Columbus Recreation and Parks Department

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department manages parks, recreational facilities, and grounds in Columbus, Ohio. The department oversees 370 parks on about 13,500 acres (5,500 ha).[1] The department also maintains 29 community centers, five athletic complexes, six golf courses, 120 miles (190 km) of trails, five splash pads and interactive fountains, eight pools, an indoor aquatic center, 14 nature preserves, three reservoirs, five dog parks, and a skate park.[2]

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department

The Jerry Hammond Center, the department headquarters
Department overview
Headquarters	1111 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 39°57′54.493″N 82°58′15.416″W
Department executives	Paul Rakosky, Interim Director Eric Brandon, Assistant Director
Website	www.columbus.gov/recreationandparks/

In 1839, Columbus created its first park, five years after becoming a city. The park, Livingston Park, was made public in 1885. In 1904, the city formed an 18-member park commission. The full department was founded on July 15, 1910 as the City Recreation Department. Five recreation centers opened between 1910 and 1912. In 1972, it merged with the Division of Forestry and Parks to form the current department.[2][3][4]