Projects | Westerville Parks & Recreation

Westerville Community Center Expansion

A $23 million expansion of the Westerville Community Center is underway. The project adds 45,000 square feet of space with trend setting amenities from an adventure fitness area to a warm water therapy pool. More than 11,000 residents participated in a series of public meetings, surveys and focus groups for the project. Over eight months, residents made choices which ultimately designed their facility expansion.

Development of Johnston-McVay Park

The new Johnston-McVay Park at 480 S. Hempstead Rd. is now complete.

The theme of this park centers around nature while implementing play features and recreational opportunities. The entry drive and bridge were realigned along with the addition of a shelter, restroom, trail network, elevated play elements, nature play area, creek interaction zone and meadow as well as a parking lot for visitors.

Through a partnership with the Westerville Public Library, a story walk was included for the community to enjoy as they walk the path around the park.

The park construction began with a series of public meetings in 2018, conceptual plans were developed based on resident feedback for the site. Discover more about this natural space.

Veterans Memorial Project

The Westerville Veterans Memorial at the Westerville Sports Complex combines history, culture, art and recreation with the existing sports environment to create a new signature space honoring and celebrating those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The new Veterans Memorial is part of the Westerville Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) master plan. More than 20 years ago, the plan was adopted (and subsequently renewed in 2014) as a strategic guide for developing, operating and maintaining the community parks system. Included was a proposal to establish a space to centralize and strengthen Westerville's efforts to honor its veterans.

The new memorial builds upon the existing marker, rising to meet the community’s tradition of honoring the lives and legacies of the men and women who have served or are serving to protect our freedoms.

What does the Memorial represent?
Veterans who served in any one of the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces will be represented at the Westerville Veterans Memorial, along with their families. This memorial intentionally focuses on “all” who serve, including the impact on spouses, children and other family members through service and sacrifice. There will be spaces of reflection, inspiration and storytelling, including the unique perspective of a service member’s journey.

When was the project completed?
This project was completed and dedicated on Veterans Day (2022).

How can I get involved?
The Westerville Parks Foundation provides support to the City of Westerville for parks-related needs. If you are interested in ways to donate, visit www.westervilleparksfoundation.org.

Additionally, to purchase a Military Banner or learn more, visit www.westerville.org/militarybanners.

Sports Complex Playground

A new play structure is open at the Westerville Sports Complex. Replaced in the spring of 2020, residents helped choose the updated playground and design the space that is now available for all to enjoy.

Westerville Parks and Recreation routinely updates the playground equipment around the City as it ages, typically every 15 years for each park. Playground replacement ensures that equipment is both safety compliant and fun for the current generation of children.

The department aims to provide a diverse and inclusive range of play opportunities for youth throughout the city. A key part in selecting the right playground replacement is community input.

First Responders Park Renovation

On February 10, 2018, Westerville experienced the tragic line-of-duty deaths of two police officers. In the days that followed, a call to create a permanent memorial became the heartbeat of the community’s grief as plans were accelerated to expand the existing First Responders Park.

The Department engaged more than 200 first responders to create concepts and received feedback from over 3,000 citizens while $750,000 in fundraising was secured for the project. The renovated site is now open, offering a solemn space of gratitude and remembrance, incorporating green space, a serene fountain, water features and interplay of natural elements for personal reflection. Learn more about the First Responders Park Renovation.

Hanby Park Revitalization

The Department reimagined Hanby Park integrating creative play, tourism and economic development into the historic district. The park, located at the mid-point of the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, has created a hub for social connectivity attracting thousands of people annually. It now includes a 24’ slide tower designed in an abstract formation that better resembles public art rather than a play structure, the community’s first spray ground, porch style swings and open space play.

An innovative approach was taken with this redevelopment project. Four public meetings were held for Hanby Park, as well as partnerships developed with POD Design, Westerville Sunrise Rotary, and Kids Around the World. These partners were brought together to reuse playground equipment at an orphanage in Mexico. Volunteers from Westerville installed the playground and will visit regularly to conduct ongoing safety reviews. These efforts will enrich the lives of children at the orphanage for years to come.

Find more details on Hanby Park.

Hoff Woods Park Expansion

Thomas James Knox Rink

City Hall Courtyard and Sculpture

The City Hall Courtyard was expanded to refresh the lawn while serving as a communal space for those visiting Uptown Westerville. A Prohibition Sculpture titled “The American Issue” was commissioned and installed in the plaza to draw community conversation and remember Westerville’s role in the changes to the U.S. Constitution. Read more about the City Hall Courtyard and The American Issue Sculpture.

Rotary Park

Towers Park

The Department used an innovative approach at Towers Parks to blend art with creative play to increase awareness of the important role pollinators like Monarch Butterflys serve. A one-of-a-kind shelter was commissioned to bring the pollination process alive through resin panels projecting moving light and colors onto the playground, both fascinating and educating children. Other park enhancements include tiny house play structures, unique recreational equipment and a pollinator garden. Get more details on Towers Park.