Welcome to Goodale Park, Columbus’ original city park and one of the three oldest “pleasure grounds” in the United States.  Goodale Park began as a gift from Dr. Lincoln Goodale to the city of Columbus, albeit on the edge of Columbus.  It housed Union troops during the Civil War, but became an urban park during the 20th century.  It is now the home of the largest collection of magnolias in central Ohio and the park includes an astonishing array of specimen trees.  People from all over central Ohio use the park on a daily basis and for many events.  It is the home of one of the largest independent music festivals (ComFest) in the country, but many people simply enjoy its solitude and green space in the midst of the vibrant urban life of the Short North.  

The Friends of Goodale Park formed in 1987 in realization that the surrounding community needed to take greater responsibility to nurture and support Goodale Park.  A devastating summer storm had destroyed many of the park’s older trees so the Friends raised funds to purchase over 300 trees.  In subsequent years, the Friends have undertaken many projects to restore, improve and maintain this gem of an urban park.  Lighting, benches and trash receptacles have been added; a gazebo and expanded shelter house have been constructed; sidewalks and playgrounds have been updated, and more trees have been planted.  To accomplish these improvements, the Friends of Goodale Park solicit donations and grants from individuals, local government, other organizations and businesses.   The Friends of Goodale Park is a not-for-profit, tax exempt, charitable organization formed under section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

2007 Annual Report