Columbus Residents Shape Future of Gerrard, Pawnee, and Centennial Parks: 2023 Review

In 2023, the Columbus City Parks and Recreation Department sought public input for master plans for three popular parks: Gerrard, Pawnee, and Centennial. The department collected feedback through online surveys and open houses, which was then incorporated into the plans. The goal is to upgrade the parks according to public preferences, with work continuing into 2024.

The master plans were developed due to public demand for better park facilities. Betsy Eckhardt, the City Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the upgrades, especially at Gerrard Park with its 8,000 annual visitors, would improve the parks' appeal.

Public feedback was first collected in early 2023 through an online survey about potential upgrades to Gerrard and Pawnee parks. After initial feedback, city officials and Confluence representatives held an open house in May 2023. Attendees reviewed park maps and marked their preferred features and locations. This data was then used in the Pawnee Park/Gerrard Park Master Plan.

The Gerrard Park Master Plan includes four dual-purpose courts for tennis and pickleball, and three separate pickleball courts, among other improvements. The existing tennis courts will be replaced as requested by the public. Pickleball, a mix of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, has grown by 40% in players since 2019.

For Pawnee Park, a key public request was the upgrade of the Memorial Stadium, starting with artificial turf replacement in the summer. The Centennial Park master plan was developed internally to save costs, with ongoing public feedback. Approved by the Columbus City Council, the plan aims to modernize Centennial Park with new concessions, restrooms, and maintenance facilities, better parking and lighting for safety, and revitalized recreational amenities.

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