Events at Parks

Large, outdoor spaces naturally lend themselves to any sort of event where large groups gather. Over the years, citizens of Columbus have used local parks for a variety of activities. Columbus parks were the setting for historic events like Sherman’s “War is Hell” speech in Franklin Park and the Civil War Camp Jackson in Goodale Park as well as outings and special occasions for local residents. In the 1900s, large employers in Columbus would often sponsor annual picnics at some of the scenic park locations across town. Excursions to Olentangy Park and Spring Lakes were also fashionable. Parks were even a popular destination for winter activities such as ice skating. Newspapers ran reports on ice conditions of local park lakes to let citizens know when they were safe to use for skating. From racing to rallies, fairs and festivals, Columbus parks have played host to numerous events.

Camp Jackson

In 1861 Goodale Park became a rendezvous for 8,000 Union soldiers. The park was known as “Camp Jackson” until the soldiers were moved to Camp Chase. Pictured here are Civil War soldiers from Camp Chase, possibly at a later reunion event in the 1870s.

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National Conference of Mayors and Councilmen

In 1897, Goodale Park was the venue for the National Conference of Mayors and Councilmen from around the country. Attendees are pictured around the park’s gazebo.

Sky-Cycle at Driving Park

Cromwell Dixon was a famous Columbus aeronaut admired for his bravery and innovation at a young age. On June 9, 1907, 14-year-old Cromwell Dixon flew his homemade Sky-Cycle over the skies at Driving Park for more than an hour, demonstrating his invention to the public for the first time.

Company Picnics at Spring Lakes

Parks around Columbus were destinations for company sponsored outings such as this Phoenix Printing Company picnic held at Spring Lakes, in Berwick, in July 1924.

Columbus Arts Festival

The Columbus Arts Festival, sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, began in 1962 on the Statehouse lawn. This aerial view shows the 1984 Greater Columbus Arts Festival with the theme of “An Eyeful by the River.”

ComFest

Goodale Park hosts ComFest (short for Community Festival) during the last weekend of June. ComFest is a three-day music festival promoted as the largest non-commercial festival in the United States.