City of Columbus

1888 Fairmont Ave.
Columbus, OH 43223
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Park Hours:
7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

History of Glenwood Park

• The park was private property until 1911, when it was purchased by The Society for the Prevention and Cure of Tuberculosis  as a site for an "open air" school. Protests by the people of that section led to its purchase by the city, and thus its conversion into Glenwood Park the following year. (History of City of Columbus by Osman C. Hooper, 1921)
• On May 11, 1914 the ordinance 28024 was set in place to provide for issuance of bonds to pay for the expense associated with the erection of the new recreation center building. Within that same calendar year, (December 1, 1914 and April 1, 1915) both $15,000 and $10,000 park bonds were issued.
• On July 14, 1914  the cornerstone laying ceremony took place at the new $25,000 Glenwood Park recreation center and shelterhouse.
• On December 14, 1916 the Glenwood Park recreation center and shelterhouse was officially opened and dedicated to the public.
• Some years later, 1972 to be specific, the community pool was put in place.
• On July 4, 1992 the M.E. "Jack" Sensenbrenner landmark sculpture was unveiled. This sculpture was erected to honor the former Mayor of Columbus. It was erected in the park by Greater Hilltop Community Development Corporation  and The Hilltop '92 Celebration Commission . The statue proudly stands on a hill that faces downtown Columbus.