Columbus Commons

{{Short description|Park and green space in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.}}

{{Infobox park

| name = Columbus Commons

| image = Columbus Commons 2020-09.jpg

| image_size = 270

| image_caption =

| mapframe-custom = {{infobox mapframe|zoom=14|id=|title=Columbus Commons|marker=park|marker-color=#519D61|stroke-width=4|stroke-color=#386e43|shape-fill=#000000|shape-fill-opacity=0.1}}

| coords = {{Wikidatacoord|Q5150027|region:US-OH|format=dms|display=inline,title}}

| area = {{convert|6|acre|ha}}
(originally 9 acres)

| created = May 26, 2011

| operator = Capitol South{{cite web | url =http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/germanvillage/stories/2011/05/18/guest-column-columbus-commons.html | title = Columbus Commons another asset in downtown revitalization | access-date = June 22, 2011 | last = Worley | first = Guy | date = May 23, 2011 | work = This Week Community Newspapers}}

| visitation_num =

| status = Open all year 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.{{cite web | url =http://www.columbuscommons.org/visit/park-rules/ | title =Park Rules » Columbus Commons | access-date =June 21, 2011 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110602193818/http://www.columbuscommons.org/visit/park-rules | archive-date =June 2, 2011 | url-status =dead }}

| publictransit = {{bus icon}} {{rint|COTA}} {{COTA link|1|2|6|8|9|13|41|42|43|44|45|46|102|51|52|61|71|72|73|74|AirConnect|CMAX}}
{{bike icon}} CoGo

}}

John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons is a {{convert|6|acre|adj=on}} park and green space in downtown Columbus, Ohio, located on the site of the former Columbus City Center mall. The park features gardens, a performance stage, carousel, interactive playground equipment, and two foodservice buildings.{{cite web | url =http://www.columbuscommons.org/about/history/ | title = History » Columbus Commons | accessdate = June 21, 2011}} The project was developed by Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC){{cite web|url=http://www.columbusddc.com/|title=Columbus Downtown Development Corporation + Capitol South - CDDC|author=|date=|work=columbusddc.com|accessdate=January 15, 2017}} and Capitol South Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (Capitol South).{{cite web | url = http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/about/cddc-capitol-south | title = CDDC & Capitol South / Development Organizations Lead Downtown Change | access-date = June 21, 2011 | publisher = DowntownColumbus.com | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110706082337/http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/about/cddc-capitol-south | archivedate = July 6, 2011 | df = mdy-all }} The park opened on May 26, 2011.{{cite news|last=Motz|first=Doug|title=History Lesson: The Downtown Columbus Riverfront|newspaper=Columbus Underground|url=https://www.columbusunderground.com/history-lesson-the-downtown-columbus-riverfront|date=August 10, 2011|accessdate=April 27, 2020}}

On May 11, 2017, Columbus Commons was re-dedicated in honor of community leader John F. Wolfe, who died in 2016, and is now known as the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons.

History

File:Columbus Commons.jpg

With the decline of Columbus City Center, plans were announced in February 2009 to replace the mall with a mixed-used project that included an urban park, residential units, offices, restaurants and shops. Columbus City Council approved Capitol South to refinance existing City Center parking garage loans and use funds earmarked for downtown housing to finance the project.{{cite web | url = http://www.dispatch.com/wwwexportcontent/sites/dispatch/local_news/stories/2011/05/22/commons.PDF | title = Decades of change | accessdate = 2011-07-08 | format = PDF | work = Columbus Dispatch}} CDDC and Capitol South, under the direction of their CEO and President Guy Worley, the Franklin County Commissioners{{cite web|url=https://commissioners.franklincountyohio.gov/|title=Franklin County Board of Commissioners|author=|date=|work=franklincountyohio.gov|accessdate=January 15, 2017}} and Columbus Metro Parks,{{cite web|url=http://www.metroparks.net/|title=Metro Parks - Central Ohio Parks System|author=|date=|work=metroparks.net|accessdate=January 15, 2017}} funded the development of the Columbus Commons park. Demolition of City Center began in September 2009 and construction of Columbus Commons park began in mid-2010.

The design team was made up of construction manager Corna-Kokosing, architects Moody Nolan and landscape architects EDGE Group. The park opened to the public on Memorial Day weekend (May 26) 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/05/26/new-columbus-commons-stands-out-like-an-emerald-in-the-city.html|title=New park stands out like an emerald in the city|last=Ferenchik|first=Mark|date=May 26, 2011|access-date=June 21, 2011|work=The Columbus Dispatch|archive-date=May 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531040356/http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/05/26/new-columbus-commons-stands-out-like-an-emerald-in-the-city.html|url-status=dead}}

The park featured an outdoor reading room on the southeast corner of the park, including browsing material for children and adults courtesy of the nonprofit group Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.{{cite web|url=https://friendsofcml.com/|title=Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library|author=|date=|work=friendsofcml.com|accessdate=January 15, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://columbuscommons.org/visit/reading-room/|title=Reading Room » Columbus Commons|author=|date=|work=columbuscommons.org|accessdate=January 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205153607/http://columbuscommons.org/visit/reading-room/|archive-date=February 5, 2017|url-status=dead}} The reading room had tables and chairs under umbrellas and offered free Wi-Fi from the Columbus Metropolitan Library.{{Cite web|url=http://columbuscommons.org/visit/reading-room/|title=Reading Room » Columbus Commons|website=columbuscommons.org|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217174516/http://www.columbuscommons.org/visit/reading-room/|archive-date=December 17, 2016|url-status=dead}}

Attractions

=Pavilion=

File:Columbus Commons 08.jpg

Construction of the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion{{Cite web|url=http://columbuscommons.org/about/pavilion/|title=Pavilion » Columbus Commons|website=columbuscommons.org|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217174318/http://www.columbuscommons.org/about/pavilion/|archive-date=December 17, 2016|url-status=dead}} was the signature capital project celebrating Columbus’ bicentennial in 2012. Since its completion, the iconic structure has drawn the central Ohio community to the heart of Downtown for live concerts and entertainment year round.

The Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion was designed by FTL Design Engineering Studio, the same firm that designed the Capitol Concert Pavilion in Washington, D.C., the Carlos Moseley Pavilion in Manhattan, and the Cirque du Soleil Theater at Disney World. The design for Columbus is exclusive: a one-of-a-kind, white tensile fabric canopy structure with a 40-foot by 60-foot stage and state-of-the-art{{Clarify|reason=vague|date=January 2017}} lighting, video, and sound equipment.

CDDC began construction on the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion in fall 2011 and the pavilion opened in May 2012,{{Cite news|url=https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/blog/post/columbus-commons-unveils-bicentennial-pavilion-summer-concert-lineup/|title=Columbus Commons Unveils Bicentennial Pavilion, Summer Concert Lineup!|date=May 17, 2012|language=en-us|access-date=November 28, 2016}} just in time for the beginning of the annual event season. The project was funded by a public-private partnership led by the City of Columbus, American Electric Power, and Nationwide Insurance.

=Carousel=

File:Columbus Commons Carousel.jpg

The Commons is home to a 20-seat carousel{{Cite web|url=http://columbuscommons.org/visit/carousel/|title=Carousel » Columbus Commons|website=columbuscommons.org|access-date=November 28, 2016}} with characters hand-carved by Mansfield's Carousel Works.{{Cite web|url=http://carouselworks.com/carPages/colCommonsCar.htm|title=The Carousel Works - Columbus Commons Carousel|website=carouselworks.com|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805005505/http://www.carouselworks.com/carPages/colCommonsCar.htm|archive-date=August 5, 2016|url-status=dead}} Characters range from the traditional horses to a fish, a tiger, a giraffe and an OSU-themed cart. The rounding boards that surround the canopy feature locally-inspired murals with scenes of the Ohio Stadium and Franklin Park Conservatory to name a few. The cost to ride the carousel is $1.

=Cafe=

Tortilla Street Food{{cite web|url=http://www.tortillastreetfood.com/|title=Tortilla Street Food|author=|date=|work=tortillastreetfood.com|accessdate=January 15, 2017}} and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams operate in the Commons cafés at the west and east side of the Bosque respectively.{{Cite web|url=http://columbuscommons.org/visit/cafes/|title=Tortilla & Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams » Columbus Commons|website=columbuscommons.org|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809030442/http://columbuscommons.org/visit/cafes|archive-date=August 9, 2012|url-status=dead}} The shops are open May through October.{{cite web|url=http://columbuscommons.org/visit/cafes/|title=Tortilla & Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams » Columbus Commons|author=|date=|work=columbuscommons.org|accessdate=January 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809030442/http://columbuscommons.org/visit/cafes|archive-date=August 9, 2012|url-status=dead}}

=Gardens=

File:Holiday Lights at Columbus Commons 02.jpg

The park is lined with twelve {{convert|2,000|sqft|adj=on}} garden plots. Just as Columbus is a four-season city, the gardens have four-season appeal. With a dynamic mix of perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses, evergreens and annuals, there’s something beautiful to see year-round.{{Cite web|url=http://columbuscommons.org/visit/gardens/|title=Gardens » Columbus Commons|website=ColumbusCommons.org|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217105940/http://www.columbuscommons.org/visit/gardens/|archive-date=December 17, 2016|url-status=dead}}

= Open play =

The park features several other amenities for visitors including a NEOS electronic playground. At these times, the Imagination Playground,{{cite web|url=http://www.imaginationplayground.com/|title=Imagination Playground - Playgrounds for Schools, Museums & Parks - Homepage|author=|date=|work=imaginationplayground.com|accessdate=January 15, 2017}} which is a compilation of life-size foam shapes and blocks, is also available for patrons to enjoy.{{Cite web|url=http://columbuscommons.org/visit/open-play/|title=Open Play, Art Box and Bocce Ball » Columbus Commons|website=columbuscommons.org|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129023231/http://columbuscommons.org/visit/open-play/|archive-date=November 29, 2016|url-status=dead}}

= Events =

File:Columbus Symphony Orchestra Popcorn Pops concert at Columbus Commons.jpg John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons annually hosts more than 200 events. Capitol South is responsible for actively programming the park from May to October including concerts, family events,{{Cite news|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2016/05/26/1-yoga-joins-other-kid-friendly-summer-events-at-commons.html|title=Yoga joins other kid-friendly summer events at Columbus Commons|newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=November 28, 2016}} kickball, movies, fitness classes and food trucks. Since its opening, Columbus Commons has hosted multiple local, regional and national events including the Columbus Food Truck and Cart Festival,{{Cite news|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2015/08/13/1-events-adds-day-sampler-option.html|title=Columbus Food Truck Festival adds day, sampler option|newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=November 28, 2016}} the Capital City Half Marathon, Slice of Columbus, the Pelotonia Opening Ceremony, the 2013 President’s Cup Opening Ceremony,{{Cite news|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/10/03/rascal-flatts-fans-fill-downtown-for-cup-opening.html|title=Presidents Cup now all about golf|newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=November 28, 2016}} and the 2015 National Gay Softball World Series Opening Ceremony.{{Cite news|date=August 13, 2015|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2015/08/13/1-championship-dreams-again-to-play-out-on-berliner-fields.html|title=Gay Softball World Series kicks off with opening ceremonies today|newspaper=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=November 28, 2016}} Columbus Commons is also the summer home of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and has hosted their summer performance series, Picnic with the Pops, since 2012.

= Parking and public transit =

File:Columbus Commons Underground Garage.jpg

Columbus Commons is adjacent to two parking garages. The Columbus Commons Main Garage{{cite web|url=http://columbuscommons.org/parking/garage-info/|title=Garage Info » Columbus Commons|author=|date=|work=columbuscommons.org|accessdate=January 15, 2017}} is located at 55 E. Rich St and the Columbus Commons Underground garage is located at 191 S Third Street. Both provide easy access to the park for events. Additionally, revenue from these garages helps to support free programming at the park as produced by Capitol South. The park also lies adjacent to the COTA Transit Terminal, a bus terminal for the Central Ohio Transit Authority. The station, along with bus stops on High and 3rd Streets, give access to most city bus lines. The park also has a nearby CoGo bikeshare station.

Awards and recognition

In 2012, Columbus Commons received an EXPY award from Experience Columbus.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2012/03/highball-hijinks-highlight-experience.html|title=Highball hijinks highlight Experience Columbus confab - Columbus - Columbus Business First|website=Columbus Business First|access-date=November 28, 2016}} In 2014, the park was a ULI Open Space Award finalist.{{Cite news|url=http://uli.org/awards/columbus-commons-2014-urban-open-space-finalist/|title=Columbus Commons and Scioto Mile—2014 Urban Open Space Finalist - Urban Land Institute|date=2014-04-30|newspaper=Urban Land Institute|language=en-US|access-date=November 28, 2016}}