About Us

How It Began

In 1981, four mothers wanted to help make improvements to the playground and to plant some new trees, but quickly understood that the entire park was a significant historic site, worthy of thoughtful care. Janet Druen, Wendy Mathis, Connie Swain, and Elspeth Willoughby have our endless gratitude and admiration.

Partnership

The Friends organization works in a public-private partnership with Columbus’ Department of Recreation and Parks. The Friends fund and maintain many enhancements throughout the park.

Become a Member

From major restorations to ongoing maintenance, we do it all – with your help! Membership is free. All we ask is for your continued interest, passion, advocacy, and volunteerism. Together we can continue to make Schiller Park one of the premier urban parks in the city of Columbus.

Initiatives and Improvements

  • Encouraging children to enjoy the park with the transformed playground/tot lot.
  • Making the park more user-friendly with the installation of picnic tables, benches, trash cans, and pedestrian lighting throughout the park.
  • Beautifying the park with the installation of the Schiller Monument circle garden and signage, the Grace Highfield Garden, the promenade, and restoration of the carriage path.
  • Supporting art in the park with the commission and installation of the Umbrella Girl fountain, construction of the amphitheater, care of the historic statue of Frederick Schiller and the commission of five sculptures by renowned artist Jerzy Kędziora.
  • Fostering an appreciation of the historic significance of the property with programs, posts, and publications.
  • Throughout the year, we plant and maintain the Welcome Gardens at the four park entrances as well as contract expert care of historic trees and fund new trees as needed.

Donate today – every dollar helps the park!

The Friends of Schiller Park is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your donation is tax-deductible.

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