGBTQ+ Pool Party.
Awarded $230,210 in PLAY Scholarships, enabling more youth to participate in fee-based programs.
Launched the Albatross Swim Club, an official USA Swimming Club, allowing youth to participate in competitive swimming and building a pipeline for lifeguards.
1,104 youth accessed programs in neighborhoods without an easily accessible community center through our Teen Impact Program and Center Without Walls.
We host creative programs and performances that inspire joy and innovation in our community.
Welcomed 724 attendees to Conversations and Coffee, Columbus’ longest-running artist talk series, and engaged 15,362 participants in classes at the Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center.
Featured local, national and Grammy Award-winning artists such as the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, MojoFlo and Saxsquatch at free events like Jazz & Rib Fest, CBUS Soul® Fest and WinterFest Columbus.
Provided opportunities for 125 residents of all ages and abilities to participate in 5 theatre productions, including a free outdoor performance at Franklin Park and an inclusive theatre production highlighting performers with disabilities.
Transformed fallen trees into tables, artwork and more, saving the department money and reusing natural resources.
Crane Group and community volunteers serve food at Barack Community Center during the holiday season as part of our Adopt a Center program.
We are proud to partner with CRPD to build thriving neighborhoods throughout our city.
Accenture
Advanced Drainage Systems
AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio
American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation
Bath and Body Works
Boar’s Head
Cardinal Health
City of Columbus
Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus City Council
Columbus Crew SC
Crane Group
Delta Dental
Grange Insurance
Heapy
Hensel Phelps
Hill International
HOMAGE
Jacobi Carbons
Jacobs Engineering Group
Jones Day
JP Morgan Chase
Kokosing Industrial, Inc.
Look Ma’No Hands
Michael & Paige
Crane
Midstates Recreation
Morgan Stanley
Nationwide Insurance
Neil Shingala
NetJets
Ohio Contractors Association
pH7 Architects
Plaskolite
Root Insurance
Southeast Lions Club Foundation
Smoot Construction
T&M Associates
The Columbus Foundation
White Castle
