Southwest Parks Working Group Delivers Plan to Expand Area Parkland

Southwest Parks Working Group Delivers Plan to Expand Area Parkland

Published on June 29, 2026

For Immediate Release

Contact:Jennifer Lockrey, 614-673-9559, [email protected]

Southwest Parks Working Group Delivers Plan to Expand Recreation, Park and Therapeutic Recreation Opportunities for 50,000 Residents

COLUMBUS, Ohio-The Southwest Parks Working Group, established to develop a plan to expand the recreation, park and therapeutic recreation opportunities originally envisioned for McCoy Park, today released a report summarizing the solutions emerging from its 60-day convening. The working group's plan does not simply replace amenities originally contemplated for McCoy Park, but expands parkland investment and access across Southwest Columbus to serve nearly 50,000 residents.

"The Southwest community asked for more parks and recreation amenities, and I'm keeping that promise," said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. "I commit to enacting the solutions the working group and upping the city's investment in the neighborhood to $35 million in parkland serve 40,000 residents. I'm grateful to the working group for proving we're a 'yes-and' community - that we can invest in a professional women's sports and grow park and recreation opportunities and access for our neighbors."

The report outlines a multi-site approach, including a neighborhood park at Greenleaf Park, continued community park development and therapeutic recreation amenities at McCoy Park and an adaptive recreation field opportunity at Berliner Sports Park, plus a commitment to continued parkland acquisition in the neighborhood. Original plans for McCoy Park would have reached 16,566 residents within a two-mile drive and cost $20 million, but the group's recommendations will now enable the city to serve nearly 50,000 residents within the same drive and invest an estimated $35 million.

Southwest Area Commission Fiscal Officer Leah Young said the group worked diligently to come up with solutions that would be agreeable to neighbors and to the area commission.

"I think this has really leveled the playing field for the Southwest Area Commission to speak our concerns and needs in a way that we can be heard," she said. "It was encouraging to meet the ownership group and find that they really are invested in the community and want what is best for the community."

Together, these solutions preserve and advance the core elements of the original McCoy Park vision while creating a broader network of park and recreation assets, such as access to playgrounds, sports courts, open green space, gathering areas, walking paths, inclusive and adaptive recreation opportunities and therapeutic recreation programming for residents, families, children, nearby schools and individuals with disabilities.

"By looking to three sites instead of one, we're able to serve more youth, and bring more benefit to this important community," said of Bernita A. Reese, Director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. "These solutions expand on the commitments made to the Southwest community, and we're excited to begin work on these spaces right away."

The report also identifies future parkland acquisition as an important strategy to support long-term recreation needs in Southwest Columbus and recognizes that the city remains committed to addressing stormwater and flood-mitigation needs in the area.

"I am grateful for the work of the group and for their openness, directness and feedback," said Mayor Ginther. "We know we need to listen to the Southwest Area Commission and others that live, work, play and worship in the Southwest area as we continue this plan."

The first deliverables from the working group's plan include the first phase of work at McCoy Park and the neighborhood park at Greenleaf Park, with groundbreaking anticipated in 2026.

The Southwest Park Working Group's full report is available online at www.ColumbusRecParks.com/southwest-area.

###

• Media Releases