About Friends of Goodale Park

MISSION
Established in 1987, Friends of Goodale Park is a non-profit 501c3 volunteer organization dedicated to maintain and enhance Goodale Park as a premier urban park for all residents and visitors. 

VISION
Dr. Lincoln Goodale established the initial vision for the park with his donation of 44 acres of land in 1851. His deed to the city stated the land was to, “be forever kept and preserved, as a public park, or pleasure ground, for the free and common use of the inhabitants of said City of Columbus.” To that end, Friends works to make the park meet the interests of both the people of Columbus, especially those living in the local neighborhoods surrounding the park and visitors from outside the region, through the following means:

• Foster individual, civic, and corporate engagement and enjoyment through volunteer activities, events, programs, and membership,

• Collaborate closely with, and augment the efforts of the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, along with other appropriate city agencies, to ensure the park’s safety and sustainability,

• Advocate for features that are both in line with Lincoln Goodale’s 1851 vision and current/future constituent interest,

• Educate the public by communicating and sharing the rich park history and various features of the park via appropriate means, and

• Beautify and maintain natural and cultural resources.

Friends of Goodale Park welcomes your donation!

  • Board of Trustees

    The FGP Board of Trustees is the main body that oversees Goodale Park in cooperation with the Columbus Recreation & Parks. The BOT meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Officers include President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Board members are asked to serve 3-year terms.

    New Trustees are added at the start of each year.

  • Advisory Council (New)

    The FGP Advisory Council is being created in order to provide the Board of Trustees with and outside group of stakeholders and advocates that aid FGP in our larger and broader mission while also advising the group on past performance and future efforts. The council is to include local/community leaders as well as past FGP officers.

    Advisory Council will be formed in 2024-2025

  • Operations Committee

    The Operations Committee is responsible for the physical conditions of the park. They plan and organize Volunteer Work Days and oversee work done by FGP Volunteer Coordinator. The committee meets ahead of each work day to plan tasks and logistics. Operations also works with CRPD when maintenance and/or construction projects are happening in the park.

    Committee members with less than green thumbs are welcome!

  • Events Committee

    The Events Committee plans and organizes special events and oversees FGP Public Programs including the Walks & Talks series. The committee also helps organize FGP participation in park events run by other organizations such as ComFest, Music Series, and Screen on the Green.

    Committee members must be willing to meet over drinks!

  • Communications Committee

    The Communications Committee oversees and develops materials for FGP website, social media, and e-newsletters. The committee is task oriented and relies on the energy and expertise of its members including graphic design, photography, web technology, etc.

    Committee members must use spell check!

  • Planning & Development Committee

    The Planning & Development Committee works on long-range projects with a focus on fundraising through grant applications and donor development. The group’s strategic planning efforts are guided by FGP Vision Plan and require a lot of interaction with CRPD and other community organizations.

    Committee members need NOT have friends in high places!