[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATION OF THE COLUMBUS RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT ON ITS 
                               CENTENNIAL

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                          HON. MARY JO KILROY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Ms. KILROY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. Through 
its 100 years of serving our community, the Department has enriched the 
lives of central Ohioans by offering social and educational 
programming, activities, and events for all ages to enjoy.
  On July 15, 1910, Columbus mayor George S. Marshall signed into law 
legislation establishing the Columbus Department of Recreation, which 
encompassed the city's six established park locations. As part of the 
City Beautiful Movement, the Department of Recreation became crucial in 
Columbus' development as an aesthetically-pleasing city filled with 
green spaces and public parks. With the Department's hard work, 
residents began to enjoy beautiful scenery, community centers, trails, 
pools, golf courses, and programming designed with central Ohioans of 
all ages in mind. In 1972 the Department of Recreation merged with the 
Division of Forestry and Parks to become the Columbus Recreation and 
Parks Department we have today, and has grown from its original six 
parks to 215 established parks, greenways and green spaces that span 
over 10,000 acres across Franklin County.
  The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department offers a wide variety of 
classes, events, and programs to connect residents of all neighborhoods 
involved in the community. Locations such as the Cultural Arts Center 
offer art classes for painting, ceramics, and sculpting. Entire 
theatrical seasons are played out at various centers such as the Davis 
Youth Performing Arts Center. Central Ohio seniors can enjoy aerobics 
classes, along with senior golf, softball, and basketball leagues.
  From April through December of this year, the Columbus Recreation and 
Parks Department will be celebrating its centennial anniversary with 
events every month. At the Jazz and Rib Fest in the Arena District, the 
Department commemorated its July 15th birthday with a ``Best Ribs'' 
contest and they have held their 100th hole celebration at Raymond Golf 
Course.
  For 100 years, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has 
played a vital role in the growth of Columbus and Ohio's 15th 
Congressional District, as well as the enhancement of the quality of 
life of those who call central Ohio home. I am proud to recognize and 
honor the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department as they celebrate 
100 years of history and achievement.

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