Westerville Parks & Recreation
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Planning the Future of
Parks & Recreation
Wander Westerville is the public engagement campaign for the City of Westerville’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.
A new Parks, Recreation and Open Space planning process is underway. Community input will help shape future priorities for parks, recreation spaces, programs and open spaces across Westerville.
What is
Wander
Westerville?
Wander Westerville is the public engagement campaign for the City of Westerville’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. This planning process will help guide future decisions about capital projects, programming and operations while building on Westerville's strong parks and recreation system for the next 10 years.
Community input is a key part of the process and will help shape recommendations that reflect how people use parks and open spaces every day.
Why this plan matters
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Understand
Understand what is working
Identify strengths across Westerville's parks, recreation spaces and open spaces.
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Identify
Identify needs and opportunities
Learn where there are gaps, opportunities and future priorities.
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The Future
Help shape what comes next
Support future recommendations with community-informed input.
Engagement Opportunities
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Community Open House
Date: May 21, 2026
6–8 p.m.
Westerville Community Center
Learn about the planning process, ask questions and share your perspective.
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Senior Services Pop-up Booth
Date: May 22, 2026
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Westerville Community Center
Stop by to learn about the project and get connected.
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Project Info Pop-up Booth (MOVED)
Date: May 22, 2026
5–7 p.m.
Westerville Community Center
The Project Info Booth at Fourth Friday has been moved into the Community Center due to the forecast.
Stop by to learn about the project and get connected.
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Westerville Farmers Market Pop-up
Date: May 23, 2026
9 a.m.–12 p.m.
240 S. State St. (COhatch)
Visit us at the market to learn more, ask questions and stay connected.
Additional engagement opportunities will be added soon.
Check back on this page for more updates.
Project Timeline
The process can be understood in three simple phases.
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1
Listen & Learn
Spring 2026 – Fall 2026
This phase focuses on listening to the community and gathering early input about how people experience Westerville’s parks, recreation spaces and open spaces today.
Conversations with internal Parks and Recreation boards and staff began in January 2026. Community engagement events begin in late May and there will be additional engagement events for the community over the summer and through fall 2026. Check back on this page for more updates.
- Focus groups and stakeholder conversations
- Staff, board and council workshops
- Community events and survey outreach
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2
Analyze & Assess
Summer 2026 – Fall 2026
This phase focuses on reviewing existing conditions, trends and system needs to better understand strengths, gaps and opportunities across Westerville’s parks and recreation system.
- Site and system review
- Community profile and trends analysis
- Parks, facilities, program and open space needs assessment
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3
Plan Development
Fall 2026 – Winter 2026
This phase focuses on shaping recommendations, identifying priorities and preparing the final plan and implementation direction.
- Implementation planning
- Budget and concept development
- Final plan and presentation of deliverables
Stay Connected
Check back here for project updates, announcements and future opportunities to participate as Wander Westerville moves forward. You can also look for information about Wander in our community guide, on social media or by signing up for the City’s e-newsletter.
Upcoming OpportunitiesIf you have additional questions about Wander Westerville, you can email communityaffairs@westerville.org
Your Comments
This effort is in the Listen & Learn phase. In addition to comments received through the posted community events, we welcome comments about ways to improve your experience using parks, trails, and recreation activities. Use the comment box below to provide your input. Comments received will be collected through this summer and used to inform draft recommendations.How do you enjoy Westerville Parks and Recreation?
What would encourage you to Wander Westerville more than you currently do?
(or feel free to leave us other comments below)