Our city is getting some seriously awesome park upgrades, and we’re here to give you the lowdown. Whether you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, a frisbee golf fan, or just love a good playground, there’s something coming up for everyone. So grab a snack, sit back, and let’s dive into these exciting projects!
Gahanna’s Mountain Biking Trail
First up, let’s talk about Gahanna’s new mountain biking trail at Academy Park. If you’re into off-road biking, this one’s for you! This 2.8-mile trail is set to open later this year and promises a thrilling ride with its five raised, wooden structures. Imagine zigzagging through small hills and elevated paths – a perfect way to get your adrenaline pumping.
READ MORE: Trails & Bikeways In Gahanna
The city is also ensuring bikers have a dedicated spot to prepare for their rides, rest, and rehydrate. With $175,000 earmarked for this project (thanks to a generous grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and other state funds), Gahanna is gearing up to offer an epic biking experience.
Gahanna’s “Link to Literacy” Trail
Gahanna isn’t stopping at mountain biking. They’ve got another fantastic project in the pipeline – the “Link to Literacy” trail. This 10-foot-wide multiuse trail will connect North Hamilton Road to the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Gahanna Branch and the Creekside District. Whether you’re a book lover, a walker, or a cyclist, this trail will link you to some of Gahanna’s best spots.
READ MORE: Gahanna Capital Improvements Plan (2023-2027)
With a whopping $500,000 from the Clean Ohio Trail Fund, this trail is still in the design phase but promises to be a hit among locals. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as this project progresses!
Gender Road Park
Next on our list is the transformation of the 32-acre Gender Road Park in Southeast Columbus. Acquired in 2010, this park has been patiently waiting for its glow-up, and it’s finally happening! The master plan includes a basketball court, pickleball court, playground, walking trails, and even a frisbee golf course. Talk about a park that has it all!
READ MORE: Gender Road Park
Thanks to a hefty $1.6 million contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, community members expect top-notch architectural and engineering services that bring this park to life. Construction is slated to start in early 2025 and wrap up by early 2026. Soon, Gender Road Park will be the go-to spot for outdoor fun and activities.
McCoy Park
Last but definitely not least, let’s chat about McCoy Park. This 19-acre park has been part of the city since 1946 and is now set for a major revamp. The plans are super exciting – think fields for crutch/blind soccer and adaptive softball, an accessible playground, a splash pad, and courts for pickleball and basketball. Inclusivity is at the heart of this project, making it a fantastic addition for everyone in the community.
READ MORE: McCoy Park Renovation Plan
The timeline is still a bit flexible, with hopes to start construction in mid to late 2025 and finish by early 2027. When completed, McCoy Park will not only serve the southwest quadrant of the city but also be a key part of Columbus’s vision for inclusive and therapeutic recreation.
Central Ohio is stepping up its park game with these amazing projects. From thrilling mountain biking trails in Gahanna to inclusive sports fields at McCoy Park, there’s something exciting on the horizon for everyone. So, get ready to explore and enjoy these new green spaces popping up around town. Happy adventuring!
