City of Columbus

Recycling Grant Allows Jazz & Rib Fest to be Environmentally-Friendly COLUMBUS - Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Jazz & Rib Fest could offset eight tons of recyclable and compostable material from entering the landfill, thanks to a Recycle Ohio Grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s (Ohio EPA) Recycling and Litter Prevention program. 2022-07-18 - learn more

Residents Encouraged to Check out All Columbus Recreation and Parks Has to Offer During National Park and Recreation Month  

 COLUMBUS, OH – July is National Park and Recreation Month, and Columbus Recreation and Parks is connecting residents with the many ways the department and its staff benefits them and the City of Columbus. - learn more

Jazz & Rib Fest Returns to Downtown Riverfront After Two Year Hiatus (Columbus, Ohio) – After two summers impacted by the pandemic, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is excited to present the 41st annual Jazz & Rib Fest from Friday, July 22, to Sunday, July 24, on the Downtown Riverfront. - learn more

City of Columbus Begins Using New Online Platform to Automate Permitting Process for Events and Festivals COLUMBUS – The City of Columbus has started to use a new platform to make it easier for organizations and residents to apply for permits to host festivals, races, marine events, block parties and film within Columbus. - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Hosts Its First Hiring Fair COLUMBUS - Columbus Recreation and Parks Department believes its workforce should be reflective of the community it serves and is bringing the hiring process to the people. Candidates interested in summer seasonal positions, part-time work or internships with Columbus Recreation and Parks are invited to Dodge Community Center on Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces April 2022 Events COLUMBUS – The Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) has announced its April calendar of events. - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Community Centers to Help Residents Keep Warm COLUMBUS – With bitterly cold temperatures forecasted, Columbus Recreation and Parks will open warming centers at five community centers to give residents a place to keep warm during this Friday’s cold temperatures: the Barnett, Dodge, Linden, Marion Franklin and Thompson community centers will be open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4. Contact information for the centers is available online. - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Receives Top Honors for the Linden Community Center Project Representatives from Columbus Recreation and Parks Department accepted a first place Award of Excellence from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) for the Linden Community Center at the association’s annual conference. The department received the first place award in the Capital Projects: $2.5 million and up category. OPRA’s annual awards program recognizes organizations throughout Ohio that embody the vision, dedication and demonstration of excellence in parks and recreation. - learn more

Honoring the Legacy of Kathy Espy Today we mourn a great City leader whose many, many contributions include service to Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, Kathy Espy. - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center February 2022 Events COLUMBUS – The Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) has announced its February 2022 calendar of events. - learn more

Reese Begins Tenure as First Woman Leader of Columbus Recreation and Parks Bernita A. Reese today began her tenure as the first woman leader of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. She joins the department from Huntsville, Alabama Parks & Recreation Department, where she served as the director. - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department announces the return of WinterFest to Bicentennial Park on Dec. 4 For Immediate Release Sarah Irvin Clark, 614-296-4057 2021-11-04 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department announces the return of WinterFest to Bicentennial Park on Dec. 4 COLUMBUS - After taking a hiatus last year as a result of the pandemic, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is bringing back - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces November Events For Immediate Release 2021-10-20 Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces November Events COLUMBUS – The Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) has announced its November calendar of events. Exhibitions Out of Tunes Nov. 19 - Dec. 31; Main Gallery In this exhibition, artist Brian Rieg - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Hosts Kids Run For Immediate Release 2021-10-18 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Hosts Kids Run COLUMBUS –  Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is excited to announce the annual Kids Run. In partnership with the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and Highlights for Children, this event - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Hosts Senior Wellness Jamboree For Immediate Release 2021-09-27 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Hosts Senior Wellness Jamboree COLUMBUS –  Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is excited to announce its annual Senior Wellness Jamboree. In Partnership with Franklin County Office on Aging, this event is FREE for all resident - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces October Events For Immediate Release 2021-09-15 Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces October Events COLUMBUS –  The Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) has announced its October 2021 events. Exhibitions Art and Jazz Oct. 8-Nov. 1; Main Gallery Visual artist Karin Dahl and composers Chris Berg, B - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Announces the Return of Jack Attack Boccia Tournament For Immediate Release 2021-08-24 Columbus Recreation and Parks Announces the Return of Jack Attack Boccia Tournament COLUMBUS – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is excited to announce the return of Jack Attack, the department’s annual Boccia tournament for adaptive athletes. Boccia is a game of - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces September Events For Immediate Release 2021-08-23 Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces September Events COLUMBUS – The Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) has announced its Sept. 2021 calendar of events. Exhibitions: Interwoven Aug. 27-Oct. 2, Main Gallery  Artist Elaine Fleck presents a selection of - learn more

Community Giveaway Helps Families in Need For Immediate Release 2021-08-18 Community Giveaway Helps Families in Need COLUMBUS – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will host a community giveaway this weekend. This drive-thru event will provide free food, book bags, shoes and toiletries to residents. The event is open to all community mem - learn more

Event Gives Youth of All Abilities the Opportunity to Try Wheelchair Basketball, Learn About Adaptive Sports For Immediate Release 2021-08-17 Event Gives Youth of All Abilities the Opportunity to Try Wheelchair Basketball, Learn About Adaptive Sports COLUMBUS – A “Try It” event is designed to help youth of all abilities learn about wheelchair basketball, and the opportunity to participate in sports regardless - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces August Events For Immediate Release 2021-07-23 Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces August Events COLUMBUS  – The Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) has announced its August 2021 calendar of events. Exhibitions: Works by Sharone Putter and Philip Sorenson July 16-Aug. 21, Main Gallery  This dual exhibi - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Celebrates National Park and Recreation Month, 111 Years of Operation For Immediate Release 2021-07-15 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Celebrates National Park and Recreation Month, 111 Years of Operation COLUMBUS –July is National Park and Recreation Month. This annual event, hosted by the  National Recreation and Park Association , celebrates the positive impa - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Announces the Return of Live Theatre For Immediate Release 2021-07-12 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Announces the Return of Live Theatre COLUMBUS – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is thrilled to announce the return of live theatre, starting July 29. The first performance for the 2021-22 season will be Shakespeare’s “A - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Partners with Clemson University to Offer Veterans Adaptive Soccer Camp For Immediate Release 2021-07-01 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Partners with Clemson University to Offer Veterans Adaptive Soccer Camp COLUMBUS – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is partnering with Clemson University to offer the Clemson Veterans Adaptive Soccer Camp. This initiative - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces July Events 2021-08-17 Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces July Events true Append - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Moves Opening Day for City Pools to Monday, May 31 For Immediate Release 2021-05-28 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Moves Opening Day for City Pools to Monday, May 31 COLUMBUS – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has moved the opening date for the City’s pools to Monday, May 31. Dodge, Driving Park and Tuttle pools will remain closed Satur - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Commission Responds to Bicentennial Park Event For Immediate Release 2021-05-23 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Commission Responds to Bicentennial Park Event On behalf of the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Commission, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the shooting that took place last eve - learn more

Biking and Walking Study Report for Fifth Avenue to Griggs Park is Available for Public Viewing For Immediate Release 2021-06-24 Biking and Walking Study Report for Fifth Avenue to Griggs Park is Available for Public Viewing Our department sponsored a Biking and Walking Study for the area from Fifth Avenue to Griggs Park. The study report is now available. Please visit http://TinyURL.com/FTGBWS to s - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Announces Reopening of Outdoor Pools For Immediate Release 2021-05-21 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Announces Reopening of Outdoor Pools COLUMBUS – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is excited to announce that outdoor pools will reopen this summer. Select pools and all spraygrounds will be open Memorial Day Weekend, May - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces June Events For Immediate Release 2021-05-25 Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces June Events COLUMBUS, OH  – The Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) has announced its June 2021 calendar of events.   Exhibitions:   The Art of Surviving a Pandemic June 4-July 10, Main Gallery   Curated - learn more

UPDATE: Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Announces Reopening of Golden Hobby Gift Shop June 1 For Immediate Release 2021-05-14 UPDATE: Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Announces Reopening of Golden Hobby Gift Shop June 1 COLUMBUS – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will reopen the Golden Hobby Gift Shop on Tuesday, June 1 at its new location in the Columbus Performing Arts Center - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center Launches Artist-in-Residence Program For Immediate Release 2021-05-11 Columbus Cultural Arts Center Launches Artist-in-Residence Program (COLUMBUS, Ohio) –  The Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) will launch a new Artist-in-Residence program this week. This annual program will foster new methods for engagement with the local community, p - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces May Events For Immediate Release 2021-04-19 Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces May Events COLUMBUS – The Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) has announced its May 2021 calendar of events. Exhibitions: Central Ohio Watercolor Society - Annual Spring Show   April 23 - May 29, Main Gallery Th - learn more

Alternative Selected for Olentangy Trail Completion For Immediate Release 2021-04-23 Alternative Selected for Olentangy Trail Completion COLUMBUS, OH –  Based on public input and technical analysis, the City of Columbus has selected Alternative 2 as the route to close the gap from Clinton-Como Park to Northmoor Park on the Olentangy Trail. T - learn more

City of Columbus Announces New Urban Forestry Master Plan is Now Available for Public Comment For Immediate Release 2021-02-17 City of Columbus Announces New Urban Forestry Master Plan is Now Available for Public Comment COLUMBUS, OH – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is unveiling its new Urban Forestry Master Plan, which is the first citywide, strategic plan to invest long-term in Colu - learn more

City of Columbus to Launch Aquatics Capital Improvement Project For Immediate Release 2021-04-16 City of Columbus to Launch Aquatics Capital Improvement Project COLUMBUS, OH – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department currently manages eight outdoor pools and one indoor pool at the Columbus Aquatics Center. The aquatics program also includes seven spray parks and f - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Invites You to Celebrate Earth Day by Planting Trees This Year For Immediate Release 2021-04-21 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Invites You to Celebrate Earth Day by Planting Trees This Year Kerry Francis, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 740-504-5892 (cell) Stephanie Garling, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-204-2695 (cell) COL - learn more

Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces April Events For Immediate Release 2021-03-25 Columbus Cultural Arts Center Announces April Events COLUMBUS, OH – The Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) has announced its April 2021 calendar of events. Exhibitions: Ekphrastic Fantastic Feb. 10 - April 17, Main Gallery A call-and-response exhibition feat - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Opens State-of-the-Art Community Center in Linden For Immediate Release 2021-03-04 Columbus Recreation and Parks Opens State-of-the-Art Community Center in Linden Community-built facility features recreational amenities and technology updates for residents of all ages. COLUMBUS, OH –Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Columbus Recreation and Parks Departm - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Announces Reopening of Golden Hobby Gift Shop For Immediate Release 2021-05-03 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Announces Reopening of Golden Hobby Gift Shop COLUMBUS – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will reopen the Golden Hobby Gift Shop on Tuesday, May 18 at its new location in the Columbus Performing Arts Center (CPAC), locate - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Announces Registration Dates for Summer Camp Programming, New Website For Immediate Release 2021-02-22 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Announces Registration Dates for Summer Camp Programming, New Website COLUMBUS, OH – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department today announced the schedule for 2021 summer camps and launched a new website to make it easier for fam - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Prepares for Winter Storm, Closes Community Centers for Tuesday, Feb. 16 Significant snow accumulation is expected throughout central Ohio this evening and into the early morning hours. In anticipation of challenging weather, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s staff will focus on essential services and community centers will remain closed on Tuesday, Feb. 16.

- learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Focuses on Essential Services as the City Works to Stop the Spread of the Coronavirus Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Focuses on Essential Services as the City Works to Stop the Spread of the Coronavirus - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Offers Virtual Tour of Renovated Scioto Southland Community Center For Immediate Release 2021-02-01 Columbus Recreation and Parks Offers Virtual Tour of Renovated Scioto Southland Community Center Columbus, Ohio – On Thursday, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther officially opened Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s renovated Scioto Southland Community Center. The renov - learn more

Residents Can Beat the Winter Blues by Signing Up for Columbus Recreation and Parks Winter Programs Residents Can Beat the Winter Blues  by Signing Up for Columbus Recreation and Parks Winter Programs - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Resumes Winter Programming MEDIA RELEASE 2021-02-05 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Resumes Winter Programming COLUMBUS, OH –   The City of Columbus continues to place priority in keeping residents safe and healthy during the public health emergency. With guidance from Columbus Public Health and the Ohio Department of - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Continues Fall Programming Options for Columbus Residents For Immediate Release 2020-10-22 Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Continues Fall Programming Options for Columbus Residents COLUMBUS, OH – Registration for the next round of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s fall programming kicks off Saturday, Oct. 24 at 8:30 a.m. for the Cultural Art - learn more

APPS We Care Tour: Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Hits the Streets to Show Care and Concern for the Community For Immediate Release 2020-10-08 APPS We Care Tour: Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Hits the Streets to Show Care and Concern for the Community Contact: Kerry Francis, Columbus Recreation and Parks, 740-504-5892 (cell)   COLUMBUS, OH – A knock on the door, a bottle of h - learn more

Residents Asked to Share Feedback on Scioto Trail Expansion via Online Open House COLUMBUS, OH – Columbus’ parks and trails add to the quality of life in our community. Columbus Recreation and Parks Department continually invests in facilities to ensure residents have access to these vital resources.   - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Provides Free Masks to Residents at Free Produce Markets Columbus, Ohio–Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will be giving out free masks to help residents show care for the community and comply with Governor Mike DeWine’s statewide mandate requiring residents to wear face coverings while in public. - learn more

City of Columbus Announce Grants for Summer Youth For Immediate Release 2020-07-07 City of Columbus Announce Grants for Summer Youth Contact: Robin Davis, Office of the Mayor, 614-645-2425 (office); 614-369-5613 (cell) Sophia Fifner, Columbus Recreation and Parks, 614-266-9198 (cell) Lee Cole, Columbus City Council, 614-288-4062 (cell)  - learn more

Play Safe, Live Smart: Reopening Summer Youth and Adult Sports COLUMBUS, OH – The City of Columbus continues to place priority in keeping residents safe and healthy during the public health emergency and especially the city’s youth. With guidance from Columbus Public Health and the Ohio Department of Health, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is moving forward with a phased reopening of summer sports leagues and tournaments for youth sports. - learn more

Play Safe, Live Smart: Columbus Recreation and Parks Summer Plans For Immediate Release May 21, 2020   Contact: Robin Davis, Office of the Mayor, 614-645-2425 (office); 614-369-5613 (cell) Sophia Fifner, Columbus Recreation and Parks, 614-266-9198 (cell) Kerry Francis, Columbus Recreation and Parks, 740-504-5892 (cell) 2020-05-21 Play Safe, Li - learn more

Play Safe Live Smart Keeping Your Mind and Body Active With everyone social distancing to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), it is important to find new ways to keep minds and bodies active. Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is offering new programs to help residents Play Safe, Live Smart and stay active in a safe way. - learn more

Residents urged to stay safe, live smart to stay healthy and keep Columbus’ parks and trails safe Visiting Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s trails and parks are a great way to maintain your physical and mental health, but it is important to Play Safe, Live Smart and take steps to use them safely. - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department to Close Facilities Through May 1 Due to the continued monitoring of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s facilities, playgrounds, sports courts (including basketball courts and tennis courts) and public recreational equipment will remain closed through Friday, May 1. In addition to our facilities closing, all programming, sporting events, classes and other events will be canceled until further notice. - learn more

All Columbus Playgrounds and Basketball Courts are Closed COLUMBUS, OH – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department encourages all residents and visitors to take extra precautions during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. With nearly 400 parks, 160 playgrounds, 107 basketball courts and 230 miles of regional trails, the department serves as an essential resource for helping residents of all ages focus on their mental and physical health. At this time, it is critical that residents play safe and live smart to avoid community spread of the COVID-19 virus. - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Coronavirus Update Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is proceeding with caution and closing all facilities due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) effective at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 13, and will remained closed through at least April 3. - learn more

Bethel Road Trail Connector Now Open Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s new trail connecting users directly from Bethel Road to the Olentangy Trail is now open.
- learn more

Kick Off the Holiday Season with WinterFest The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department (CRPD) invites the community to enjoy the third annual WinterFest on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Bicentennial Park. - learn more

IGS to Donate Solar Panels to Columbus Recreation and Parks Department for Linden Community Center The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is announcing that IGS of Dublin will be donating 200 solar panels to use on the roof of the Linden Community Center that is currently being built. - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks To Open Certain Centers Early Wednesday to Continue To Help Neighborhoods Beat the Heat Columbus Recreation and Parks will continue to provide regular activities at community centers to give residents a place to cool off during Wednesday’s forecasted extreme heat. Five community centers will be open early beginning at 9 a.m. - learn more

Columbus Recreation and Parks Community Centers To Help Neighborhoods Beat the Heat Columbus Recreation and Parks will continue to provide regular activities at community centers to give residents a place to cool off during today’s extreme heat. All community centers will be open regular hours. - learn more

Columbus Blue Jackets, City Officials To Dedicate New Playground Funded and Built by the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation at Beatty Community Center Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is celebrating the completion and official dedication of this newest playground built in partnership with the Blue Jackets Foundation. - learn more

Local Woman Honors Husband’s Commitment to Helping Kids Engage in Positive Recreation Activities For Immediate Release 2021-05-03 Local Woman Honors Husband’s Commitment to Helping Kids Engage in Positive Recreation Activities COLUMBUS, OH – A local woman is honoring her husband’s legacy and commitment to making recreation opportunities available to all kids this May with the Brian S. Casey Fami - learn more