The Edge Group, a Columbus-based landscape architecture and urban design firm, has been contracted by Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation to undertake the master planning process for Fancyburg Park. Situated on 25 acres in the River Ridge neighborhood on the western edge of Upper Arlington, Fancyburg Park is currently home to baseball diamonds, sport fields, a shelter house, playground, story walk, tennis and pickleball courts, and a nature area.
Throughout the visioning process, Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation will be focused on improving the park’s amenities while still preserving the unique character of this popular destination for residents and neighbors. The City of Upper Arlington will be closely following the 2018 Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Plan that was adopted to serve as a guide on future decision-making on how to get the most value from the City’s limited park land and the facilities within them, while fulfilling residents’ recreational wants and needs.
Launched in the fall of 2024, the first phase included a detailed study of existing conditions and uses in the park, accompanied by a community engagement process that measured residents’ thoughts on the current facilities and gathered ideas for potential improvements. The next phase of planning, taking place in spring and summer 2025, will focus on gathering additional community input to help refine the Master Plan for the park.
The Edge Group will then develop concepts for park improvements that will be shared with the community before proceeding to the final design. Funding for improvements to the park are scheduled within the 2027 and 2028 Parks Capital Improvements Program.
First phase focuses on analyzing existing park conditions and uses, along with engaging the community to gather feedback on current facilities and suggestions for future improvements.
The Edge Group will conduct a site survey of Fancyburg Park and the nearby neighborhood. The next phase of community engagement is scheduled Spring 2025.
Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation, in collaboration with the Edge Group, will complete the master plan for the park space. They will then present the updated plan to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and Upper Arlington City Council.
Design work will begin on the maintenance area located within Fancyburg Park.
The concept developed by the Edge Group is focused on enhancing and replacing many of the current features in the park, including the playground and shelter, while also providing opportunities to expand the natural feel of the park with meadow plantings and naturalized areas. One of the biggest changes proposed in the master plan is the inclusion of a new four-season shelter that could be sized to serve as a new day camp location. The plan also proposes the relocation of the maintenance yard – tentatively scheduled to occur in 2026 – to the corner of the park in order to open up more space within the central area.
The goal of the park master plan is to enhance Fancyburg’s versatility and appeal, ensuring it remains a welcoming space for all community members by blending recreational opportunities with the beauty of its natural surroundings. Planning will continue in 2025, as more detailed concepts are developed, along with additional opportunities for public input. The park is scheduled for renovation in 2027 and 2028.
PHASE II COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS
Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation completed Phase II of the Fancyburg Park Master Plan process in the spring of 2025. Over 600 residents shared their thoughts through an online survey focused on updated design concepts and proposed amenities developed by The Edge Group.
Top Takeaways
- Playgrounds & Recreation
Steel and fabric play structures were the favorite, appreciated for their durability, integrated shade, and accessibility. Natural timber designs were liked for their aesthetics but raised maintenance concerns. - Green Space & Safety
Residents emphasized the importance of preserving mature trees, maintaining open space, and improving pedestrian safety, especially near play areas and sidewalks. - Amphitheater & Wetland Concerns
While many supported adding a four-season pavilion and amphitheater, concerns were raised about noise and necessity. Residents stressed the importance of making sure the design and use of the space is appropriate to the neighborhood setting. The interactive wetland also received mixed feedback—some praised its natural appeal, while others were worried about safety and mosquitoes. It is important that the final design of this space be both safe and visually appealing. - Additional Amenities Suggested
Common requests included more pickleball courts, shaded picnic areas, accessible playgrounds, and improved parking and pedestrian connectivity. - Pavilion Preferences
The Craftsman-style roof was the top choice, with residents favoring timeless, welcoming designs that blend with the natural surroundings. “Sleek & Modern” materials narrowly led the way, though many preferred the warmth and durability of wood and stone over colder, more modern elements. The final design will need to compliment the natural areas of the park as well as the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood.
What’s Next?
The survey results will be shared with the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, then presented to City Council to help guide the next steps in the master plan process. A concept design—reflecting community input and leadership feedback—will be developed and shared with residents in the coming months.
Phase II of the master planning process builds on the initial concepts by incorporating additional community feedback to further refine the vision for Fancyburg Park. As part of this phase, a series of community engagement opportunities will be offered to give residents a chance to share ideas, voice concerns, and help shape the evolving Master Plan.
Community Open House
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 4-6 pm
Fancyburg Park
Parks & Recreation staff will be on-site at Fancyburg Park to answer questions and walk residents through the initial design concepts. This is a great opportunity for community members to learn more about the proposed ideas, provide feedback, and engage directly with the team shaping the future of the park.
Spring Fling
Saturday, May 10, 2025 | 11 am-2 pm
Sunny 95 Park
Residents can learn more about the Fancyburg Park Master Plan while attending Spring Fling.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 6:30 pm
Municipal Services Center
Parks & Recreation staff will present updated design preferences based on input gathered during phase II of the master planning process from a community survey, open house, and earlier outreach efforts.
City Council
Monday, June 16, 2025 | 7 pm
Municipal Services Center
Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation staff will present a comprehensive overview of the community’s design preferences for Fancyburg Park, based on feedback collected during the second phase of outreach.
In Fall 2024, the first phase of community outreach for the Fancyburg Park master planning process gathered valuable input from more than 900 residents. This feedback is helping guide Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation in planning future improvements that better reflect the community’s needs and priorities.
What Residents Love About Fancyburg Park
The survey highlighted several aspects of Fancyburg Park that residents hold in high regard.
- Natural Spaces and Trails: Many respondents appreciate the park’s natural areas, shaded play zones, walking paths, and biking trails.
- Playground and Sports Facilities: The park’s playground, tennis courts, and pickleball courts are particularly popular. Residents enjoy the open spaces and sports fields, which cater to a variety of recreational needs.
- Community Gathering: Fancyburg Park is respected as a friendly community space, fostering social interactions and connections among residents.
- Location and Accessibility: Its proximity to homes and ease of access are crucial for many, enhancing the park’s role within the neighborhood.
- Size and Open Space: The large open spaces and mature trees are key highlights for many park-goers. The park’s size allows for a range of activities, from playground fun to peaceful strolls.
- Variety of Activities: The diverse range of features, including toddler-friendly play areas, nature spaces, sports facilities, and walking trails, ensures there is something for everyone.
Areas for Improvement
While the park is well-loved, residents have shared ideas for enhancements.
- Nature and Environmental Focus: Many residents advocate for increased natural areas, unpaved trails, and native plantings. Suggestions include preserving wooded areas, expanding natural play spaces for children, and adding more shaded areas and nature trails.
- Modern Amenities: Requests for modern features include year-round restrooms and an updated playground. There is also interest in additional benches and better drainage on fields.
- Safety and Accessibility: Residents expressed interest in improved safety and accessibility for all users including improved crosswalks and sidewalk access on Kioka Avenue and better lighting for nighttime use.
- Recreational Enhancements: The addition of more pickleball courts, separation of tennis and pickleball courts to reduce noise, and repurposing underutilized spaces like shuffleboard courts were suggested.
- Parking and Infrastructure: Increased off-street parking, renovation or removal of the park service area, and year-round restrooms are among the infrastructure improvements requested.
- Community and Aesthetic Features: Residents suggest enhancing community spaces with sheltered areas, art installations by local artists, and better utilization of underused spaces.
- Splash Pad: Many residents expressed an interest in incorporating a splash pad into Fancyburg Park. This is an amenity that will need further study as part of the master planning process. Splash pads require extensive infrastructure and have a significant impact on the adjacent uses. It will be important to consider this amenity alongside the rest of the input received regarding the park to make sure uses are appropriate to the scale and setting of the park.
During Fall 2024, feedback from the community highlighted the importance of balancing modern amenities with the park’s natural charm. In response, the Edge Group began developing design concepts aimed at enhancing Fancyburg Park’s versatility and appeal. The goal was to create a welcoming space for all by blending expanded recreational opportunities with the park’s natural beauty.