North Bank Park Columbus, Ohio
Services Provided
Master Planning
Park Design
Construction Documents
People Involved
Tim Schmalenberger
John Petrushka
Awards
2016 National Planning Excellence Award for Implementation by the American Planning Association
2007 Columbus Landmarks Foundation James B. Recchie Design Award
2006 Ohio Chapter ASLA Merit Award
2005 Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Outstanding Park Area Development Award
Riverfront park design sets the standard for a city's downtown riverfront redevelopment.
As one of downtown Columbus, Ohio's first and often sought riverfront park destinations, North Bank Park provides access to the regional bike trail, the downtown, and is the home to many community festivals and events like the Jazz and Rib Fest and Red, White, and BOOM!.
As the first park to be redeveloped under the 1998 Columbus Riverfront Vision Plan, North Bank Park replaces an earthern berm and retaining wall that had been built to help mitigate potential flooding from the Scioto River. The 11-acre park now serves as the gateway to downtown for many travelers and complements the busy Arena District sports and entertainment district to the North. MKSK was the Park Master Planner, Designer and Landscape Architect to develop this city park that reconnects the downtown with the riverfront.
A glass pavilion anchors the end of Neil Avenue and forms a distinctive centerpiece to the park. Located on the plaza is a children's splash fountain that is ideal for summertime play, plenty of shaded seating, and a dining terrace. Space is also available for boat storage for downtown rowing clubs.
It serves as a vital link in the riverfront park system, a destination for downtown visitors and festival-goers, a regional trail point for cyclists, and a highly sought neighborhood park and open space for the growing downtown residential population.
