Summary
The city is replacing the Friendship Park playground with a larger, fully fenced, inclusive design costing just over $860,000. Council authorization is expected July 6; construction could start this fall or slip to spring 2027 due to weather and equipment lead times. The park — a busy one — would close for roughly 12 weeks.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 7
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $860K total, offset by roughly $135K in grants and donations, with contingency bringing it near $900K.
Families and kids — especially those needing inclusive, accessible play features and shade — plus caregivers who'll appreciate the full fencing near the creek.
Park users lose access for about 12 weeks during construction, and one damaged tree near the footprint will be removed.
Mentions & discussions (7)
City Council — July 6, 2026
The council approved purchase agreements for new playgrounds at two parks and the money to pay for the Friendship Park replacement. Kids and families at both parks will see new equipment.
Parks & Recreation Board — June 17, 2026
The city is replacing the Friendship Park playground with a larger, fully fenced, inclusive design costing just over $860,000. Council authorization is expected July 6; construction could start this fall or slip to spring 2027 due to weather and equipment lead times. The park — a busy one — would close for roughly 12 weeks.
City Council — June 15, 2026
Two aging playgrounds get makeovers this fall: Friendship Park's will be a fully inclusive design with full-perimeter fencing, and Ashburnham's will feature imaginative, nature-inspired play. The Parks Foundation kicked in $25,000 toward Friendship Park.
Committee of the Whole — June 15, 2026
The 2007 playground at one of Gahanna's busiest parks will be replaced with a fully inclusive, fully fenced design shaped by surveys and focus groups. The Kiwanis Club and Parks and Recreation Foundation are chipping in, and a GameTime partnership lowered costs on major features.
City Council — June 1, 2026
In committee, Parks staff asked Council to accept a $113,000 state scrap tire grant (plus match, $226,000 total) for a poured-in-place surface at Academy Park, and a $10,000 Kiwanis donation for Friendship Park playground improvements.
Committee of the Whole — June 1, 2026
The Gahanna Kiwanis Club donated $10,000 to boost the play value and inclusive features of the Friendship Park playground. A $10,000 supplemental appropriation will put the donation to work.
Parks & Recreation Board — May 20, 2026
The parks department won a $113,000 state scrap tire grant, letting them install a full poured-in-place accessible surface at the Academy Park playground instead of a cheaper mix.
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