The Edge Group, a Columbus-based landscape architecture and urban design firm, has been contracted by UA Parks & Rec 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, UA Parks & Rec 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.
Starting in the fall of 2024, the first phase will include a detailed study of existing conditions and uses in the park, accompanied by a community engagement process to measure residents’ thoughts on the current facilities and to gather ideas for potential improvements.
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.
The Edge Group will be conducting a site survey of Fancyburg Park and the nearby neighborhood. The next phase of community engagement is scheduled for January and February.
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 in Fancyburg Park.
Throughout the study process, a series of community engagement opportunities will be provided to allow residents to have an opportunity to share their ideas and concerns and provide feedback as the visioning plan is developed.
Parks & Rec Advisory Board
Monday, October 28, 2024 | 6:30 pm
Municipal Services Center
Parks & Rec staff presented the findings gathered from the community about what residents like about Fancyburg Park, features they feel could be improved, and ideas for future enhancements.
City Council
Monday, November 4, 2024 | 7 pm
Municipal Services Center
UA Parks & Rec staff shared a comprehensive overview of the feedback gathered from the community regarding Fancyburg Park. The presentation highlighted what residents love most about the park, aspects they believe need improvement, and exciting new ideas for potential upgrades and future amenities.
Check back soon to learn more about this project and upcoming opportunities in early 2025 for your participation in the visioning process.
The first phase of community outreach for the master planning process of Fancyburg Park has returned valuable insights, with over 900 residents providing feedback. This information will be instrumental in helping guide UA Parks & Rec on the future development of the park to better meet the needs of the community.
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.
Overall, the feedback emphasizes the importance of balancing modern amenities while maintaining the park’s natural charm. Throughout the fall of 2024, the Edge Group, a Columbus-based landscape architecture and urban design firm contracted by UA Parks & Rec, will begin developing ideas for Fancyburg Park. The goal will be to enhance the park’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.
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.
Proposed Fancyburg Park Master Plan that was presented to Upper Arlington City Council on November 4, 2024