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Experience the Beauty of the Columbus Park of Roses at Whetstone Park

Summer is one of the best times to visit the Columbus Park of Roses at Whetstone Park! Thousands of roses are in bloom now through the end of July, creating a stunning display of color and fragrance. Annuals, perennials and herbs throughout the gardens add even more beauty all season long.

Miss the summer bloom? A second full bloom of roses arrives in September and continues through October, offering another opportunity to enjoy one of Columbus' most beloved gardens.

Please note that some park repaving projects will take place this summer. Allow a little extra time when visiting the park.

Fuel a Healthy Summer With Free Meals

When school is out, healthy meals are still within reach! Columbus Recreation and Parks' Summer Food Program provides free, nutritionally balanced meals for children and teens at community centers, schools and nonprofit partner locations throughout the city.

The 2026 program runs June 1 through Aug. 14, with meal service days and times varying by location. Last summer, the program served more than 200,000 meals to youth across the Columbus area.

Meals are available to anyone ages 1-18. Individuals ages 18-21 who have been identified by a state or local educational agency as having a mental or physical disability and who participate in an individualized education program are also eligible.

To find free meal locations near you, call 866-3-HUNGRY (Español: 877-8-HAMBRE) or text 914-342-7744 with a keyword such as "food," "summer" or "meals.”

Learn more, and find a Go, Lunch! location near you.

The Next Artist-in-Residence Could Be You

The Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center is accepting applications for its 2026-2027 Artist-in-Residence Program through June 27. Finalists will be announced Aug. 3.

Before you apply:

• Applications are limited to individuals; teams and groups are not eligible.
• Applicants must be residents of Franklin County.
• City of Columbus employees are not eligible.

Learn more, and apply today!

Summer Nights, Full Courts: Late Night Basketball Returns

Stay active, build community and enjoy free basketball all summer long through Late Night Basketball! This will be held June 8-July 31.

Open Gym Schedule

• Monday: Douglas and Far East community centers
• Tuesday: Glenwood and Linden community centers
• Wednesday: Driving Park and Milo Grogan community centers
• Thursday: Barack and Woodward Park community centers
• Friday: Howard and Marion Franklin community centers

Open Gym Times

• 6-8 p.m. | Ages 14-18
• 8-10 p.m. | Ages 19-30

Admission is free; however, registration is required at the front desk. We hope to see you on the court this summer!

Make an Impact in Your Community This June

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Columbus Recreation and Parks has volunteer opportunities for every interest.

ReRoute Spring Graduation | June 10 | North Bank Park
Help celebrate ReRoute participants by assisting with event activities, food service and setup. Register for the ReRoute graduation.

Cultural Arts Center Art Festival | June 12-14
Support the Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center during the Columbus Arts Festival. Volunteers receive free parking (if needed), a t-shirt and refreshments. Register as an Arts Festival volunteer.

Conservation at Redick Park |  June 13
Volunteers will be removing invasive species and cleaning litter. Register for Conservation at Redick Park.

Pollinator Habitat Documentation Training | June 16 | Whetstone Park
Learn how to use the iNaturalist app to help document plant and pollinator species in Columbus Recreation and Parks pollinator habitats. Register for Pollinator Habitat Documentation Training.

Mobile Produce Markets
Help prepare and distribute fresh produce to community members across Columbus. Check dates, times and locations, and register for Mobile Produce Markets.

Walk With A Doc
Support community wellness while helping residents connect, learn and stay active. See dates, times and locations, and register for Walk With A Doc.

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

Sunday Downtown Fitness Classes
June 7  |  10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.  |  Bicentennial Park

Monday Downtown Fitness Classes
June 8  |  6:15-8:15 p.m.  |  Bicentennial Park

Mobile Produce Markets
June 11  |  2 p.m.  |  Dodge and Holton community centers

Thursday Downtown Fitness Classes
June 11  |  6:15-8:15 p.m.  |  Bicentennial Park 

Mobile Produce Markets
June 12  |  2 p.m.  |  Barnett and Far East community centers

Sunday Downtown Fitness Classes
June 14  |  10:15-11:15 a.m.  |  Bicentennial Park