Needs Assessment

Playbook Columbus’ Needs Assessment provides a basis for understanding Columbus’ recreation and parks needs by combining input from community members, partners and participants, a quantitative assessment of existing conditions and a robust evaluation of CRPD’s offerings compared to best practices from around the country.

The Needs Assessment will serve as the foundation for the plan’s recommendations and priorities. This report will include an equity analysis to ensure fair access to resources and services, a community profile that reflects the diverse needs of Columbus residents, a trends analysis of how facilities and programs are being used, a walkshed analysis to assess access to greenspaces and benchmarking to compare our offerings with similar cities.

Engagement by the Numbers

Throughout the summer and fall, residents engaged with us through online surveys, activities at community centers, presentations and events. Thanks to your enthusiasm, more than 6,000 community members shared their thoughts, including 3,508 survey respondents, 1,546 participants in graphic polling at community centers and 905 residents engaged at community events.

These incredible participation numbers exceeded our goals for this stage of the planning process—thank you!

950
participants in event tabling activities

1,546
community center poll participants

3,508
survey responses

Outreach strategies:

22 community pop up tables hosted

110 locations with project advertisements

1,211 clicks generated through Facebook Advertisements

150 yard signs in neighborhood parks

11 presentations to organizations

50,000 survey text messages

11,500+ visits to the project websites

200+ emails sent to key stakeholders

28 community centers advertising the survey and polling activity

3 local interviews

Community Needs Summary

Certain priorities and ideas consistently emerged throughout engagement, reflecting the shared values and aspirations of the community.

Engagement Key Take Aways

Community engagement results were exceeded, resulting in robust input (~6,000 participants) to inform the plan.
Desire for more convenience of programs and increased offerings for all abilities, ages, incomes, and underserved/high-needs neighborhoods.
Lots of love (76%) and use (92%) of Columbus Recreation and Parks offerings. Strong appreciation for connectivity, beauty, social connections, nature, health and wellness, and service to all people.
Most prioritized near-term focus is on upgrading/renovating existing facilities and parks.
Strong desire to improve usability of parks and trails by addressing safety, maintenance/cleanliness, accessibility, and comfort (restrooms, benches, shade, etc.).
High interest in preserving open space, enhancing natural resources, adding trees, encouraging outdoor activities, and providing access to water recreation.
High interest in expanding greenway trails and improving connectivity and safe routes for all modes of travel.

History Timeline

From the creation of the City's first parks to the development of today’s expansive network of green spaces, recreation facilities, and programs, this timeline highlights the milestones and key moments that have shaped the vibrant recreation and parks network that you see today.

Columbus Park History Timeline

Needs Assessment Data Analysis

A team of consultants including Design Workshop and Ballard King Associates are conducting an evaluation of the City’s recreation and parks system to identify strengths, gaps, future needs, and opportunities for improvement. This analysis is based on an updated inventory of offerings expected by March 2025.

A comprehensive analysis of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department offerings will be available in the Needs Assessment Report expected to be available on this website in early 2025.