Dodge Park

Overview 

Dodge Park is a 18.78 acre community park in the Franklinton community. Dodge Park is a trailhead for The Scioto Trail and provides access to the Scioto Mile. Dodge Park features an iconic skatepark- one of the first public skateparks in the country, and designed by Frank Hawk, father to professional skateboarder Tony Hawk.

The three all concrete bowls are different sizes, 3 feet deep, 4 feet deep, and 6 feet deep. The 4 foot bowl can function as a half-pipe, while the 6 foot bowl has intense “verte”.

BMX, skateboarders, and rollerbladers are welcome to the park. Dodge Skate Park is free to the public, but is unsupervised (SKATE AT YOUR OWN RISK).

History

Formerly known as Sunshine Park, Dodge Park was renamed after Melvin “Mel” Dodge, a dedicated public servant of Columbus from 1951-1985. Melvin Dodge was hired in 1951, as a playground leader at Sunshine Park. From 1967-1985, Mr. Dodge served as the Director of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. In 1977, when CRPD operated the Columbus Zoo, Mr. Dodge hired Jack Hanna, who revolutionized the zoo.

Parking/Directions

Dodge Park’s parking lot is located off of Sullivant Ave. For public transportation options, please visit https://ride.cota.com/#/.