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We Play to Win: The Weekly Playbook
June 2, 2026
Spotlight on RISE
Meet the R.I.S.E. Committee
The members of the R.I.S.E. Committee meet monthly to explore ways to make Columbus Recreation and Parks Department more accessible for our co-workers and our community. This diverse group is made up of staff from nearly every section in the department. Do you know who your representative is?
- Geoffrey Martin, Arts (co-chair)
- Julia Hatton, Conservation (co-chair)
- Jamie Schlichting, Design and Construction (secretary)
- Carlos Mojica, Community Relations
- Sheri-Lynn Wynn, Community Recreation
- Rachel Hardenbrook, Youth Development
- Taylor Glynn, Parks
- Melissa Michel-Thomas, Human Resources
- Rae Nutter, Therapeutic Recreation
- Mikar Em, Customer Service
- Suzy Johnson, Fiscal
- Brian Scanlon, Building Maintenance
- Eduardo Ortega, Forestry
We’re currently working though the Playbook goals to make a list of our highest priorities, and we’ll build our committee’s action plan off that list. At your next staff meeting, ask your RISE committee representative what accessibility goal they are most excited about!
As always, if you have more ideas about how to make our department more equitable and accessible, or if you have resources to share that would benefit your co-workers, please reach out to Geoff Martin, R.I.S.E. co-chair at GAMartin@columbus.gov.
News and Information
Note for Employees: QR Codes Will be Posted by Every Timeclock
If you use a timeclock to start and end your day, we have some good news! QR codes (linked to the Time and Attendance Smartsheet) have been posted by every timeclock. If an employee misses a clock in or clock out, they scan the QR code and complete the form. All managers are set to receive notification when one of their staff submit this form for approval, and then the managers will correct the employee’s timesheet in Dayforce.
Human Resources tested this in Aquatics, Sports, Parks and Forestry, but this was rolled out to all sections on June 1. Reach out to your manager if you need assistance.
Update Your Information in Dayforce
Human Resources has requested that all employees take a moment to review their personal information in Dayforce: address, phone number, emergency contact, personal email address, etc. Make any necessary changes so that, if needed, Human Resources can reach you or your loved one.
Lauren Nye Named Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Officer
Lauren Nye is now officially the department’s occupational safety and health officer in Human Resources. Any safety-related issues or concerns should be reported to her at LMNye@columbus.gov or by phone at 614-353-2087. Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has been Lauren’s professional home for the last 10 years, and she loves working with this incredible team!
C.R.E.A.T.E. Committee to Host Staff Arts Festival Meet Up
The C.R.E.A.T.E. Committee is hosting an Arts Festival event to support Columbus arts and our very own Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center team! Meet at Dodge Community Center on Friday, June 12, at 2 p.m. for a walk through Columbus Arts Festival with your co-workers.
Staff will be responsible for clocking out at their scheduled time, no overtime will be paid for those who stay beyond their schedule. C.R.E.A.T.E. will have a sign-in sheet to assist in timekeeping accountability. We hope to see you there!
Thanks for Your Support of Take Your Section to the Park Day
This year’s Take Your Section to the Park Day was a huge hit! Thanks to the weather behaving and holding off the anticipated rain, we had 107 attendees turn out to participate. This year’s event was exceptional thanks in large part to all the sections that hosted stations. We also want to send a big thank you to Matt Laroche for cooking all of the hot dogs to feed the hungry attendees. The winner of this year’s raffle drawing for a round of golf went to Nick Miller in our Forestry section. Congratulations, Nick!
Station Lineup:
- Station 1: Building Maintenance showed off the tools of the trade for Carpentry and HVAC.
- Station 2: Youth Development brought in some fun with “up in the air four square” and notes to ReRoute graduates.
- Station 3: Golf helped improve everyone’s tee-off shots with tips.
- Station 4: Hockey showed off how fun roller hockey can be while letting our inner competitors out to play.
- Station 5: Aquatics taught everyone the importance of keeping the chemical levels in our pools balanced.
- Station 6: Volunteer Services allowed participants to see how we partner with those in our community.
- Station 7: Tuttle Community Center showed off the amenities available within the center and let participants paint pottery pieces.
If there’s any feedback you’d like to share with the C.R.E.A.T.E. Committee, feel free to reach out to CREATE@columbus.gov.
35 events found.
Events
Calendar of Events
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3 events,
Opening Reception: Friday, May 8, 6-8pm |
3 events,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 6:15 p.m.: Mat Pilates by 614FitClub 7:15 p.m.: […] |
3 events,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., find free family fun, including giant inflatables, games, a themed activity station, a food truck, and the Dorrian Green water feature. This event is coordinated […] |
6 events,Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. |
6 events,
Featured
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Featured
Songs in the Key of Life: A Celebration of Stevie Wonder “Sir Duke,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” “I Wish,” “As,” the Blind Boys of Alabama bring these songs to the Scioto […] Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. |
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2 events,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 10:15 a.m.: Mat Pilates 11:15 a.m.: Yoga by […] |
1 event,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 6:15 p.m.: Mat Pilates by 614FitClub 7:15 p.m.: […] |
0 events,
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0 events,
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3 events,Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts.
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 6:15 p.m.: HIIT by Quality Wellness (pop-up locations […] |
5 events,
Centered. The 2026 Student/ Faculty Exhibit at the Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center. More info coming soon. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Event is first-come, first-served while produce lasts.
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Free Event, Complimentary Food and Drink Provided |
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3 events,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 10:15 a.m.: Mat Pilates 11:15 a.m.: Yoga by […] |
2 events,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 6:15 p.m.: Mat Pilates by 614FitClub 7:15 p.m.: […] |
2 events,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., find free family fun, including giant inflatables, games, a themed activity station, a food truck, and the Dorrian Green water feature. This event is coordinated […] |
2 events,
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Join us on Wednesday, June 17, to learn about the final concepts created for the Linden Green Line, based on your input! Join your friends, family and neighbors for a […] |
4 events,Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts.
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 6:15 p.m.: HIIT by Quality Wellness (pop-up locations […] |
3 events,Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Event is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. |
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2 events,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 10:15 a.m.: Mat Pilates 11:15 a.m.: Yoga by […] |
2 events,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 6:15 p.m.: Mat Pilates by 614FitClub 7:15 p.m.: […] |
2 events,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., find free family fun, including giant inflatables, games, a themed activity station, a food truck, and the Dorrian Green water feature. This event is coordinated […] |
4 events,Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Event is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Event is first-come, first-served while produce lasts.
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 6:15 p.m.: HIIT by Quality Wellness (pop-up locations […] |
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4 events,
Featured
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Featured
Experience an unforgettable evening of live music with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra as the full orchestra takes the stage for a dynamic outdoor performance. From beloved classical masterpieces to iconic […]
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 10:15 a.m.: Mat Pilates 11:15 a.m.: Yoga by […] 
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc.. Learn a craft every month at this brand-new series. Activities include terrarium building, painting, crocheting, and more. This event is coordinated by Downtown Columbus, Inc., please […] |
2 events,
In partnership with Downtown Columbus, Inc., enjoy free outdoor fitness classes designed for all skill levels. Classes June 1 – Sept. 28 6:15 p.m.: Mat Pilates by 614FitClub 7:15 p.m.: […] |
5 events,Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. |
3 events,Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. Eligible families can pick up a one-week supply of fresh produce at no cost. Even is first-come, first-served while produce lasts. |
Key Dates
June
Free Fitness Classes
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:25 a.m.-noon | 1111 E. Broad St., Hungry Soldier Room
C.R.E.A.T.E. Committee: Staff Arts Festival Meet Up
June 12 | 2 p.m. | Dodge Community Center
Cybersecurity Literacy Training Deadline
June 30
July
Free Fitness Classes
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:25 a.m.-noon | 1111 E. Broad St., Hungry Soldier Room
Extended Leadership Quarterly Meeting
July 28 | 1-3 p.m. | 1111 E. Broad St., Continental Room
Living Our Values
Dependable on Purpose: Building Maintenance Section Steps In to Plant Flowers at Topiary Garden at Deaf School Park
We want to give a shout-out to the Building Maintenance section for stepping in to help Parks plant the annual flower displays at Topiary Garden at Deaf School Park!
The rain forced Parks to reschedule the original planting event, which put them in a really tight spot right before the holiday weekend. Seeing the Building Maintenance team stop what they were doing to support Parks brought a real sense of unity and team spirit. Thanks to their hard work, the Building Maintenance staff managed to layout and plant all 1,066 annual flowers in just over an hour! That must be a new record, considering it normally takes at least four hours during the annual volunteer event!
“I am so grateful to work with such great people, who literally dropped everything to give us a helping hand when we needed it the most,” said Katie Randall, gardener supervisor in Parks. “My team and I truly appreciate you and your team coming through in such a big way.”
Building Maintenance, thank you for jumping in and being Dependable on Purpose!
Reinvesting in You
Featured Job Opportunities
Know someone looking for a new opportunity? Tell them to check out Columbus Recreation and Parks!
Current opportunities include:
- Summer positions: Part-time seasonal opportunities, including lifeguards, park maintenance and summer camp staff. We would love to get these positions filled as we head into summer so please share!
All job opportunities are posted online.
Awards and Certifications
Kimmy Confar | Recreation Assistant Manager-Sports | Master of Business Administration, Franklin University
Chris Denney | Management Analyst 2-Fiscal | Master of Business Administration, Franklin University
Steve Paullin | Event Coordination Specialist-Special Events | Master of Public Administration, Franklin University
Tom Taber | Columbus Water and Power Arborist-Forestry | Master of Business Administration, Franklin University
Have you recently earned an award, degree or certification? Let us know, and we will share your accomplishment!
Archive
2026
2025
May 28, 2025
2024
2023
As new weekly updates are posted, an archive of each week will be available here.
2022
As new weekly updates are posted, an archive of each week will be available here.