One Central Greenway: A Vision for the Olentangy River Corridor by MKSK

NE CENTRAL GREENWAY A Vision for the Olentangy River Corridor

June 2021

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A Vision for One Central Greenway For the past several generations in Central Ohio, our river corridors and interstates have physically divided our community, acting as barriers to access and connectivity. At the same time, persistent crises like climate change and equity, and pressing crises like COVID have reinforced the importance of the outdoors, natural habitat, and access to park space for well-being. RAPID 5 seeks to redefine Central Ohio’s five major river corridors as multi-layered features that interconnect our communities. This effort strives to change our focus and mental maps from freeway networks to greenway and blueway networks that connect all our neighborhoods and become part of, and enrich, our daily lives. This project establishes a foundation for this effort and sets forth a vision for a more equitable and livable future where all residents have access to places that uplift, meet their needs, and improve their wellbeing.

QUESTIONS

PILL ARS

ACTIONS

As the most centrally located of these waterways, the Olentangy River corridor serves as the main geographic spine of the system. It also functions as the center of activity for the area, as it is connected to a substantial portion of the region’s population, major institutions, employment centers, and other amenities. Built fifty years ago, the Olentangy Greenway proved to Central Ohio what was possible for a multi-use trail corridor and how popular such systems could be. While it is well loved and well used, it is overwhelmed and aging in some places. While it is essential that we continue to grow the RAPID 5 network of greenways and tributaries, it is also imperative that we reinvest in the Olentangy River corridor. Given its prominence, the Olentangy River corridor can also be the realm through which to address the ecological and equity challenges facing our region. From the north gateway of Highbanks Metro Park to the southern gateway of Scioto Grove Metro Park, the river and its environs have the potential to become interwoven into the surrounding neighborhoods creating a unique tapestry of greenways, blueways, parks, destinations, green streets, and community amenities. The framework for this Olentangy River corridor vision consists of 5 questions, 5 pillars, 5 actions, and 15 pulse points. 5 questions organized our approach to this project; the Olentangy River corridor vision is rooted in 5 pillars of equity & inclusion, activation & recreation, connectivity & mobility, lifelong learning, and ecology; 5 actions portray tangible steps stakeholders can implement to achieve the vision; and 15 pulse points illustrate how the vision for ONE CENTRAL GREENWAY comes to life.

PULSE POINTS

GREENWAY

BLUEWAY 2

PROJECT PURPOSE The RAPID 5 project unlocks the potential to improve the quality of life for all through the celebration of our shared and cherished natural resources. This bold idea will transform our community’s future by interconnecting our 5 river and stream corridors and redefining our region by our shared natural, recreational, and civic spaces and the network of waterways, trails, and streets that connect them.

OUR VISION By creating a unified vision for the Olentangy and Scioto River corridors and adjacent neighborhoods, we can strive for a more equitable and livable future where all Central Ohioans have safe, easy access to places that uplift them and improve their well-being. The system of blueways, greenways, and parks along the Olentangy River corridor are woven together to form

NE CENTRAL GREENWAY

THE OLENTANGY RIVER CORRIDOR TODAY Alum k Cree

Big Walnut Creek

tangy River Olen

o R iv e r Sciot

Big Darby Creek

20 min Walkshed Downtown

WITHIN A 20 MIN. BIKE RIDE OF THE OLENTANGY RIVER CORRIDOR...

555

ACTIVITY CENTERS

608 SCHOOLS

434K JOBS

15K

FOOD & BEVERAGE ESTABLISHMENTS

563K RESIDENTS

20 min Bikeshed

QUESTIONS

How can the Olentangy River Corridor activate and enliven cultural and individual experiences that are accessible to all?

02 How can we frame ecological health and climate resiliency as urgent crises in our communities?

03 How can we address the environmental justice issues affecting marginalized neighborhoods in our community?

04 How can the greenway, blueway, and public spaces be designed to support healthy daily life?

05 How can we create the next generation of environmental stewards for the Olentangy River Corridor and ensure its legacy?

COLUMBUS: CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS Columbus Today Within the bounds of Columbus and Central Ohio are a multitude of distinctive neighborhoods and jurisdictions, each with their own unique character, identity, and assets. On the whole, Columbus and Central Ohio have seen profound growth over the past couple of decades. This growth has led to the development and redevelopment of many of Columbus’ core neighborhoods, including Downtown, the Short North, Italian Village, the University District, and Franklinton, to name a few. Many of these denser urban neighborhoods are situated near the Olentangy River Corridor, with more than half a million residents within a short bike ride of the river. These neighborhoods possess many of the elements that comprise a great neighborhood, but RAPID 5 can amplify them by improving each element. RAPID 5 also presents an opportunity for equitable uplift so all residents can experience great neighborhoods.

Elements of a Great Neighborhood

Shared community gathering spaces

Accessible trails, greenways, blueways and parks

Local public transit, safe cycling networks, and walkability

Local Shops and Services

High-Quality Schools and Daycares

Affordable and Diverse Housing Options

Access to Jobs

51%

COLUMBUS IS THE

COLUMBUS HAS A GOAL TO REDUCE INFANT MORTALITY RATES AND CUT THE RACIAL DISPARITY GAP BY

2ND

OF LOW OPPORTUNITY AREAS ARE LOCATED WITHIN A 20 MIN. BIKE RIDE OF THE OLENTANGY RIVER

MOST ECONOMICALLY SEGREGATED CITY IN THE NATION

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40%

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315

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DOWNTOWN

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SOUTH SIDE

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670

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Celebrate One Areas Low Opportunity Tracts Columbus Neighborhoods Sources: CelebrateOne, Kirwan Institute, City of Columbus

CONNECT THE OLENTANGY RIVER TO OUR NEIGHBORHOODS

WHAT’S MISSING? Connecting Low Opportunity Neighborhoods Many of Columbus’ neighborhoods are not thriving or experiencing equitable growth in the same way. According to a 2015 study, Columbus is the second most economically segregated city in the U.S. and this disparity can be most profoundly observed at the neighborhood level. (Source: University of Toronto, 2015) Many of these same neighborhoods experience many other social inequities, including poverty, food insecurity, lack of access to healthy foods, unstable housing situations, public safety challenges, and transportation barriers. These social determinants have serious implications for individual health outcomes. For example, Franklin County has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country and environmental justice and the uneven neighborhood conditions are a leading factor in this problem. (Source: CelebrateOne) The city and region have made significant efforts in recent years to focus on those low opportunity areas to ensure that residents in all neighborhoods can thrive. These efforts have predominantly focused on the Linden, Greater Hilltop, South Side, and Eastland areas. As the central north-south spine through Central Ohio, the Olentangy River Corridor has the potential to provide access to the elements of a great neighborhood in the areas where they are deficient. Access to parks and high-

quality green spaces is an important metric to consider. Access to these areas includes safe and efficient physical access as well as creating inclusive and welcoming spaces that enable social and cultural access. High-quality parks and green spaces provide not only opportunities for recreation, but also, improved air quality, space for tree canopy, reduced urban heat island effect, and other environmental justice metrics. Access for low opportunity areas also means acknowledging the physical barriers that cut off these neighborhoods from essential amenities and resources. Most significantly, I-71 and SR-315 are major obstacles in fostering a more connected urban environment. The Olentangy River Corridor, located between these two highways can be a new connective column from which east to west connections are made.

59%

RESIDENTS WITHIN A 10 MIN. WALK OF PARK OR TRAIL:

IN FRANKLIN CO.

65%

BUT THE CONNECTIONS DON’T EXIST.

IN COLUMBUS

81%

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IN LOW OPPORTUNITIES AREAS

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315

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DOWNTOWN

GREATER HILLTOP

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270

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SOUTH SIDE

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EASTLAND

670

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Parks along Olentangy River Areas Outside of Park & Trail Walkshed

Creek

ENSURE EQUITABLE ACCESS

PREPARING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE Making Our Community More Resilient to a Changing Ecology and Climate in Central Ohio Climate change is bringing an increased frequency of flash flooding, drought, and rising temperatures to the Midwest. By 2050, these impacts will have reached a tipping point, and we will see plants and animals in our region respond to these changes with mass migration. Our river systems will also experience significant strain as flooding becomes more frequent and violent storm events push flood levels higher. In parallel, our rural landscapes are transforming as population in the Columbus area booms. Increased housing demand drives more development in the region, replacing woodlands and agricultural lands with paved surfaces that will route even more water into our sewer system, and eventually into our rivers. These waterways are essential to the health and welfare of our city and the only opportunity we have to create a continuous resilient corridor that is able to respond to the need for increased

flood capacity, wildlife migration, and a cool shady respite from the rising temperatures and exacerbated heat island effect within our city limits. With proactive planning, we can ensure that our natural systems are poised to respond resiliently to these extreme conditions and offer important infrastructure for our collective wellbeing that goes much deeper than bike and parkland connectivity.

• GOOD WATER QUALITY • CONNECTED HABITAT • CONNECTED CANOPY • CONNECTED HABITAT • DEGRADED WATER QUALITY FROM INCREASED RUNOFF • DAMS RESTRICT MOVEMENT

• CONNECTED WILDLIFE CORRIDORS

• FRAGMENTED HABITAT

• FRAGMENTED WILDLIFE CORRIDOR

le n O

DUBLIN-GRANVILLE DAM

IE SIL

RE S ES

• SCARCE FRAGMENTS OF INTACT WILDLIFE CORRIDOR

E TR S EA

• FRAGMENTED HABITAT

• FRAGMENTED WILDLIFE CORRIDOR

EN ILI

ng y

• SCARCE HABITAT FRAGMENTS

• DEGRADED WATER QUALITY FROM INCREASED RUNOFF • DAMS RESTRICT MOVEMENT

TR S MO

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• MULTIPLE DAMS RESTRICT AQUATIC MOVEMENT • DEGRADED WATER QUALITY

EN ILI

BROADMEADOWS DAM

NORTH BROADWAY DAM UNION CEMETERY DAM DODRIDGE ST. DAM

5th AVE DAM (demolished)

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SS LE

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MAIN STREET DAM (demolished) GREENLAWN AVE. DAM

Most Resilient/Biodiverse More Resilient/Biodiverse Resilient/Biodiverse Less Resilient/Biodiverse Least Resilient/Biodiverse Sources: The Nature Conservancy, EPA, FLOW

IDENTIFY GAPS IN THE ECOSYSTEM

THE OLENTANGY CORRIDOR Act Local - Making a Local Impact on a Global Problem Along the Olentangy River Corridor, there are several opportunities for local actions to address the following issues to improve resiliency.

RIVER + RAVINES Ravines and rivers that weave their way through our neighborhoods need remediation due to increased development and foot traffic, eroding plant communities, and an influx of rainwater runoff and water quality impacts from runoff loaded with sediment, nitrogen, and other chemicals.

FLOOD LEVELS + DEVELOPMENT AT RISK Waterways are constricted by low head dams and rock weirs, and some development sits within or adjacent to existing floodway levels.

FRAGMENTED CANOPY + CROWDED HABITAT Canopy cover is fragmented and the river buffer is often constricted by development built too close to the river and ravines, restricting the habitat area below that necessary to protect the river corridor.

BIOLOGICAL COMMUNITY SCORE VERY POOR POOR FAIR

WHILE THE MAIN STEM RIVER HAS RELATIVELY GOOD WATER QUALITY, THE TRIBUTARIES/ RAVINES/STREAMS TEND TO HAVE POOR WATER QUALITY SOME STRETCHES OF THE RIVER IN THIS AREA ARE CLASSIFIED AS “MODIFIED WARM-WATER HABITATS” MAINLY DUE TO THE IMPACTS OF LOWHEAD DAMS AND LOCAL CHANNELIZATION OF THE RIVER

AN ESTIMATED

1.2BI

SQUARE FEET OF DEVELOPMENT AT RISK

15MILES OF FRAGMENTED CANOPY

CARH GREEN ART DITCH RID KEMPT GE RUN ON RU N

TURKE

SCI

RUN

S A T CGI O T O REE RIV NLA ER RUN WN REP UBL ICA N R GRA UN PLU NT RUN M R UN KIA

BIG

HIGHBANKS METRO PARK

OTO

DEVELOPMENT AT RISK

Y R UN

500 YEAR FLOODPLAIN

OTO AT T R I V E OW R N

LEVEE / FLOOD WALL

E C I

SCI

LOWERED RISK

FLOODWAY

SCIOTO GROVE METRO PARK

100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN

Y RUN

TUCKE R RUN RUSH RUN BILL M OOSE RUN ADENA BROO WALH K ALLA CREEK GLEN ECHO RUN

GUIDING PILLARS Our vision for the Olentangy River is grounded in five key pillars: Equity + Inclusion The Olentangy River Corridor should be a communal space that is welcoming and accessible for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. Residents from low opportunity areas need to know that this is their river. Strong connections should be made to the surrounding neighborhoods to connect people to our natural resources for recreation, enjoyment, and mobility.

Activation + Recreation The corridor should provide a breadth of experiences that meet the health, wellness, social, and cultural needs of the community through active and passive recreation. Activities and programs should reflect the distinctive neighborhood characters and historical attributes of the corridor.

Connectivity + Mobility Facilitate a more connected community through an integrated multi-modal network of trails, bike facilities, transit routes, and vehicle connections that utilize the north-south Olentangy River Corridor. Improve access and safety throughout the corridor transportation network. Expand east-west linkages from the river corridor. Create opportunities for transit-supportive development.

Lifelong Learning The river and its environs should create ample opportunities for learning and curiosity. Programming along the corridor should be engaging for all generations and inspire environmental stewardship.

Ecology A restorative approach should be taken to maximize the ecological healing of the riparian ecosystem and surrounding ecology. Examine how to use the river to advance environmental sustainability and to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

PILLARS

EQUITY + INCLUSION Create a Common Ground for All

02 ACTIVATION + RECREATION Provide a Space for Individual and Community Wellbeing

03 CONNECTIVITY + MOBILITY Build a Safe, Connected Network

04 LIFELONG LEARNING Transform the Olentangy River into a Living Lab

05 ECOLOGY Make an Ecological Sanctuary for the Region

APPROACH Weave the Olentangy River Corridor into Adjacent Neighborhoods Along the Olentangy River Corridor, we’ve identified fifteen pulse points, which are existing and potential activity sites that require renewed thought around their program and design. The five pillars are thoughtfully incorporated into the recommended improvements and design concepts of all fifteen pulse points. The design of these places is also intended to provide spaces and amenities that meet the needs of the community so that the Olentangy River Corridor becomes a part of daily life for Central Ohioans. The locations of the pulse points maximize the potential community impact of these sites and create needed neighborhood amenities, with the goal of creating a pulse point for every neighborhood along the corridor. The pulse points fit into several different typologies. The crown jewel, Confluence Park, is a signature green space that will unite and uplift the entire city. Gateway parks flank the north and south ends of the corridor and are entry points into Franklin County. Greenway neighborhoods are mixed-use, transit supportive developments that are situated adjacent to the river and greenway. Cultural parks are all the other parks located near urban neighborhoods

and which are designed with unique programming in mind that is authentic to the adjacent populations. These pulse points also serve as a central junction from which east-west green streets comprised of pedestrian, bike, and transit links can extend, connecting to the Scioto River and Alum Creek corridors. Tying all these elements together is a network of braided trails, catering to all mobility types—from the parent pushing a stroller to the mountain bicyclist to the person using an assisted mobility aid. This woven system of the Olentangy River blueway, greenways, and parks come together to form ONE CENTRAL GREENWAY that serves the entire community.

01 HIGHBANKS METRO PARK Complete the North Gateway

PULSE POINTS

02 ANTRIM + SR 161 Enhance an Urban Oasis

03 BETHEL Create a Cultural Gathering Space

04 RIVERSIDE

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Develop a Riverfront Neighborhood

05 HUDSON + OSU LEARNING LAB

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Uncover Space for Adventure

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06 OSU LONG WALK

Create a New Campus Destination

07 LENNOX Establish a Greenway Neighborhood 71

08 5TH AVENUE Establish a Greenway Neighborhood 270

315 70

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C Alum

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reek

09 CONFLUENCE Center Community Through a Crown Jewel Park

10 SCIOTO MILE 71

Activate the Urban Riverfront

11 BICENTENNIAL PARK 0

12 SCIOTO AUDUBON 13 THE FORT

Connect the South Neighborhoods

14 SCIOTO TRAIL PARK + SCHOOL Unveil Urban Nature

15 SCIOTO GROVE METRO PARK Strengthen the South Gateway

PILLAR 1 EQUITY + INCLUSION Create a Common Ground for All Equity and inclusion are about ensuring that all residents have safe and equitable access to our region’s natural and cultural resources and that all feel safe and welcome in those spaces. This involves understanding what type of recreational amenities and programs would have the greatest social impact and would help to uplift adjacent neighborhoods. The pulse points aim to provide these types of amenities in a centralized way. By addressing equity and inclusion, we also seek to uncover the importance of east-west connections in reducing physical barriers to green space, trails, neighborhood assets, and other essential institutions or resources. These elements should be prioritized in neighborhoods that have been marginalized and experience environmental justice issues.

Action #1: Enhance access between the river and the neighborhoods. » Connect neighborhoods to public spaces. » Create welcoming destinations. » Identify sites for new greenway neighborhoods. » Use parks and green space to mitigate environmental injustices in neighborhoods.

“The parks and trails need to be at the same level and with the same resources as those in our suburban areas.”

“All of our communities need to be able to enjoy the outdoors as well as have safe and convenient paths to work or recreation.”

Community member comments

GET UP-CLOSE-ANDPERSONAL WITH NATURE SHORT BIKE RIDE TO WORK ON A LOW-STRESS NETWORK

ng y

Ri ve

ENGAGE IN RELAXATION AND RECREATION

le n

BROWSE GOODS AND CELEBRATE CULTURE AT AN OUTDOOR MARKET

ENJOY TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

WOR T

HING TON

HILL

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ARLIUNPPER GTON

270

i Sc

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315

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INVITE RESIDENTS OF ALL NEIGHBORHOODS TO THE RIVER

PILLAR 2 ACTIVATION + RECREATION Provide a Space for Individual and Community Well-being

Action #2: Reflect the community through authentic activation.

The activation of the pulse points is about creating authentic and exciting destinations that draw people from adjacent neighborhoods, the city, and the region. Across the fifteen pulse points, there will be a variety of spaces and activities to meet the needs of a diverse population. These pulse points will include amenities that aim to address the dimensions of health and wellness— physical, emotional/mental, social, spiritual, intellectual, and environmental. The activation of these pulse points can also help to spur economic development along the corridor and into the neighborhoods, by attracting new local businesses and entrepreneurship that will help to enliven the experiences along the river and its east-west extensions.

» Create a more defined blueway system and access points. » Orient and educate through wayfinding. » Provide essential amenities. » Create retail and service business opportunities in strategic locations. » Honor the history and heritage of the river.

“All parks should have at least a few designated hammock poles! It’s perfect for hanging out in the fresh air and enjoying nature.”

“Small attractions (like micro brews or restaurants should have trail frontage instead of being oriented towards the roadway.”

33.95% of people visit parks and natural areas to exercise while 34.14% visit to relax.

Community member comments + survey results

PILLAR 3 CONNECTIVITY + MOBILITY Build a Safe, Connected Network

Action #3: Focus on east-west links.

The Olentangy River Corridor is located between SR-315/I-71, Olentangy River Road, and High Street/US-23, all major vehicular transportation corridors. Creating a safer and more connected network involves the use of trails, sidewalks, on-street and off-street bike facilities, and transit routes to create a transportation network that prioritizes all users. The current Olentangy Trail is a very popular regional trail, drawing about 500,000 annual users (Source: MORPC). With this popularity, however, comes the need to expand the trail to accommodate more capacity and different types of users. The desired configuration is a braided trail network of different trail types that would extend along the corridor.

» Create healthy, green streets that branch out from the Olentangy River Corridor into the neighborhoods. » Create a braided trail network of different trail types. » Create additional trailheads to access the trail network. » Explore opportunities for transitsupportive development near the corridor.

“We need more eastwest connections for multi-use trails, allowing people to cross rivers and interstate highways.”

“I would like to see more places for canoeing and kayaking.”

61.34% of people get to parks or trails by car.

Community member comments + survey results

14%

PLANNED LINKUS CORRIDORS AND MULTIPLE COTA SERVICE ROUTES ARE LOCATED WITHIN 20 MIN BIKESHED

OF HOUSEHOLDS IN THE EAST-WEST LINKUS CORRIDOR DO NOT HAVE A CAR.

AMONG ZERO-CAR HOUSEHOLDS

36%

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20 min. BIKESHED

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ARE AT OR ABOVE 150 PERCENT OF THE POVERTY LEVEL IN THE EAST-WEST LINKUS CORRIDOR

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Central Ohio Greenways (Existing) Central Ohio Greenways (Proposed) LinkUS Planned Corridors Sources: MORPC, City of Columbus

STRENGTHEN EAST-WEST CONNECTIONS

PILLAR 4 LIFELONG LEARNING Transform the Olentangy River into a Living Lab The Olentangy River represents a tremendous opportunity to become a place of lifelong learning. With two local high schools and The Ohio State University directly adjacent to the river corridor, the Olentangy has the ability to play a central role in educational curriculum, academic research, and data collection. In addition to using the Olentangy River as a teaching tool, students and researchers can also help to monitor the health of the river corridor and provide insights into how we can best protect our critical natural assets. These formal educational opportunities should be complemented by numerous informal opportunities that will allow the 1 million annual users of the Olentangy Trail to interact with educational and interpretive displays to better understand the ecological value of our river corridors. By creating opportunities for people to engage directly with the river and the natural environment that surrounds it, we will nurture the next generation of environmental stewards.

Action #4: Inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. » Create learning hubs to provide local students with the opportunity to engage in ecological educational curriculum and academic research and data collection. » Monitor and document the health of the river corridor by collecting data on water quality, habitat health, and species counts. » Use the information generated by research and data collection to guide further efforts to improve the health of the Olentangy River Corridor » Provide self-guided educational opportunities through interpretive signage and access points highlighting unique habitat and the ecological value of the Olentangy River.

PILLAR 5 ECOLOGY Action #5: Give the river room for restoration.

In order to improve the resiliency along the river corridor and in the region, ecological gaps need to be filled to create a continuous green corridor. Habitat diversity, stormwater management, water quality, and tree canopy are all elements that would be improved if a more continuous green corridor is created along the Olentangy River. In addition, the community can be engaged in this work to better care for our waterways and the wildlife along them.

» Increase habitat diversity and enable species to succeed.

» Create new green spaces designed to absorb floodwater and to filter runoff. » Improve water quality. » Celebrate our unique river character.

Public Engagement

Green Filter

Public Access

» Engage the public to foster future care of our waterways and wildlife.

Clean Water

Habitat Diversity

Make an Ecological Sanctuary for the Region

• GOOD WATER QUALITY • CONNECTED HABITAT

• CONNECTED WILDLIFE CORRIDORS

R iv

• CONNECTED CANOPY • CONNECTED HABITAT

IE SIL

e n

ta n

R ST O M

EVALUATE FEASIBILITY OF DAM REMOVAL

Most Resilient/Biodiverse More Resilient/Biodiverse Resilient/Biodiverse Less Resilient/Biodiverse Least Resilient/Biodiverse

CREATE RESILIENT CORRIDORS 28

VISION FOR THE OLENTANGY RIVER CORRIDOR One Central Greenway As the most centrally located of Central Ohio’s five major waterways, the Olentangy River Corridor serves as the main geographic spine of the system. It also functions as the center of activity for the area, as it is connected to a substantial portion of the region’s population, major institutions, employment centers, and other amenities. Given its prominence, the Olentangy River Corridor can be the realm through which to address the pressing ecological and equity challenges facing our region. From the north gateway of Highbanks Metro Park to the southern gateway of Scioto Grove Metro Park, the river and its environs have the potential to become interwoven into the surrounding neighborhoods to create a unique tapestry of greenways, blueways, parks, destinations, green streets, and community amenities. The vision for the Olentangy River Corridor is about creating a connected, low-stress mobility network that provides access and common ground for all; that

brings us together, that offers spaces for health, reflection, and recreation; that substantially enhances the ecology and habitat of our community; and serves as a lifelong learning opportunity – creating community stewards for life.

ACTIONS 01

ENHANCE ACCESS BETWEEN THE OLENTANGY RIVER AND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS

» Connect neighborhoods to public spaces » Create welcoming destinations » Identify sites for new greenway neighborhoods » Mitigate environmental injustices

» Create learning hubs » Monitor and document the health of the river » Use information to improve the health of the river » Provide self-guided educational opportunities

REFLECT THE COMMUNITY THROUGH AUTHENTIC ACTIVATION

GIVE THE RIVER ROOM FOR RESTORATION

» Create a more defined blueway system

» Increase habitat diversity

» Orient and educate through wayfinding

» Create new green spaces to absorb floodwater

» Provide essential amenities » Create retail and service business opportunities

» Improve water quality

» Honor the history and heritage of the river

» Engage the public to foster care of our waterways and wildlife

» Celebrate our unique river character

03 CREATE EAST-WEST LINKS » Create healthy, green streets » Create a braided trail network » Create additional trailheads » Explore opportunities for transit-supportive development

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: HIGHBANKS Complete the North Gateway As its name suggests, Highbanks Metro Park is situated along a 100-foot shale bluff that overlooks the Olentangy River. It is already a picturesque and highly visited park that serves as the northern gateway for the river in Franklin County. Highbanks is also surrounded by residential neighborhoods, but direct connections between these areas and the park are lacking. To create one central greenway from Highbanks Metro Park to Scioto Grove Metro Park, this northern portion of the trail needs to be completed. New pathways across the Olentangy River will connect Highbanks with the River Bluff Area, Worthing Hills Park, and the Olentangy Parklands. Extended pathways into the ravines will connect surrounding neighborhoods with the park, allowing people to visit the Metro Park without the need for a car. Diverse, native species will replace invasive ones, especially along the river to enhance the biodiversity of this area.

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Co n ne cti o

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Ne d En tr y T r a il

Nature Center

Dragonfly Day Camp

oad ell R

Pow

North Trailhead

Kayak Launch

In-Water Play Area River Crossing

Observation Deck

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River Bluff Area River Crossing

N 33

HIGHBANKS

Complete the North Gateway Existing Area Landmark or Amenity Proposed Enhancement River Crossing

Observation Deck

Hig

Nature Preserve

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Olentangy Parkland

River Crossing Ropes Course Ole

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y Ri

ver

Kayak Launch

Olentangy Parkland Hills Market Worthington Hills Park

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: ANTRIM + SR 161 Enhance an Urban Oasis Currently a 120-acre park surrounding a quarried lake, Antrim Park is a highly trafficked destination in Columbus and is regularly overwhelmed with visitors. Key improvements will transform this well-loved park into a more enhanced urban oasis. Expanding Antrim Park’s path systems and allowing more access to and across the Olentangy River, including into the east-west ravines, will increase the park experience. Improved pedestrian and bike connections should be made between Broadmeadows Park, Antrim Park, and Thomas Worthington High School. Antrim can become a major ecological habitat along the Olentangy Trail. By expanding and reshaping the existing fish and wildlife habitats we can promote diverse plant and animal expansion into the greenway.

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Old Worthington

Thomas Worthington HS Community Pavilion

Kilbourne Village

The HUB Microbrewery (Trail Stop)

Expanded Aquatic Habitat

161

Naturalized Edge

Antrim Lake

Kayak Launch SR

River Crossings Antrim Park

Ole

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Indian Hills Neighborhood

N 37

ngy

Riv

er R oad

315

High

ANTRIM + SR 161

Stre

Enhance an Urban Oasis

Existing Area Landmark or Amenity Proposed Program River Crossing

Village of Riverlea

Rush Run Park

Wildlife Habitat & Observation Deck

Rus

Neighborhood Pavilion

Broadmeadows Park Kayak Launch

River Crossing

Olent

angy

River

River Crossing

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Cu F e s t iv a l L a w n

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: BETHEL Create a Cultural Gathering Place

ral

Fo o d H u b &

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The Bethel Road cultural gathering place expands upon the existing AnheuserBusch Sports Park to create a more neighborhood focused space. The Bethel Road corridor has a diverse population, with many different races and ethnicities represented. Providing spaces for residents to celebrate their distinct cultures is a key program element for the Olentangy corridor in this area. Festival lawns and small market spaces will be provided to give vendors places to sell food and wares, while small gardens will salute the cultures represented in this part of Columbus. Expanding the existing Recreation Center into a Community Center and creating outdoor community gathering space and cultural gardens will provide more programmable space for events such as farmers markets, festivals, pop-up activities, and more. Enhancing the existing baseball fields and adding soccer fields will create more space for active recreation. River crossings connect residents to the east with this new amenity.

Bet

hel

BETHEL

Roa d

Olentangy Plaza

Create a Cultural Gathering Place Existing Area Landmark or Amenity Proposed Program River Crossing

Cultural Market Pavilion

Stormwater Basin

ang

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Multi-Use Fields

SR 315

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River Crossing

gy Rive

Olentan

Transit Hub

Olentangy Park

Community Center

Nature Preserve

River Crossing Outdoor Gathering Space & Cultural Gardens

River Crossing Kayak Launch

N 42

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: RIVERSIDE Develop a Riverfront Neighborhood The existing job hub of Ohio Health’s Administrative Campus and Riverside Methodist Hospital is supplemented with additional uses to create a new neighborhood that is immediately adjacent to the Olentangy River and Greenway Trail. A new transit hub along Olentangy River Road is supported by a density of residents and workers in this new neighborhood. The density of the development allows for some strategic park space on-site, but a new riverfront park on the west side of the Olentangy River and easy connections across the river to Clinton-Como Park provide ample green space for existing and future residents and workers to enjoy.

Multi-modal Transit

Transit Hub and Park

Riverfront Cafe

Pedestrian Bridge Braided Trails Community Pavilion Transit Connection

RIVERSIDE

Develop a Riverfront Neighborhood SR 315 Existing Area Landmark or Amenity Proposed Program River Crossing

Union Cemetery

Transit Hub New LinkUs Transit Supportive District

River Crossing

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Columbus Nature Preserve

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ang lent

Riverside Hospital

Ohio Health Pavilion

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Riverfront Cafe

Clinton-Como Park River Crossing

Kayak Launch

N 46

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: HUDSON + OSU LEARNING LAB Uncover Space for Adventure The portion of the Olentangy River Corridor between the Wilma H. Schiermeier Wetland Research Park and Lane Avenue has a lot of potential to be an exciting destination in close proximity to a large population, especially students and young professionals. The Hudson Adventure Park is a large playscape with regional appeal for all ages. An exciting playground and festival lawn will accompany a rock-climbing wall, multiseason garden, river observation tower, boat house, and community spaces. Kayak launches and river crossings will help to activate the Olentangy River in this part of the city, while connections to the OSU Wetland Research Park create opportunities for learning experiences and outdoor classes that utilize the park. A new east-west connection along Hudson Avenue will connect the new Hudson Adventure Park to Mock Park in Linden, making active transportation more accessible for the residents in between.

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B o at

HUDSON + OSU LEARNING LAB Uncover Space for Adventure

Community Center

Existing Area Landmark or Amenity

CAS

Proposed Program River Crossing

Fawcett Center tan

Olen

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ive gy R

River Crossing

River Olentangy

Rec Center

La nu

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Tuttle Park

Skate Park

Wetland Research Park Play Garden + Adventure Park Goodwill Industries

River Crossing Dod

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reet

Boat House & Launch Hud

son

Overlook

River Crossing

Hi gh

St re

Tuttle Park

Stre

n Ave eil

Hudson Connection to Mock Park

N 50

ltu

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Gathering Sp a

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: OSU LONG WALK R ive

r A cc es s

Create a New Campus Destination The OSU Long Walk, the path from the Oval to the Olentangy River, currently lacks an exciting destination that will draw students and others to the river. To remedy this, a new riverfront gathering place and park is proposed, situated between Morrill and Lincoln Towers. The Long Walk from the Oval will lead people through campus and Lincoln Tower Park to a new green space and plaza between the residential towers. An amphitheater at the river’s edge will be a space for cultural celebrations, performing arts, and other university events. The revamped park and trails surrounding the amphitheater will connect south with the new park space created from the relocation of Cannon Drive and north to the existing green space and trail network. The river will be more accessible around campus through new kayak and boat launches. River crossings connect Main Campus and West Campus.

Tuttle Park

River Crossing

St. John Arena

River Crossing

e Lan

n Ave

Can o

Ole nta ng yR ive rR oa d

nD ri v e

Ole nta ngy Riv er

Rec Fields

OSU LONG WALK

Create a New Campus Destination Existing Area Landmark or Amenity Proposed Program River Crossing

N 53

River Crossing

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nA ve nu e

The Oval

An ni e

Ohio Stadium

Kinnear Road Connection

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Event Pavilion

Ro a

River Crossing

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: LENNOX + 5TH AVENUE Establish A Greenway Neighborhood The redevelopment of Lennox Town Center and the corridor south to 5th Avenue would create a new riverfront neighborhood. This will be a mixed-use and higher density neighborhood to support transit along Olentangy River Road, a major connector road for Central Ohio, in accordance with Columbus’ LinkUS initiative. Green streets and smallscale park spaces will be integrated throughout the development to provide comfortable shade and green space. Direct pedestrian and bike connections lead people across Olentangy River Road to a new riverfront park situated beneath the SR315 underpass. Redesigned streets that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists will connect to the east side of the river into a braided trail system and the new

Bike Connections

Braided and Multi-modal Trails

Cannon Drive Park.

Underpass Park

Crosswalks

Bikeway Underpass Park

BRT Connection

LENNOX & 5TH AVE

Establish a Greenway Neighborhood Existing Area Landmark or Amenity Proposed Program

Kayak Launch

Transit Hub

315

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Olen

3rd ue

n Ave

Harrison West

Kin

Neighborhood Pavilion

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Lennox Redevelopment

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Transit Hub

iver

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on Cann

Drive

Cannon Drive Park Wexner Medical Center

Kin

gA ven

Battelle

Av e

N 58

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: CONFLUENCE Center Community through a Crown Jewel Park The Franklinton neighborhood currently does not benefit from the nearby greenway trails or the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers because they are blocked off by infrastructure barriers—roads, railways, highways, and the floodwall; they are close in proximity, but lack access. An expanded and enhanced Confluence Park would create a better union between the neighborhood, the new CoverMyMeds headquarters, the new Crew Stadium, redevelopment of the Mount Carmel site, and the highquality recreational amenities along the river. The new Confluence Park extends south, creating frontage along Broad Street to serve as a neighborhood park and to directly connect Franklinton residents with the riverfront. It would be a hub for youth recreation, with an indoor fieldhouse and outdoor basketball facilities. A sweeping circular pedestrian walkway, the “ONE Columbus” bridge, that spans across the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers, providing spectacular views of Downtown Columbus and Franklinton.

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C o m m unity F

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Crew Stadium H ou

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Confluence Tower

River Pavilion

K ay ak L au n ch

Community Fieldhouse

River Deck

CONFLUENCE

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ST OAD

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Multi-Purpose Sports Courts

CONFLUENCE

Center Community through a Crown Jewel Park

Orange Barrel Media CoverMyMeds

Existing Area Landmark or Amenity Proposed Program River Crossing

Franklinton de Sou

gy R tan n e Ol

Mt Carmel Redevelopment Site

Community Fieldhouse

Broad Street Cap 15

3 SR

N 63

Rd iver

Kayak Launch

Ri ve r

ng Olenta

River Crossings

Kayak Launch

Crew Stadium

I-670

Spri

ng Lon Street gS tree t

Confluence Tower

Scio

to R iver

River Deck

River Pavilion

Gravity Bro

ad S

tree

Multi-Purpose Sports Courts

East Franklinton

U rb a

n Be ac h

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: SCIOTO MILE Activate the Urban Riverfront

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At the western terminus of Gay Street at the Scioto Greenway in Downtown Columbus is a chance to activate the urban riverfront in a way that will attract people to linger in this part of the park. A new center of activity at this section of the riverfront is defined by local retail and dining. Attracting and spurring small, local businesses and entrepreneurship should be a priority to fill these spaces. An urban beach acts as a backdrop for lounging and recreation. Spectacular views of the river and plentiful outdoor seating will entice people to enjoy this space as they make their way along the Scioto Greenway in Downtown.

Nationwide Arena AEP McFerson Commons

Kayak Launch

Long Street

Scioto Ri

ver

N 67

Urban Beach

SCIOTO MILE

Activate the Urban Riverfront Existing Area Landmark or Amenity

Gay Street Terrace

Proposed Program

Scioto Hub

reet

Gay St

M ar c on i

Boul evard

reet

St road

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: THE FORT Connect the South Neighborhoods The vision for The Fort and Columbus’ South Side amplifies the existing draw of the Lou Berliner Sports Park by expanding the park south and east, connecting across the river to reach three neighborhoods on the South Side: Merion Village, Hungarian Village, and Reeb-Hosack. The expansion of Berliner Park south would create more ball fields and a new public gathering space and food truck commons in the center of the park. This new space and the recently completed mountain bike trails create opportunities for more user groups to enjoy the park. To the east, a new neighborhood-oriented section of the park is connected across the river by a new bridge. This section of the park will help to serve the redevelopment of the Fort site and new southern neighborhoods. New trails, event lawns, ponds, and a ropes course will provide active and passive recreation opportunities for the South Side.

Movie/Event Lawn

Mountain Bike Trail

Expanded Trails To Berliner Park

Remediated Quarry

To Neighborhoods

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

German Village Merion Village

Berliner Park

Berliner Singletrack

River Crossing

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ive

I-7 1

Av en

ue Food Truck Commons

Berliner Expansion ad Ro t r a

THE FORT

Connect the South Neighborhoods Pars

ons A venu

Existing Area Landmark or Amenity

Proposed Program River Crossing

Hungarian Village High

Stre

The Fort Neighborhood

New South Neighborhood

Reeb Hosack

The Fort

Ropes Course

Remediated Quarries

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: SCIOTO TRAIL PARK + SCHOOL Unveil Urban Nature On the far South Side, an enhanced Scioto Trail Park and the existing Columbus Scioto School anchor a new community hub for urban nature. An urban farm and greenhouse learning center serve as the backdrop for handson opportunities for children to learn about gardening and food systems. They also act as a local source of healthy food for the neighborhood. A nearby wetland learning lab is another spot for school children to engage with nature and learn about environmental science, while also creating more research opportunities for university students and faculty. An overlook and river crossings offer stunning views, while new trails extend throughout the expanded park and a remediated quarry on the west side of the river.

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Urb a n Far m

Lea

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River Crossing

SCIOTO TRAIL PARK + SCHOOL Unveil Urban Nature

Existing Area Landmark or Amenity Proposed Program River Crossing

Remediated Quarry

o Sciot

River

Wetland Learning Lab

N 75

River Crossing

River Overlook

Scioto School

Urban Agriculture Greenhouse Learning Center

e Str

South Drive-In Theater

PULSE POINT CASE STUDY: SCIOTO GROVE Strengthen the South Gateway The continued transformation of Scioto Grove and the surrounding quarries will establish this portion of the river as the southern gateway and outdoor adventure destination for the region. Building on the unique existing program at Scioto Grove, like the REI River Trail and backpacking sites, the expanded Scioto Grove will inspire explorers to hike, bird watch, practice skills like backpacking and archery, and climb up into the tree canopy along the sky bridge for a view like no other. The park will expand to the east side of the river, utilizing the existing quarries as the backdrop for a new park entry point and wetland research center. Multiple viewing stations and decks will create spaces for park users to admire the natural surroundings and the animals that inhabit them.

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d Q u a rr y E dg es

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I-270

Sky Bridge & View Towers Hig

h St

reet

River Crossings

Kayak Launch Lowland Bird Habitat

River Crossing Ja

ike

REI River Trail & Backpacking Sites

N 79

Disc Golf Course

SCIOTO GROVE

Quarry Overlook

Strengthen the South Gateway Existing Area Landmark or Amenity

Wetland Research & Event Center

Proposed Program River Crossing

South Trailhead Scioto Downs

Hikers Hill Aviary Viewing Station

Sc iot oR

Open Prairie & Bird Habitat

River Crossings ive r

Kayak Launch

NE CENTRAL GREENWAY 81

OUTCOMES OF THIS VISION The outcomes of the vision for the Olentangy River Corridor would be transformational for Central Ohio. It would give more residents access to parks and green space, create a more resilient ecology, provide space for well-being and culture, and result in new neighborhoods that prioritize transit and active recreation.

ACRES OF PARK SPACE FOR THE COMMUNITY, WITHIN A 20 MIN. WALK OF 18,175 RESIDENTS

2,700

ACRES OF EXISTING AND PROPOSED PARK SPACE WITHIN THE TWO GATEWAY METRO PARKS

Crown Jewel Park Confluence

Gateway Parks

Greenway Neighborhoods

Cultural Parks

Healthy Streets & Braided Trails

ACRES OF GREENWAY NEIGHBORHOODS, WITH MORE THAN 9,000 FUTURE RESIDENTS AND 17,000 FUTURE EMPLOYEES

130 MILES OF HEALTHY STREETS EXTENDING FROM THE OLENTANGY RIVER

1,000+ ACRES OF CULTURAL PARKS ACROSS 7 NEIGHBORHOODS

Special Thanks To: