RAPID 5 One Central Greenway
Central Ohio
Services Provided
Urban Planning & Design
Framework Plan
Conceptualization & Visualization
People Involved
Jeffrey Pongonis
Andrew Overbeck
Chris Hermann
Tyler Clark
Sarah Lilly
As the most centrally located corridor within the RAPID 5 project, our vision for One Central Greenway is to create a more equitable and livable future along the Olentangy River that preserves the corridor’s natural resources and environmental health.
In April 2021, ULI Columbus, in partnership with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), embarked on a visioning exercise to re-imagine the five river corridors in Central Ohio, identified as part of the RAPID 5 project. The intent of this effort is re-frame the connectivity of the region based on the natural geography of our waterways, with the goal of connecting all Franklin County residents to the region’s natural resources.
As the most centrally located of these waterways, the Olentangy River corridor serves as the main geographic spine of the system. It also functions as the center of activity for the area, as it is connected to a substantial portion of the region’s population, major institutions, employment centers, and other amenities.
From the north gateway of Highbanks Metro Park to the southern gateway of Scioto Grove Metro Park, the river and its environs have the potential to become interwoven into the surrounding neighborhoods creating a unique tapestry of greenways, blueways, parks, destinations, green streets, and community amenities.
The framework for the Olentangy River corridor vision consists of 5 questions, 5 pillars, 5 actions, and 15 pulse points. 5 questions organized our approach to this project; the Olentangy River corridor vision is rooted in 5 pillars of equity & inclusion, activation & recreation, connectivity & mobility, lifelong learning, and ecology; 5 actions portray tangible steps stakeholders can implement to achieve the vision; and 15 pulse points illustrate how the vision for ONE CENTRAL GREENWAY comes to life.
The vision for the Olentangy River Corridor is grounded in five key pillars:
Pillar 1: Equity + Inclusion
Pillar 2: Activation + Recreation
Pillar 3: Connectivity + Mobility
Pillar 4: Lifelong Learning
Pillar 5: Ecology
Approach: 15 Pulse Points
Along the Olentangy River Corridor, the MKSK team identified 15 pulse points, which are existing and potential activity sites that require renewed thought around their program and design. The locations of the pulse points maximize the potential community impact of these sites and create needed neighborhood amenities, with the goal of creating a pulse point for every neighborhood along the corridor. These pulse points serve as a central junction from which east-west green streets comprised of pedestrian, bike, and transit links, connect to the Scioto River and Alum Creek corridors.
Pulse Point Case Study: Antrim + SR 161
Enhance an Urban Oasis
Expanding Antrim Park’s path systems and allowing more access to and across the Olentangy River, will improve the overall park experience. By expanding and reshaping the existing fish and wildlife habitats, we can promote plant and animal diversity along the corridor.
Pulse Point Case Study: Bethel
Create a Cultural Gathering Place
The Bethel Road corridor has a diverse population, with many different races and ethnicities represented. To celebrate the diverse community fabric, we’ll create a cultural gathering place by expanding the existing Recreation Center into a Community Center; along with creating cultural gardens for events, such as farmers markets and festivals.
Pulse Point Case Study: Hudson + OSU Learning Lab
Uncover Space for Adventure
The Hudson and OSU learning lab features a large playscape with regional appeal for all ages. An exciting adventure park and festival lawn will accompany a rock-climbing wall, multi-season garden, river overlook, boat house, and community center as well as kayak launch points and river crossings. A new east-west connection along Hudson Street will connect the new Hudson Adventure Park to Mock Park in Linden, making active transportation more accessible for the residents in between.
Pulse Point Case Study: OSU Long Walk
Create a New Campus Destination
The Ohio State University (OSU) Long Walk, the path from the Oval to the Olentangy River, currently lacks an exciting destination that will draw students and others to the river. To remedy this, a new riverfront gathering place and park is proposed, situated between Morrill and Lincoln Towers. The Long Walk from the Oval will lead people through campus and Lincoln Tower Park to a new green space and plaza between the residential towers.
An amphitheater at the river’s edge will be a space for cultural celebrations, performing arts, and other university events. The revamped park and trails surrounding the amphitheater will connect south with the new park space created from the relocation of Cannon Drive and north to the existing green space and trail network. The river will be more accessible around campus through new kayak and boat launches. River crossings connect Main Campus and West Campus.
Pulse Point Case Study: Confluence
Center Community through a Crown Jewel Park
The central pulse point of the Olentangy River Corridor takes shape at Confluence Park, which is adjacent to existing neighborhoods as well as new development momentum. A sweeping circular pedestrian walkway, the “ONE Columbus” bridge, spans across the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers, providing spectacular views of the city. The new Confluence Park also extends south, creating frontage along Broad Street to serve as a neighborhood park and to directly connect Franklinton and Hilltop residents with the riverfront. It would be a hub for youth recreation, with an indoor fieldhouse and outdoor sports facilities.
Pulse Point Case Study: Scioto Trail Park + School
Unveil Urban Nature
On the far South Side, an enhanced Scioto Trail Park and the existing Columbus Scioto School anchor a new community hub for urban nature. An urban farm and greenhouse learning center serve as the backdrop for hands-on opportunities for children to learn about gardening and food systems. They also act as a local source of healthy food for the neighborhood. A nearby wetland learning lab is another spot for school children to engage with nature and learn about environmental science, while also creating more research opportunities for university students and faculty. An overlook and river crossings offer stunning views, while new trails extend throughout the expanded park and a remediated quarry on the west side of the river.
Pulse Point Case Study: Scioto Grove Metro Park
Strengthening the South Gateway
The continued transformation of Scioto Grove and the surrounding quarries will establish this portion of the river as the southern gateway and outdoor adventure destination for the region. Building on the unique existing program at Scioto Grove, like the REI River Trail and backpacking sites, the expanded Scioto Grove will inspire explorers to hike, bird watch, practice skills like backpacking and archery, and climb up into the tree canopy along the sky bridge for a view like no other. The park will expand to the east side of the river, utilizing the existing quarries as the backdrop for a new park entry point and wetland research center. Multiple viewing stations and decks will create spaces for park users to admire the natural surroundings and the animals that inhabit them.
