Mission Statement
The Worthington Parks and Recreation Foundation raises funds, establishes partnerships, and advocates for parks and recreation programs and facilities that enhance the lives of Worthington residents.
History
The Worthington Parks and Recreation Department manages the programs and facilities at the Worthington Community Center and the Griswold Center, as well as more than 200 acres of parkland in the City of Worthington.
A group of citizen advocates along with city of Worthington employees and city council members began an effort nearly 10 years ago to establish the Worthington Parks and Recreation Foundation to find financial support and public-private partnerships and grants for projects outside the regular
city budget.
Citizens have offered input through a community visioning project, open houses, and surveys. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan features high-level projects that can be enhanced with additional financial support.
The City Council interviewed candidates and selected six residents to begin the work to form the Foundation in early 2024. They began meeting in June of 2024.
The members of the Foundation board meet monthly. In the first year since the group formed, they have adopted bylaws, including rules to avoid conflicts of interest, elected officers, opened a bank account, established relationships with the Columbus Community Foundation and the National Association of Park Foundations, and established non-profit status (501(c)3) with the IRS.
What’s next for the Foundation? Follow our progress with our latest News and Stories.