McFerson Commons Park — Attraction in Columbus

One of Columbus’s most historic sites, this park and the immediate blocks bordering Neil Ave northward to 670, West Spring Street on the south and along the eastern border of the park proper, once contained the oldest Penitentiary in the state of Ohio, and the sixth oldest in the nation until it was demolished in the 1990’s. The electric chair was known as “old Sparky”, and the facility was known as the most complete in its rehabilitation programs. On the night of April 22,1930, what is still known as the worst disaster ever to happen at a U.S. state prison, a fire broke out and raged through two buildings, killing over 317 inmates and injuring over 130 more. It is an event that shook the city and prompted modern fire prevention sprinklers and fire doors to be updated in all prison facilities across the country. By the 1980’s, the facility was too outdated, having been originally built in the 1830’s and added onto many times, and it’s many years of nonstop usage had taken its toll. A brief consideration was entertained to turn the property into a mixed use retail and hotel convention destination, but hazardous materials and chemicals required the land be cleared completely and decontaminated before any use could be found for it again. As the historic buildings were demolished, a plan was made to reconstruct the single remaining archway once belonging to the Union Station which had been demolished a few years earlier even though there had been a fight to save it. The reconstructed arch stands in testimony and in tribute to all the beautiful and historic buildings that graced this city in times past, and reminds us to pay attention, look around, notice details and stories hidden in the facades and windows of those that are left. For if you’re not looking or paying attention, they’re likely to...

I've been in Columbus since 1961 i am 58 yrs old the photo me was last year. Columbus has changed from a one cent pony town. To a vibrant mecca of specialized shops. Music so good from neck of the woods its impossible to keep up. We have are ups and downs homelessness has grown but its being dealt with frantically and carefully. The homeless are vibrant and weary but they are survivors. Some industry have changed Columbus. Downtown is a wonderful to be McPherson Commons Park is a fine example Mayor Coleman left as he finally retired from the mayorship after 12 beautiful long years. When you see the high rises all over Columbus you'll see Mayor Coleman. I met him last year panhandling for a sick friend. I also gave him money. I was amazed how he shook my hand and gave me money😲🥵😂i was truly happy to meet the man who gave Columbus a superior shot arm. Enjoy us,live with us. You'll love what...

This is a nice park for a couple of quick laps or to walk a "small" dog as it is quite small. Because of it's central location, it is also a very busy park and a lot of events are hosted here. As a result, sometimes, the grass is either withered or muddy. That being said, they do a pretty good job of maintaining the grass after events and for the most part, it's passable. If you have more time to kill and are able to walk a couple of blocks up a north, I would recommend going to the Goodale Park which has a play place for the kids and a basketball hoop. Additionally, the park has a small pond which can be relaxing to sit by and very often (in the spring and summer) you can feed the geese or ducks there. Overall, a much bigger park with...