City of Columbus

120 W. Goodale St.
Columbus, OH 43215
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Park Hours:
7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Goodale Park is surrounded by Victorian Village, a cluster of homes with charming architectural features. It is the oldest park in Columbus and among the oldest in the United States.

Although Goodale Park contains an expansive playground and tennis courts, the park's main attraction is its view of the Columbus skyline and the serenity offered alongside a scenic pond and the charm of the gazebo and of its historic park shelter. A walk through Goodale Park is a refreshing experience. 

The Friends of Goodale Park, a volunteer group that works to improve the park conducted a tree inventory of the park. The park boasts a very impressive tree collection, in terms of numbers, 650+ trees, and species represented, 169, not including various cultivars. The inventory took more than 2 years to complete, but was well worth the effort and the Friends are happy to share the knowledge of the jewels of the park with others. 

History
Dr. Lincoln Goodale, prominent and charitable pioneer, and the community's first physician in his later years. He died May 1, 1868. He donated the 40 acre site July 14, 1851 to be forever kept as a public park or pleasure resort for the inhabitants of City. If appropriated for any other use or purpose, park is to revert to heirs of Lincoln Goodale.. A bronze bust of Dr. Goodale was placed in the park in 1888. It was sculpted by J.G.A. Ward. Dr. Lincoln Goodale Monument is listed on National Register of Historic Places.

Champion Trees

Champion Trees is a program of American Forests that identifies and promotes the oldest and largest trees of each species in the country and each state. These trees have survived for decades or even centuries through the harshest of times and deserve recognition for their strength and endurance. Their existence helps promote the many benefits that all trees provide for our community and neighborhoods.

Chinese catalpa (Catalpa ovata) – Goodale Park – Located here.

Smoothleaf elm (Ulmus carpinifolia) – Goodale Park – Located here.