CONTEXT

Goodale Park is one of the most historically significant public green spaces within Columbus. Not only is it Columbus’ first developed park, it is also indicative of the concepts which were shaping people’s attitudes towards parks and greenspace during the 19th century, particularly in regard to urban space and the role of recreation.

Dedicated in 1851, Goodale Park is one of the first public parks in the United States, and at approximately 37 acres it was also one of the largest tracts of land to be given for unrestricted public access at that time. Originally conceived as a pleasure ground for the citizens of Columbus, Goodale Park has undergone numerous evolutions regarding its infrastructure, programming, spatial quality, and use. It is a palimpsest of Victorian notions of leisure, mid-20th century concepts of vehicular access, and contemporary responses to urban revitalization.