Thanks to a generous donation from the Allan B. and Barbara J. McFarland Fund at The Columbus Foundation, along with the success of the inaugural “Party for the Parks” fundraiser, the Worthington Parks and Recreation Foundation (WPRF) has raised more than $55,000 as of August 2026.
The ambitious 2026 goal of $100,000 will support improvements to the East Granville Road Park and Moses Wright Nature Area and a scholarship program to provide registration fees to residents and students who need financial support.
Board members will continue to participate in events sponsored by Worthington Parks and Recreation to connect with community members who want to support new and improved programs in the city.
“People have been very positive about our work,” says Alan McKnight, president of the volunteer WPRF board. “We’re proud to support community needs and the priorities of Worthington Parks programs.”
While city taxes in Worthington support park maintenance and staff salaries, many priority enhancements will be delayed for years without additional funding. Other suburban communities with similar foundations include Westerville, Gahanna and Upper Arlington.
Volunteer board members will connect with residents who want to be more directly involved with donating to projects or becoming part of the fundraising efforts.