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Park Spotlight: Columbus Park of Roses at Whetstone Park

It’s a great time to visit the Columbus Park of Roses as its 11,000+ roses are in full bloom! 

Located within Whetstone Park, the Park of Roses showcases over 350 varieties of roses. The 13-acre park features five gardens and several amenities, including benches, a fountain and one of the City’s premier wedding venues. Since its opening in 1953, the Columbus Park of Roses has garnered many honors, including being one of 133 All-American Rose Selection gardens and being selected as one of USA Today’s 10 Places to Admire the Bloom on the Rose in 2006.

If you’re out this weekend, stop by and take in the beauty of the roses - admission is always free!

Support Columbus’ Vibrant Sports Community: Become an Umpire Today

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department employs over 200 private contractors as officials for our various adult and youth sports leagues. As our programs expand rapidly, the demand for quality officials is at an all-time high. Join our team as an umpire at Lou Berliner Sports Park and Anheuser Busch Sports Park and earn $30 per game. 

Be a part of our vibrant sports community in Columbus and make a positive impact! Learn more and submit your interest today!

Enjoy Your Lunch Break at Conversations and Coffee

Conversations and Coffee isn’t taking a break this summer! The City’s longest-running series of artist talks is in full swing, with two sessions this month. On June 13, you’ll hear from Dylan Longs Sr., creator of The Freedom Walk: A Board Game. On June 20, you’ll hear from author and playwright Nanette Hodge. 

Can’t make it or missed a speaker that piqued your interest? Check out the recordings from past Conversations and Coffee events.

Stop by and enjoy this free event!

Share Your Feedback on Helsel Park, Big Walnut Trail

Here’s a chance to give feedback on two exciting projects in southeast Columbus!

Columbus Recreation and Parks is beginning the redevelopment of Helsel Park in spring of 2024, starting with creating a master plan for the park’s nearly 60 acres. At the same time, we’re looking to extend the Big Walnut Trail an additional 2.5 miles north to Nafzger Park from its current stopping point at Winchester Pike near S. Hamilton Road. As part of the extension, the trail will pass through Helsel Park.

Help shape these important projects! Share your feedback by June 30 by completing this short survey.

Help Protect Local Pollinators

Pollinator Week is June 17-23. It's a great time to celebrate pollinators, spread the word about what we can do to protect them, and thank our volunteers who play a big role in protecting these crucial workhorses of nature! 

Pollinators such as birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles and other small mammals play a

crucial role in our ecosystem. They are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we consume, and they sustain our ecosystems and contribute to the production of natural resources by aiding in plant reproduction. 

You can help protect our pollinators during several upcoming opportunities including:

• Pollinator Documentation Program: Help us monitor the species and maintenance needs of the department’s 26 pollinator habitats. To get started, register for a virtual training that you can complete on your own schedule.          
• Conservation Stewardship Program: As a Conservation Steward, you’ll participate in hands-on ecological restoration in our pollinator habitats. If you’re interested in self-led regular volunteer work throughout the season, complete this interest form and sign up for a training session.

Check out all upcoming volunteer opportunities, including the Columbus Arts Festival, Cap City Festivals, Topiary Thursdays, and two upcoming track meets.

Check out upcoming events below, and explore the events calendar!

Bluegill Stocking
June 11  |  Franklin and Linden Park Ponds

Conversations and Coffee
June 13  |  12 p.m.  |  Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center

Mobile Produce Markets
June 13  |  2 p.m.  |  Dodge and Holton community centers 

Mobile Produce Markets
June 14  |  2 p.m.  |  Barnett and Far East community centers

City Leaders Applications Due
June 14  |  5 p.m.

Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center Class Session 4 Registration
June 15  |  8:30 a.m.  |  Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center

Walk With a Doc
June 15  |  9 a.m.  |  Marion Franklin Community Center