Grand Opening: Dorrian Green

On June 7th, the new centerpiece of the Scioto Peninsula was dedicated in honor of longtime Columbus City Auditor Hugh Dorrian.

Dorrian Green is an interactive outdoor extension of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), with gardens and spaces that extend the educational mission of COSI and compliment other investments made in the Franklinton neighborhood and along the downtown riverfront. This park is built over a 630 car parking garage that will serve visitors to COSI and the new National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

In addition to play areas for children and adults, amenities include a Sensory Garden, Reading Garden, Butterfly and Pollinator Garden, and Prairie Garden consisting of plants native to central Ohio. The Fountain Plaza is anchored by an interactive fountain and flanked by two open-air pavilions and flowering cherry tree groves. The northwest and southwest entrances feature salvaged limestone structures from the historic Central High School Stadium that once occupied the site, and the relocation of a kinetic sculpture titled "The Spectrum Tree", celebrates Isaac Newton's discovery that sunlight contains the entire spectrum of colors.

MKSK is proud and grateful to be a part of the Design-Build team as Project Landscape Architect, led by Corna-Kokosing Construction Company and including Desman Parking Consultants, Korda/Nemeth Engineering, and EMH&T, trusted by Capitol South Urban Redevelopment Corporation and the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department to complete this catalytic project in the heart of the city! OLIN Partnership provided critical early visioning for the peninsula.