Facility Alerts and Updates

Find information on alerts, closures and hazards for trails, parks and facilities operated by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

Update

This is used to identify general updates at a facility.

Hazard

This is used to advise caution at facilities that are still open.

Closure

This is used to identify facilities that are closed.

Beatty Community Center 

The investigation concluded that the fire at Beatty Community Center in August 2024 was accidental. We are preparing to begin the cleanup and mitigation process to address the fire and water damage. While the damage was primarily isolated to the gymnasium, we’re using this opportunity to make needed renovations to other areas of the center during the closure. Although it’s too early to provide a specific timeline for the work, we’ve relocated most of our programs to other sites to ensure we can continue serving the community with minimal disruption.

Duranceau Park

May 25, 2026

The playground at Duranceau Park has been replaced due to unplanned safety concerns. When funding allows, a larger playground will be installed.

Easthaven Park

Dec. 8, 2025 – July 17, 2026

The playground at Easthaven Park will be under construction beginning on Dec. 8, 2025. Two new playground structures will replace the one damaged by fire in 2022. During this time, no access to the playground will be permitted.

Franklin Park

Closure started on June 23, 2026

The Franklin Park Cascades is closed due to a leak in the lower pond. Work will begin shortly to design a solution and fix the problem.

Griggs Park

Closure started in July 2025

The Trabue-Murphy boat ramp is closed until further notice due to uneven subsurface conditions that could cause damage to boats. The department is working to address the issue.

Hauntz Park

Mid-2025 – July 20, 2026

Hauntz Park will be renovated throughout the remainder of 2025 and into summer 2026. The park will be unsafe for resident access as construction progresses. With warmer weather, the concrete work, placement of park lighting, park furnishings and wetland plantings will be completed in June. These timeframes are subject to unforeseen site conditions and weather.

A few final items remain at the park, the mural, sport court color coating, concrete repairs, site cleanup and final grading. This should take until mid-July.

Mock Park

April 13, 2026 – End of 2027

Mock Park will be under construction for the Mock Road Connector trail, which will connect Alum Creek Trail to Mock Park and the existing Hudson Greenway Connector. There should be minimal disruptions to ongoing park activity. Construction will finish by the end of 2027.

Nelson Park

Jan. 13, 2026 – Aug. 31, 2026

Nelson Park will be receiving a new playground, and construction crews will be on-site. The outdated playground was removed. The new playground will be installed northeast of the shelterhouse. Park users are to exercise caution and avoid areas fenced off for construction.

Saunders Park

Feb. 2, 2026 – July 31, 2026

A small portion of Saunders Park will be under construction beginning Feb. 1, 2026, as it will be receiving a new adult fitness circuit. During this time, park visitors are urged to use caution near any construction.

Whetstone Park

April 13, 2026 – June 19, 2026

Hollenback Road at Whetstone Park, from N. High Street to the lower fields and pond, will be resurfaced by the end of summer 2026. Additionally, Whetstone Park’s Columbus Park of Roses will be resurfaced in the same timeframe. Areas of immediate construction will be closed to residents, and alternate access routes will be identified. At this time, work will start by April 13, 2026, with the intention to finish all work by June 19, 2026.