The McCord Park Renovations Project has been broken into phases. Phase one includes the replacement of the playground, enlarging of the multi-purpose turf field, the addition of two reservable shelters, the creation of the train observation area, removal and addition of some parking areas, and the addition of a portion of the multi-use trail system that will eventually encircle the entire park.
Phase one is nearing the end of design work and is expected to go out to bid by the end of the first quarter of 2021 with construction planned for the summer.
Final design work for the subsequent phase of the renovations will begin soon after and discussions with City Council will begin on funding and timing for phase two construction.
Phase two will include the renovation of the four ball diamonds, the restroom/storage facility, realignment of the entry drive from East Wilson Bridge Road, and the completion of the multi-use trail system that will encircle the park.
The McCord Park Renovations Project is moving into the design phase. This portion of the project will take the approved McCord Park Conceptual Master Plan into more detailed design and will include more opportunity for public input leading up to the preparation of construction documents and bidding for construction work. The City of Worthington will be utilizing POD Design, LLC to do the final design of the improvements and to help oversee bidding and construction.
The City of Worthington completed a Parks Master Plan in 2017 which identified the renovation of McCord Park as one of its most critical park improvements. The plan identified a variety of specific improvements to be considered including the replacement of the playground, the addition of a circular multi-use trail, replacement of the aging restroom facilities, and more.
City Council then approved funding to do a specific McCord Park Master Plan which would engage the public and stakeholders about what they would like to see in the renovation. At the completion of the planning process in 2018, City Council approved a Conceptual Master Plan which identified the desired amenities to be included in the park renovations. This plan will serve as the guide for the design phase which will go into more detail on those amenities including the playground, restroom, shelter houses, and more. The City plans to provide additional opportunities for community input as the detailed design is completed during the second half of 2019. It is anticipated construction could begin as early as spring/summer 2020. During design, options for phasing will be considered.
About 1,250 summer camp participants use McCord Park each year.
About 1,100 preschool and youth participants in Community Center programming use the park each year.
Approximately 9,000 people attend special events in the park each year including Touch a Truck, National Night Out, and Paws in the Park.
An average of 148 kids per week visit the Community Center as part of local daycares, school groups, camps, etc.
The McCord Park ball diamonds and soccer fields were available to be reserved for 198 days in 2017. At least one of those fields was reserved 193 of those days. On average the park has 1,900 visits per week (players only) as a result of field permits. Adding parents, siblings, and spectators that number would at least double to 3,800 per week.
The Community Garden currently has 30 plots rented.
The park renovation plan proposes the addition of two small reservable shelters which would serve an estimated 5,600 people per year.
Residents are encouraged to bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates. You can also contact the Worthington Parks and Recreation Department at 614-436-2743 and speak to a staff member.
If you were unable to attend the McCord Playground Renovation Open House, you may view the Proposed Playground Design here.
