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History: 1970-1979

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History: 1970-1979

 [  1800-1909   1910-1929   1930-1949   1950-1959   1960-1969  1970-1979   1980-1989   1990-1994  1995-1999  2000-2004  2005-2008  2009-2010]

 


1971
Golden Hobby Shop opened in restored house at 908 East Broad St.

 

 

1972
Mel Dodge named Acting Superintendent of Division of Parks and Forestry.

10,138.66 acres of land and water

 

Initiated Downtown Riverfront Development, joint effort between State of Ohio and CRPD to include a floating bandshell and amphitheater.

 

 

1973

Department of Recreation and Parks established Recreation Department and the Division of Parks and Forestry merge.

Mel Dodge, Director and Mayor appointed/council approved bi-partisan 9 member Commission as it’s governing body on January 1, 1973.

Population of Columbus 682,962

Increase of 179,552 in last 10 years

 

 

1974
Riverfront Amphitheater


Marion Franklin Park
Added Basketball courts, walks, playground for a total cost of $20,900.00.

Olentangy Trail
Added Basketball courts, walks, playground for a total cost of $20,900.00.

C.O.A.A.A.
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging created by Ohio Department of  Aging placed in Recreation and  Parks.

 

 

1975

Krumm, Indian Mound and Tuttle Recreation Centers

Whetstone Gazebo dedicated after being relocated from Ft. Hayes. It is a popular outdoor wedding site and home of Civitan Sunday summer concerts.

 

Cultural Arts Center was dedicated June 11, moving from fire station on Oak. Historic Arsenal built in 1861.

Adult college level visual arts classes and workshops.

 

 


1976

Bicentennial Park was dedicated on 7/4/76. This downtown park was known for floral displays with large jet fountain and stage. It was a popular park for festivals and special events.

Closed in 2009 for total renovation under Scioto Mile project.

 



1978

Antrim Park was constructed for $572,987 and included a shelter house and loop walk around the quarry lake.




 

1979

4 Athletic Complexes

 

  • Mock (Willis)
  • Franklin Park
  • Big Run
  • Southview (Berliner)
  • Olentangy (McDonald) opened late 1978

 

Golden Hobby Shop 
Old Third Street School purchased from Columbus Board of Education for $250,000. Major renovations in 1981 by city and new home of Golden Age Hobby Shop (consignments).

 

Westbank Riverfront Walkway

 

 [  1800-1909   1910-1929   1930-1949   1950-1959   1960-1969  1970-1979   1980-1989   1990-1994  1995-1999  2000-2004  2005-2008  2009-2010]