Harrison Park

Park Overview

Situated in the Harrison West community of Columbus, Ohio, Harrison Park spans 4.846 acres of much-needed green space. Acquired in 2007, this local space provides valuable recreational opportunities for the community. In an area where concrete often dominates, this park offers a peaceful breath of fresh air for anyone needing a quick escape from urban life.

Trail Connections

A major feature of Harrison Park is its direct access to the Olentangy Trail, a multi-use path that runs through the grounds. This connection opens up the entire Olentangy Trail Parkland system to visitors, making it well-suited for longer adventures beyond the park's boundaries.

If you're into wildlife spotting, keep your eyes peeled along the trail - regular park-goers frequently encounter local critters going about their day. Just note that you might encounter some detours due to the ongoing Lower Olentangy Tunnel Project construction.

Playground Facilities

Kids have plenty of room to burn energy at the substantial playground area, which caters to various age groups. The highlight for little ones is definitely Funk-ee-Town, a thoughtfully designed space named in memory of Mary Funk, a longtime Harrison West resident who clearly left her mark on the community.

This fenced play area features a cushioned safety surface where children can explore swings, slides, climbing structures, and even interactive musical toys that are a hit with the younger crowd.

The imaginative play doesn't stop there - several pretend play buildings invite kids to create their own little worlds. While the playground primarily serves younger children, there's enough variety to keep kids of different ages entertained.

Natural Features

The Olentangy River provides a serene backdrop to Harrison Park, with scenic views that change with the seasons. The well-kept open grass fields invite you to spread out a blanket for an impromptu picnic or simply lie back and watch the clouds drift by.

This patch of greenery feels particularly precious given its urban setting. The grounds are typically well-maintained, creating a natural sanctuary that feels surprisingly removed from city life despite being right in the middle of it.

Public Art

As you wander the park, you'll come upon four distinct sculptures created by students from the Columbus College of Art & Design. What makes these pieces special is that they weren't just placed here arbitrarily - they were selected through community-wide voting, reflecting how invested local residents are in making this park their own.

Community Spaces

At the heart of community gathering is the handicap-accessible gazebo, which has hosted everything from wedding ceremonies to impromptu concerts. On any given morning, you might find neighbors practicing yoga or tai chi in this tranquil space.

Across the park, metal picnic tables and benches offer places to sit and chat, with at least one table specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs and highchairs. These thoughtful touches, combined with the open field, have made Harrison Park a natural hub for neighborhood life.

Amenities and Access

Four-legged friends are welcome here, with pet waste stations scattered throughout (though you might want to bring your own bags just in case). The park welcomes visitors daily from 7AM to 11PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy what it has to offer.

Just a heads up: there are no public restrooms or drinking fountains available, so plan accordingly. Parking is street-only in the surrounding neighborhood, which might require a bit of patience during busy times when spots are at a premium.