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 evening at Bicentennial Park.
Although the event that took place at Bicentennial Park was not permitted, our 400 plus parks should be enjoyed, in a safe manner, by all residents of our City. We do not condone violence in our parks and we want the public to know that the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks system is safe for its residents.
We are working with Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, Director Paul Rakosky, the Columbus Police Department and other stakeholders in the community to review our internal policies and safety protocols to ensure the public that our parks are safe.
The City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has a budget of over $55 million and consists of over 400 parks, 29 community centers, five athletic complexes, six golf courses, eight outdoor pools, five dog parks, two skate parks and over 230 miles of regional trails.
~Derrick Clay, President, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Commission