Project Overview
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is developing its next 10-year Vision Plan: Playbook Columbus. This Vision Plan will be an innovative roadmap for the future of our recreation programming and services, parks, facilities, trails, waterways, and open space planning. Our goal is to create a plan that reflects the community’s needs and aspirations, ensuring that we’re equitably serving all residents as Columbus continues to grow and thrive.
Thank you!
Dive into the results of input gleaned from thousands of community members in 2024 that provides an understanding of recreation and parks needs and desires. A thank you to community members of all ages and from all parts of the city that have contributed their thoughts. In 2025, community members will be asked to provide input on priorities and big ideas for changes to the park system and our programming over the next 10 years.
Project Schedule
This Playbook Columbus plan creation process is anticipated to take about 18 months. See all of the remaining opportunities for you to get involved below!
System Map
The City of Columbus provides 458 parks and 29 community centers (as of March 2025). This includes 15,247 acres of parkland, 230 miles of regional trail, 175 playgrounds, 25 nature preserves, 8 outdoor pools and an aquatic center, and thousands of programs, services, and events.
Needs Assessment
See a preview of all the inputs being collected for the upcoming Needs Assessment Report.
Community FAQ
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This Playbook is a long-range, visionary planning tool that identifies community values and goals to achieve through extensive community outreach.
PLAN CREATION PROCESSResidents feel they’ve had a voice in creating the plan, and there is representation from the community.
Residents, visitors and participant needs and wants are collected, understood and reflected clearly in the plan.
Use play to engage, educate to build awareness and data to ground the plan.
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department staff and City leadership have meaningful involvement and support the goals and implementation of this plan.
Refine the image and tell the story of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department through project branding and visuals.
The process is transparent, and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has a clear understanding of next steps.
The City leadership and staff have support for practical implementation.
PLAN DOCUMENT CONTENTSFulfillment of our Mission: “Connecting Our Community to Nature, Wellness and Creativity.”
Advance a system that provides access and opportunities equitably for community members.
Protect and enhance the natural environment.
Present a vision that excites the community for the next 10+ years.
Communicate clear and sustainable strategies to address gaps in parks, trails, community centers, programs, open space and blueways.
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The project process will begin by looking at the existing conditions and identifying the challenges and opportunities of the current recreation and parks system. Then, through extensive community engagement and listening to a diverse range of voices, the project team will identify what the community wants and needs. Based on all of that, a plan is developed on how to reach united community goals.
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The last adopted Master Plan was in 2014. Since then, conditions such as community demographics, national and regional trends in parks and recreation, and community desires have changed. This Playbook will assess and respond to such changes and provide a fresh guide for decision making.
Stay Involved
Community member feedback is critical to help guide the Playbook. Your input will support Columbus Recreation and Parks Department in improving our current recreation and parks offerings and proactively planning for the future. Fill out the form to stay involved in this process, and help shape the future of Columbus’ iconic park system.
How do you imagine Columbus to be 100 years from now? We’d love to hear from you, write your response below!
