Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Dublin Parks and Recreation Master Plan Vision
Provide every resident an exceptional parks and recreation experience to elevate Dublin to a global city of choice.
This plan lists the community’s vision for Dublin’s future parks and recreation system. The City will utilize it as a guide to execute the strategies of several key focus areas and to conduct feasibility studies for potential large initiatives.
Notable Findings
The key focus areas of this plan include parkland, recreation facilities, recreation services, park and recreation operations and financing. Here are some of the notable findings within these areas.
- Nearly all households (99.4%) believe parks, recreation services, community events and open spaces are important to the quality of life in Dublin.
- 35% of Dublin’s acreage is within a five-minute walkshed of each household. 64% is within a 10-minute walkshed of each household.
- Compared to the national average, Dublin:
- Maintains nearly three times the number of parkland acres per 1,000 residents.
- Has more than five times the number of shared use path miles per 1,000 residents.
Executive Summary
The Dublin Parks and Recreation Master Plan (PRMP) is a document that provides an inclusive framework for orderly and consistent planning, acquisition, development and administration of the parks and recreation resources, programs and facilities in the community. It serves as a framework for planning, developing, rehabilitating and maintaining Dublin’s parks, open spaces, recreation facilities and programming.
The City of Dublin values its rich history, including the traditions of indigenous peoples such as the Hopewell culture, which called the area home, as well as the settlers who followed. Since then, Dublin has grown into a thriving community, home to over 50,000 residents and many major employers. The PRMP builds on this proud history as it looks to the community’s future parks and recreation needs.
This plan details the current state of the system and outlines plans for future improvements and investments based on a comprehensive assessment of community priorities and values. Community input was collected via focus groups, conducted key leader and stakeholder interviews, open public forums, a community online survey, and a statistically valid survey. The information gathered from the community engagement process was combined with technical research to produce the final Master Plan as described within this Executive Summary. This summary includes an overview of the plan inputs, vision and key recommendations.
Overview
Through the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Process, community members identified their top aspirations for the parks and recreation system. The top parks and recreation facilities and programs included adult sports and arts, indoor fitness facilities, aquatics, botanical/formal gardens, and canoe/kayak launches.
With those priorities in place, the City is advancing several projects through the Capital Improvements Program (CPI), while continuing to evaluate options and funding for others. Among the improvements funded in the 2024-2028 CIP are additions to our extensive shared use path system, including sections along Riverside Drive and Shier Rings Road. Funds are also allocated for the maintenance of our existing amenities, including a refresh to the Dublin Community Recreation Center (DCRC) that will be phased over the next three years.
To effectively balance the projected growth and levels of service by the City and surrounding areas, it is recommended that the City consider the following strategies that maximize service to Dublin residents in the future:
- Create partnerships with neighboring communities for collaborative regional planning of additional parks and recreation amenities in the future.
- Establish funding partnerships with regional stakeholders for additional amenities provided by the City.
- Consider new pricing strategies to offset current operational and maintenance costs of parks and recreation amenities.
- Consider policy amendments with limitations for non-residents for usage of City parks and recreation amenities that are near or at capacity.
Riverside Crossing Park Master Plan
Riverside Crossing Park has been recommended, incorporating features based on community feedback such as event lawn improvements, paths, kayak livery and a climbing wall. This planning phase involves significant collaboration with MKSK Studios and considers integrating the park with nearby developments to enhance accessibility and use, including unique solutions for elevation and floodplain challenges.
Join the Conversation!
Share your thoughts on the present and future of our park. Take the short survey below to see design renderings and share your feedback.
Bocce Ball Courts
Two regulation bocce ball courts are available for public use, subject to senior adult programming and league play. Bocce ball sets may be checked out at the Welcome Desk by players 18 and older.
Classrooms
The classrooms house a variety of programs, including pottery and arts & crafts—meeting the needs of preschoolers, children, teens, adults and senior adults.
Community Hall
The Community Hall provides space for parties, receptions, meetings and community events. The facility seats up to 300 or can be divided into smaller rooms.
Abbey theater of Dublin
A 200-seat theater can be used for musical, theatrical and dance performances; film/video; lectures; and seminars.
Computer Lab
Equipped with workstations and a variety of software programs, the computer lab provides high-speed Internet access and opportunities for beginning and intermediate instruction. Open to ages 18 & up.
Family Locker Rooms
Each family locker room has its own shower, restroom and lockers. One locker room, designed for people with special needs, features a dressing table.
Fitness Area
Looking for free weights and cardiovascular equipment? Check out the fully equipped fitness area on the first floor. You will find treadmills, elliptical machines, bicycles and stair steppers along with free weights, Nautilus and a complete set of Cybex strength equipment.
Group Fitness Studios
If you enjoy group fitness, check out the myriad of classes offered. Two state-of-the-art studios feature suspended floors to help reduce impact and injury. Several pass options are available, allowing participants to choose from a weekly schedule of classes that include Spinning®, Pilates and TRX.
Jogging/Walking Track
Joggers and walkers on the second floor track can cover a mile in 13 laps. An expanse of windows provides views of the pools and the outdoors.
Multi-Purpose Pool
The competitive/lap pool measures 25 yards by 25 meters and has two one-meter diving boards. This pool often is divided for activities such as aqua aerobics, open swim, swim team practice and instruction. Bleachers provide ample seating and a separate entrance makes it perfect for area swim meets. The natatorium walls in both the lap and leisure pools are lined with sound-absorbing material.
Leisure Pool
A unique feature of the DCRC is the leisure pool, which includes a lazy river, clam slide for children, double helix slide for those a little more daring and a zero-foot entry point for cautious tots. The warmer water and 3.5-foot maximum depth make this pool perfect for children, adults and senior adults.
Senior Adult Lounge
An elegant, cozy lounge welcomes senior adults to our center. Enjoy playing cards with friends, reading by a fireplace or simply relaxing in this peaceful environment.
Teen Lounge
A teen lounge offers space and a variety of programming opportunities for Dublin teens.
Wee folk/Youth Lounge
While moms and dads are working out, attending a class or relaxing in the hot tub, they can rest assured that their children—from ages 6 weeks to 12 years—are nearby and safe. Children can play in the indoor or outdoor area or engage in age-appropriate games and activities.
Courtesy & Rules
Hours of Operation
Our parks are open for your enjoyment from dawn to dusk, unless otherwise noted at the park or during certain special events.
Shelters/Pavilions
A number of our shelters and pavilions are available to reserve on a first-come, first serve basis. Please be courteous of your neighbors and abide by your reservation times.
Keep it Clean
We’re sure you’ll find Dublin’s parks and bikeways to be clean, beautiful places to enjoy with your family. The City strives to keep its parks, playgrounds and bikeways clean and free of litter. Please leave the parks as clean as you find them so that others will enjoy them as much as you do. Disposal of litter in public places is prohibited unless placed in public trash containers or using City-authorized containers as part of the City’s refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.
Pets
We know your furry friends enjoy nature as much as you do. We ask you to be safe and courteous with your pets.
Animals may not run at-large in our parks. All animals must be under the owner’s control at all times. All pets must be securely leashed, kept in a vehicle or suitably caged.
Animal owners also must pick up and properly dispose of any fecal matter left by their pets. It’s not just courteous — it’s the law!
Horses
Horses are allowed in designated areas of Glacier Ridge Metro Park.
Hunting and Fishing
For the safety of our residents, hunting is forbidden in the City. Fishing is permitted in designated areas, including certain City park ponds and in the Scioto River (with a license). Please fish only in ponds where signs prohibiting fishing are not posted.
Respect our Parks
Plants and animals also are part of the Dublin community. Please respect the plant and animal life and ecosystems of our natural areas. Enjoy the flowers, trees and other flora without picking or damaging plants. Touching or disturbing wildlife, including animal and bird nesting areas and eggs can be dangerous to humans — not to mention our flora and fauna! And please do not damage or remove any property or natural feature, including stones and minerals, earth, wood, and nuts. Take only pictures and leave only footprints in our parks.
Rules & Regulations
Dublin Recreation Services is committed to providing quality recreation programs and facilities for the Dublin community. Use of the facilities by families and citizens is strongly encouraged. The following policies have been established to operate the DCRC and to ensure our patrons quality and safe recreation experiences:
- Proper and valid identification is required to gain access to the DCRC. Users of the DCRC need to check in at the front desk and provide annual pass, resident card, temporary pass or pay the daily pass rate for admittance.
- Annual pass holders who do not present their annual pass will only be admitted if an alternate form of photo identification is produced.
- Resident card holders must present their Dublin Resident ID card each visit to receive the daily pass discount rate.
- Annual passes are not transferable and will be deemed void when in the hands of those other than the proper registrant.
- The DCRC and its grounds are smoke- and alcohol-free environments by City ordinance.
- Eating and drinking is permitted in designated areas only.
- Children ages 9 and under must have adult/guardian at least 16 years of age supervising at all times. Supervising adults must keep children ages 4 and under within arm’s reach; there must be at least one adult for each two children in this age group. Children ages 5 through 7 must be within sight of their attending adult at all times. Children ages 8 and 9 must have an adult in the facility at all times. For children ages 5 through 9, there must be one adult for every five children. Children ages 10 years and over may enter the facility without an adult supervisor.
- Youth must be 16 years of age or older to be on the fitness floor. Youth ages 12 – 15 years are permitted on the fitness floor if directly supervised by an adult or if they have passed the Junior Fitness Card Program (see Fitness Program Section). Youth under the age of 12 years are not permitted on the fitness floor area at anytime.
- Youth must be 13 years of age or older to be on the track or in the track stretching areas. Youth ages 8 – 12 years are permitted on the track if directly supervised by an adult or if they have passed the Junior Track Program (see Fitness Program Section). Youth may enroll in the Junior Track Program if they are ages 10-12. Youth under the age of 8 years are not permitted on the track at anytime unless utilizing the pool observation area with an adult.
- Changes in recreation schedules may occur without notice. Staff will post changes in the schedule with as much advance notice as possible. Current pool, aerobics and open gym schedules are available at the Front Desk.
- Dublin Recreation Services is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. It is strongly recommended that you lock your possessions in a locker during your visit to the DCRC.
- Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Locks may not be left on lockers overnight. Locks which are left overnight will be removed by staff.
- All participants must observe the rules and regulations relating to the safety and operation of the facilities. Any passholder who fails to comply with the rules and regulations of the DCRC will be subject to the following penalties:
- One week’s suspension from use of the facilities upon the first incident;
- Thirty days suspension from use of the facilities upon the second incident;
- One year suspension from use of the facilities upon a third violation; and
- Permanent suspension from use of the facilities upon any subsequent incident.
The following activities, although not an exhaustive list, are examples of behaviors that will result in disciplinary action and police reports when applicable:
- Fighting
- Stealing
- Property Damage
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal damage
- Verbal abuse of staff and/or patrons
- Not following posted policies and rules
DCRC Regular Building Hours
- Monday – Friday: 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
2024 Modified Hours
- New Year’s Day: Monday, Jan. 1 open from 8 a.m. to noon
- Easter: Sunday, March 31 – CLOSED
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 27 open from 8 a.m. to noon
- Independence Day: Thursday, July 4 open from 8 a.m. to noon
- Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 2 – CLOSED
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 28 open from 8 a.m. to noon
- Christmas Eve: Tuesday, Dec. 24 open from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Christmas: Wednesday, Dec. 25 – CLOSED
- New Year’s Eve: Tuesday, Dec. 31 open from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 open from 8 a.m. to noon
2024 Dublin Irish Festival Special Hours
- Friday, Aug. 2 open from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 3 open from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 4 – CLOSED
2024 Annual Cleaning, Maintenance & Repairs
The Dublin Community Recreation Center (DCRC) will be closed from Saturday, Aug. 24 through Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 for annual cleaning, maintenance and repairs. The DCRC will reopen at 5:30am Tuesday, Sept. 3. Offices will be staffed for phone calls from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Parks & Recreation
Recreation Services
614.410.4550
Parks, Shelter Houses & Kaltenbach Rentals
614.410.4510
24-Hour Information Hotline:
614.410.4946
Dublin Community Recreation Center Rentals
614.410.4550
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Dublin, Ohio, USA
5555 Perimeter Drive
Dublin, Ohio, 43017
Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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