Public 'Pocket Park' takes root in University District church's front lawn

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The clergy at a 108-year-old church said that thanks to a notable funding boost and support from locals, its front lawn is becoming a University District staple.

At just under one-third of an acre, the “pocket park” suggests new public green spaces do not have to be vast, just community-oriented. The developing Iuka and Waldeck Pocket Park is a renovation of Indianola Presbyterian Church’s front lawn. Near the center of University District, the park is intended to serve and celebrate the 13 neighborhoods that make up the area. 

“We realized it's one of the few green spaces immediately in our neighborhood,” Rev. Trip Porch, Indianola Presbyterian’s pastor, said. “We wanted to share it and help it be a place that all people, regardless of faith tradition, feel a bit of rest and experience, a bit of beauty.” 

Church officials contacted the University District Organization about sharing their land after noticing heavy foot traffic, including students who were using the space for picnics and frisbee. As luck would have it, they called UDO Executive Director Nora Gerber mid-transit to a meeting about optimizing neighborhood green spaces.

“All of these stars were aligning within these conversations we were having,” Gerber said.

The church and UDO began hosting community workshops alongside a co-designer to gather input for the park’s design. From the church’s congregation to nearby fraternity houses, Gerber said these meetings tried to check in with as many University District community members as possible.

Participants used Play-Doh to demonstrate concepts that reminded them of the University District and built even tinier pocket park models out of building blocks, pipe cleaners and paper. From there, the team looked at popular responses and ideas to finalize the design.

Community assistance continued to pour in. Alongside a $15,000 grant awarded by the Neighborhood Design Center, Porch said local groups donated tools and soil. Gerber mentioned carpenters who gave their time to convert old pews into park benches, and eight volunteer days throughout June brought together locals to help with construction and landscaping. 

The project also employed local artist Adam Hernandez, who is building a “totem-inspired” sculpture to reflect the University District’s 13 neighborhoods.

“There’s been a huge outpouring of support from young adults, adults and kids to volunteer in the community and it's been really cool to see everyone show up to support the park,” Porch said. 

The final volunteer date was scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Gerber said most of the work should be finished by the end of Sunday’s session, including installing saucer swings and priming and painting the benches.

Gerber and Porch hope to host an official park opening ceremony when students return to Ohio State in late summer. However, the park will likely be functional before than, and they hope it continually improves. The pair is even considering eventually adding a pocket-park-sized stage for performances. 

“It’s starting to look more like a little park oasis every day,” Gerber said.