Whetstone Park in Columbus, Ohio a Picturesque Place to Relax

Located in the northeast section of the city of Columbus, Whetstone Park is a 136 acre green area featuring space for a variety of activities. It is managed by the Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks.

The park, a favorite with locals, offers visitors several options in the way of recreational pursuits. Whetstone Park includes athletic fields appropriate for sports like soccer, football, rugby, and cricket and an additional field that is used by the local Youth Athletic Association. There are also unlit baseball diamonds for daytime play, a basketball court, and a lighted tennis court accessible into the evening hours.

The park also features a large playground area for young visitors as well as trails for walkers and joggers. There's also access from Whetstone Park to the local greenways trail. A wooded area with small wildlife may be explored or visitors can settle at one of several tables in the park's picnic area. Several gardens and floral displays are located throughout the park and are especially attractive in the springtime. An enclosed shelter is available by reservation for special events. There is also an unenclosed shelter house, which is for use on a first come, first served basis.

In addition, the park has an expansive recreation center that is well-loved by the community and used for any number of activities. Inside the recreation building, visitors will find an art room with a kiln, a ceramics area, classrooms for dance and fitness, a music room, a game room, a gymnasium and gymnastics area, a weight room, and a large auditorium. The recreation center also has several meeting rooms and a spacious lobby area. A lighted parking area is provided for patrons of the rec center. Several organized social or athletic clubs meet at the center on a weekly or monthly basis.

Whetstone Park's "Park of Roses'' area is a popular wedding site. There are three locations within the site that can be used for ceremonies. The Wedding Pavilion, which is a small white gazebo, is especially attractive for small ceremonies. The Brick Wedding Pavilion provides a more rustic look and can include the use of chairs or bleachers. The Wedding Mall, which can accommodate 100 - 150 chairs, is more suitable for larger affairs. A limited number of chairs are provided with the rental fee, which includes 2-hour use of the space as well as the use of a changing area. Ample parking is available for large events.

Columbus' Whetstone Park is also park of the Whetstone Prairie Project. Sponsored by the Recreation and Parks Department and a non-profit group known as Columbus Wild Ones, this project strives to turn 5.1 acres of lowland along the

Olentangy River into native Ohio prairie, complete with vernal pools and a woodland buffer. It will eventually be used as a demonstration and education site. Volunteers are encouraged to join the Wild Ones organization and assist in the conversion of this area.