July 22, 2026
Contact: Carlos Mojica, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-908-5827 or Stephanie Garling, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, 614-204-2695
Media Advisory: Columbus Recreation and Parks Department to Host Community Day at Kilbourne Run Sports Park on July 29
COLUMBUS – The community is invited to come out to Kilbourne Run Sports Park on Wednesday, July 29, at 1 p.m., to celebrate the new facility. As part of the community day celebration, there will be free activities, food and giveaways for all ages.
Kilbourne Run Sports Park brings new opportunities for play, connection and community right to the neighborhood. The park features a championship turf field with lighting and spectator amenities, along with amenities open to all, including walking loops, playgrounds, shelters, restrooms and expansive greenspace. More than 81,000 residents live within a 10-minute walk.
Community access is core to Kilbourne Run to give young people a chance to experience the game in a space designed for them. Two turf fields will be open for free play from noon to 9 p.m. through the end of July. Starting in August, as we approach back to school season, one turf field will remain available from noon to 9 p.m. through May. Throughout the year, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department will host free youth soccer clinics and award $10,000 in scholarships to enable youth to participate in the department's soccer leagues at no cost.
“Kilbourne Run Sports Park is about access, opportunity and belonging,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “This is a place where families can gather, where young people can play and grow, and where our community can show up for one another. Spaces like this matter because they open doors — helping young people, especially girls, see what’s possible and feel supported chasing it.”
Beyond the championship field, the park features five full-size, lighted artificial turf soccer fields, four upgraded full-size natural turf fields and improved irrigation systems, making it one of the region's premier sports parks.
“This park was built with our community at the center,” said Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Director Bernita Reese, M.S., CPRP. “It’s a place where young people can build confidence, where families can spend time together and where neighbors can connect. We’re proud to create spaces like this that reflect who we are and what our community deserves.”
Kilbourne Run Sports Park represents a $40.6 million investment, including a $10 million contribution from the Columbus Crew. The site is also planned as a future trailhead for the Linden Green Line, with construction expected to begin in late 2028.
“Growing soccer in our community is so important for our City and Club, and together, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for youth to develop important skills on and off the field,” said Crew General Manager Issa Tall. “Kilbourne Run Sports Park offers top-class pitches and facilities for players of all talent levels in our region to learn and play, whether it’s a friendly pickup game, recreational and competitive leagues, championship matches or Crew Youth camps and clinics. We thank the City of Columbus and Columbus Recreation and Parks for their dedication to our community and our long-standing partnership that elevates soccer and sports throughout Central Ohio.”
Event Details: Kilbourne Run Sports Park Community Day
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What: A community event with free activities, food and giveaways for all ages
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When: Wednesday, July 29 | 1-3 p.m.
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Where: Kilbourne Run Sports Park | 4625 Westerville Road, 43231
- Who:
- Mayor Andrew J. Ginther
- Bernita A. Reese, M.S., CPRP - Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Director
About the Project
Kilbourne Run Sports Park is part of the City of Columbus’ Community Sports Park initiative to expand quality sports facilities throughout the City. Funded by a $40.6 million investment from the City’s Capital Budget, this project was made possible through strong public and private partnerships that worked closely with the City to reimagine this neighborhood gem.
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department collaborated with Columbus Crew and the greater community to develop an informed, complete and holistic plan for Kilbourne Run Sports Park. This project focuses on enhancing the community park features for everyone. Additionally, it provides a vibrant, multi-generational sports park and regional tournament destination for youth, adult and travel leagues. Feedback from the community resulted in the development of safe access routes for all modes of transportation to and within the park, including a roundabout.
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