Italian Village Park in Columbus to be redesigned after community feedback

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A small park in an old neighborhood is set to undergo a redesign after community feedback.

Italian Village Park on East Hubbard Avenue is scheduled for construction late this fall. The changes are meant to preserve green space, enhance park safety, encourage social interaction, align Italian Village with the arts and culture of the Short North and maintain upkeep without volunteers.

There will be a garden patio and stage area built on the site of the 0.835-acre park, which is bordered by the Parkside on Pearl apartments.

Dominique Shank of Columbus Recreation and Parks said the changes were influenced by what residents said was important.

"With the design and construction of park improvements, the residents will be able to benefit through an improved park design with preservation of a green space that promotes safety and an inclusive environment, providing both recreation and space to gather with the community."

The city's website for the Italian Village Project showed some of the responses people gave during a public survey and open house.

"The park lacks an identity," one community member said.

That feedback appears to have been heard.

"Italian Village is an increasingly unique neighborhood within Columbus. ... It is not one thing," said Jason Kentner, design team lead, on the website. "It is historic and modern. Traditional and progressive. Established and emerging. Quiet and busy. Neat and dirty. All of that mixed together is pretty fantastic!"

The goal is to make the park feel special. It used New York's Bryant Park, in Midtown Manhattan, as an example worth replicating. The park is often used for public programs such as yoga, movies, children's story hours and lawn games. It is also used for larger events like Fashion Week or holiday skating rinks.

The project is expected to be finished in late summer 2025.