2026 Fall

Greetings UA Parks & Rec is honored to serve the community, with residents of all ages enjoying our parks, programs and events throughout the seasons. While we take great pride in the quality of our exsiting programs and services, we are always seeking ways to improve, and in this issue I’m pleased to introduce several recent initiatives focused on how we can best serve the community. A key element in guiding our planning for parks, facilities, programs and operations is a department comprehensive plan. A citywide Master Plan process is underway that will establish a collaborative, community-driven vision to guide the City’s growth, investment, and decision-making in the years ahead. Developed alongside updates to the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan and Urban Forestry strategy, the Master Plan will identify priorities, shape future land use, and outline clear strategies to strengthen neighborhoods, enhance quality of life, and support a resilient future. The updated Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan will focus specifically on our department’s services and development of park land, while the Urban Forestry Master Plan will guide our forestry operations, including street trees. Resident involvement is essential in providing input and priorities as recommendations are framed to align future services. See page 4 for ways to get involved and please share your opinions. STAY UA is being launched as the unified source for services and resources to assist residents, with a specific focus for older adults as they navigate aging in our community. Approximately 800 people completed our older adults survey this spring, providing valuable insight. The Older Adult Resource Fair on September 22 (see page 78) will follow up on the feedback and will feature a variety of vendors and representatives with information and services to help you stay safe, healthy, and independent as you age. Learn about insurance options, in-home therapy services, senior living communities, healthy lifestyle programs, and much more.

EXPERIENCE

EXPLORE

ENRICH

This Fall, Kiwanis Club of Northwest Columbus hands over the reins for its youth recreational soccer program to our department. We are excited by the opportunity to continue the Kiwanis legacy of youth soccer for children in Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff. See page 11 for information on this program. Fall is a great time for outdoor events, and the Labor Day Arts Festival, on Monday, September 7, will soon be here, showcasing artists and performers, as our largest community gathering event. Additional seasonal highlights include Fall Fest on October 4, offering coveted seasonal traditions, and Jazz at the Barn on October 8. This issue of the Activity Guide features the many indoor and outdoor activities and facilities available for everyone to enjoy. In the last year alone, our community participated in over 1,200 programs at the Bob Crane Community Center, plus numerous outdoor sessions. Visit the Enrich section for the upcoming fall offerings. PLEASE NOTE: the Bob Crane Community Center will be closed beginning Tuesday, September 8 and reopening on Wednesday, September 16. This closure allows time for annual maintenance, deep cleaning and employee training as we head toward the indoor season. I hope you take time to enjoy some of our offerings for recreation and leisure experiences.

Debbie McLaughlin, CPRP Parks & Recreation Director

parks.uaoh.net | 614-583-5300 | @CityofUAPR

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