A long-quiet stretch of West Case Road is on track to become northwest Columbus’ next major community hub.
The 58-acre site—known to longtime residents as the former Ohio State agricultural extension sheep farm—is being transformed into West Case Park, a sprawling mix of recreation space, restored natural areas, and preserved local history. Construction is expected to begin in winter 2026, and Columbus Recreation and Parks anticipates the park opening in fall 2027.
What’s emerging from the planning process is more than just another neighborhood green space. West Case Park is shaping up to be a blend of playful, ecological, and historical features that reflect both the land’s heritage and the needs of today’s community.
A Park Rooted In Its Past & Designed For The Future
The site’s agricultural origins are woven directly into the park’s final design. Trails, boardwalks, and gathering spaces follow a gently meandering layout inspired by historic field patterns, and several of the farm’s surviving structures will remain key features.
The historic brick farmhouse, listed among Columbus Landmarks’ Most Endangered Sites in 2020, will be preserved and incorporated into the visitor experience. The iconic silos will also stay, paired with a brand-new event building that gives the property a one-of-a-kind architectural focal point.
Across the park, visitors will be able to explore an array of environments—from open meadows to woodland edges to restored wetlands. Invasive plants will be removed and replaced with native species, creating new habitat for wildlife and enhancing the site’s natural character.
Recreation for Everyone
West Case Park is planned with variety in mind. According to the city’s final plan, the park will include:
- A playground and sprayground
- Pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts
- A flexible community gathering space and small pavilion
- Mown-meadow and paved trails circulating through the site
- A natural play area in the southwest corner
At the park’s core, a massive multi-purpose field—large enough for two full-sized soccer fields—will anchor the space. It’s designed for games, festivals, picnics, or whatever kind of informal community activity takes shape there in the years to come.
Wetlands, Boardwalks, and Outdoor Learning
One of the most distinctive features of the site is its existing wetlands. Instead of being filled or reshaped, these wetlands will be conserved and expanded with native plantings. New decks and boardwalks will invite visitors into the landscape, and outdoor education zones will highlight the park’s ecology.
The city’s detailed environmental analysis even cataloged dozens of grassland bird species that frequent the area—a sign that the park could become a meaningful wildlife refuge within the growing northwest corridor.
A Busy Entry, and Space Reserved for the Future
The final plan includes two points of entry—a main entrance to the west and a secondary entrance to the east—to help manage traffic flow. Improvements to West Case Road are also planned.
On about four acres near the entrance, the city has designated space for a potential future library, though plans for the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Case Road Branch are currently paused due to funding uncertainties. Adjacent to that area, a new Forestry Department outpost will serve the city’s broader Urban Forestry Master Plan.
A Community-Driven Vision Takes Shape
While the land was purchased by the city in 2019, the vision for West Case Park has been shaped by years of public meetings, surveys, and advocacy from local residents and civic groups. The park’s final design reflects that long-term engagement—balancing recreation, conservation, and the preservation of neighborhood history.
And soon, the former sheep farm that once felt overlooked on the city’s edge will become a centerpiece of community life. If you’d like to learn more about the park, head over to westcaseroadpark.com.
