Whetstone Park Improvements

The lower North field at Whetstone Park were rebuilt to improve the playing experience of those fields. This has primarily been achieved through improved drainage and irrigation. This will result is a field that’s safer for play, quicker field recovery, requires fewer closures and is easier to maintain. These fields will reopen in spring 2026.

The lower field improvements are part of a broader plan to enhance Whetstone Park. A new playground has recently been added to the lower fields, and other recent improvements included installing four new bleachers in the bandstand area within the Columbus Park of Roses, as well as replacing 26 picnic tables (four ADA accessible), two new grills and benches. During fall 2024, the parking lot next to the enclosed shelter at the Columbus Park of Roses was resurfaced.

Additional improvements were made at Whetstone Park:

2025:

• Pond renovations were completed in fall 2025. The previous open shelter was removed and replaced with a new shelter. Benches around the pond were replaced, and several hammock groves were added to the area. Warmer weather will allow for the installation of the final section of the concrete sidewalk around the pond, and post-construction site restoration—including seeding the area with new grass.
• An informal trail has been created along the drainage swale from the pond to the river, where invasive trees were removed.
• The failing headwall below the Olentangy Trail was replaced.
• The Columbus Park of Roses enclosed shelter had its roof replaced with a metal roof, ensuring long-term lifecycle and sustainability.

Planning for 2026 and beyond:

• Part 1 HVAC improvements (controls upgrades) at the community center – these improvements will begin in spring 2026.
• Part 2 HVAC improvements (equipment upgrades) at the community center will be completed in 2026.
• Hard surface improvements will be made to the walking path at the Columbus Park of Roses in 2026.
• The pond parking lot and Hollenback Road will be replaced in the spring/early summer of 2026, along with the lighting poles in the pond parking lot. This is being done through a partnership with the Department of Public Services and their annual resurfacing package–saving the city significant capital funds. Due to coordination needed with the community, please watch for signage and communications about short-term road closures in order to accommodate the work.
• In 2027, the shared-use path running parallel to Hollenback Road will be widened and replaced.
• Also planned for 2027, lighting and electrical upgrades will be made to the baseball fields.

All projects and timelines are contingent on funding, the availability of contractors and weather. Updates will be shared on this webpage.