Columbus City Council is currently reviewing a sweeping plan to expand and improve parks on the city’s Southwest Side, a move that would inject $35 million into the local park system and serve nearly 50,000 residents.
Balancing sport and community needs
The proposal comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding a planned women’s soccer facility at McCoy Park, a project that has sparked debate over the allocation of public space.
A working group appointed by the council has recommended dispersing new amenities across several parks rather than concentrating upgrades solely on McCoy Park, aiming to create a more equitable network of recreational spaces.
Under the plan, Greenleaf Park, McCoy Park and Berliner Park would each receive targeted improvements, from playground upgrades to trail enhancements, as part of a coordinated effort to modernize the Southwest Side’s green infrastructure.
City officials say the first phase of construction could break ground later this year, marking the start of a multi‑year initiative to reshape the neighborhood’s parkscape.