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Westgate Park renovations on tap
Since 2001, Columbus Recreation and Parks has spent more than $1 million on capital improvements to Westgate Park. Improvements to various facilities include the Betty Bricker Memorial Garden, tennis court, and adding neighborhood murals. “I think things in Recreation and Parks have been looking good,” McKnight said, adding their capital budget is in good shape this year. In 2010, the department began working on documents and putting together designs for renovations and improvements to the Westgate Shelterhouse. The shelterhouse was originally built in 1951 – 12 years before the construction of the Recreation Center. According to McKnight, the improvements to the Westgate Shelterhouse will include new floors, paint, electric service, and additional storage areas. They also plan to install a new front entrance, kitchen, update the restrooms, and renovate the attendance office amongst other repairs. While the GHAC voiced appreciation of the efforts to improve Westgate Park, several commissioners spoke to McKnight about what they felt is a lack of attention towards Glenwood Park. “I am dearly, dearly disappointed in the things that are not happening at Glenwood,” Commissioner Druelton Bagley said. Bagley said she feels conditions at Glenwood Park are unsafe for the youths of the community. She shared photographs of a ceiling in disrepair from the park’s gymnasium and added she is concerned about plaster falling onto residents’ heads. Bagley said programming has been limited due to no electricity going to the center’s stove. McKnight said he has seen the ceiling, and while it looks horrible, they have taken a look at it and do not feel it is at risk of falling away. “I understand what your concern is, and I don’t disagree that the facility needs attention,” McKnight said, adding one of the challenges at Glenwood is the facility previously had been closed and recently reopened. “We’re aware of it, and we’re working on several things there to try and get some improvements done.”
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