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Recreation and Parks seeks $45.3 million for pools, parks and greenways; Playbook Columbus planning underway
Summary
Deputy director Craig Murphy described a $45.28 million 2025 capital request for Recreation and Parks, plus $82 million in carryover. The department emphasized park makeovers, playground replacements, pool renovations, new greenway miles and projects such as Westcase Park, McCoy Park expansion and Big Walnut Trail segments.
Columbus Recreation and Parks presented a $45.28 million 2025 capital request and an $82 million carryover package focused on renovating existing facilities, constructing new parks and expanding greenways.
Deputy Director Craig Murphy told the committee that the department is operating under national accreditation standards and has been developing a 10‑year Playbook Columbus vision. "What the community has told us is that there's a desire for robust, relevant, continued focus on wellness programs for folks of all ages," Murphy said, summarizing community feedback gathered during the Playbook process.
Murphy outlined routine capital spending — annual playground replacements (about $700,000), sports-court resurfacing (approximately $1 million), roof replacement ($600,000–$800,000) and HVAC improvements — and highlighted larger projects included in the 2025 request. Those larger items include $3.6 million to begin construction of Westcase Park, a partnership site with a planned library; expansion of McCoy Park into a 20‑acre site with ADA‑focused amenities and a partnership with Columbus Water and Power; and $1.2 million for the Big Walnut Trail (Refugee Road to East Main) as part of a longer multi‑mile greenway plan.
On aquatics, the department requested $3 million to begin long‑lead purchases for a total pool project and another $3 million to complete Marion‑Franklin Pool construction after demolition and rebuild work. Murphy said the city is aiming to ensure pool access and learn‑to‑swim opportunities across neighborhoods, noting that pools and aquatics are a top priority in community feedback.
Murphy also described investments to close the gap on community centers lacking air conditioning; he said the department has reduced the number of centers without AC from eight to six and plans additional installations. He highlighted Kilborn Run, a planned 62‑acre community sports park with a championship stadium and 16 athletic fields, and ongoing interior renovations at Beatty and Sullivan Gardens community centers.
Why it matters: Recreation and Parks seeks to pair maintenance of existing assets with strategic expansion of parks, trails and aquatics, responding to community demands for access to recreation, green space and swim instruction. The capital plan also supports energy and sustainability goals, with investments in HVAC and facility upgrades tied to citywide energy-reduction targets.
Looking ahead: Murphy said Playbook Columbus will produce a finalized 10‑year plan by year-end and that construction timing will depend on design completion, procurement and seasonal work windows.
