Columbus Park Board
The Columbus Parks and Recreation Board is the policy-making authority for the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department. The Columbus Parks and Recreation Board and the department operate under the provision of the “Indiana Parks and Recreation Law” (IC 36-10-3) in accordance with City Ordinance. The Board’s mission is “To enrich lives” within the department’s planning area, which consists of the incorporated areas of the City of Columbus.
| Name | Term | Expires | Officer | Appointed By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Bush (R) | 4 Years | 12/31/2026 | President | Mayor |
| Brian Wilson (I) | 4 Years | 12/31/2025 | Vice President | Mayor |
| Miriam Portaluppi (D) | 4 Years | 12/31/2028 | Secretary | Mayor |
| Chaz Smith (D) | 4 Years | 12/31/2027 | Member | Mayor |
City Council Liaison – Josh Burnett
The Columbus Park Board meets the second Thursday of every month at 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise advertised.
Dates and Agendas can be found on the Calendar.
Full-time, Part-time & Seasonal Employment Opportunities & Application Process
To view all job openings or to apply online visit City of Columbus Employment Opportunities or call or email Columbus Parks and Recreation at 812-376-2680 or parks@columbus.in.gov to make an appointment to apply in person if you need help, accommodations or don’t have access to the internet elsewhere. We welcome all applicants and are pleased to schedule an appointment for you to apply in person.
Full-Time Positions: Apply Now!
Part-time & Seasonal Job opportunities: Apply Now!
Donner Pool
- Cashier/Concessions
- Lifeguard
- Swim Instructor
Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena
- Cashier/Concession
- Skate Guard
- Instructor
- Office Supervisor
Columbus Gymnastics Center
- Instructor
NexusPark
- Fieldhouse Ticketing/Concessions
- Fieldhouse League Supervisor
- Building Supervisor
- Child Watch Staff
- Fitness Client Care Specialist
- Front Office
Maintenance
- Parks Grounds
- Park Horticulture
- Athletic Fields
- Custodian
- Golf Courses
- Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena
- NexusPark
Recreation
- Playground Supervisor
- Day Camp/Preschool
- Other General Recreation
Sports
- Batting Cage Attendant
- Concessions
- Tennis Instructor
- Sports Supervisor
Golf Courses
- Clubhouse
- Range Ball Pickler
- Golf Cart Attendant
Farmer’s Market
- Information Booth
Other
- Park Patrol
- Umpires/Referees
All applications are held on file until the end of each calendar year.
The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer- Discrimination in employment because of race, religion, creed, color, natural origin, ancestry, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States is prohibited by City policy. In addition, the City employment policy requires compliance with national and state employment practices, laws and regulations.
La Ciudad de Columbus es un Empleador de igualdad de oportunidades- la discriminación en el empleo por motivos de raza, religión, credo, color, origen natural, ascendencia, discapacidad, edad, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad de género o servicio en las Fuerzas armadas de los EEUU está prohibida por la política de la Ciudad. Además, la política de empleo de la Ciudad requiere el cumplimiento de las prácticas, leyes y regulaciones laborales nacionales y estatales.
Info & Documents
Annual Reports
Want to learn more about the Columbus Parks & Recreation Department’s financials, projects, and accomplishments? Download our Annual Reports below:
2023 Annual Report (PDF)
2022 Annual Report (PDF)
2021 Annual Report (PDF)
2020 Annual Report (PDF)
2019 Annual Report (PDF)
2018 Annual Report (PDF)
2017 Annual Report (PDF)
2016 Annual Report (PDF)
2014 Annual Report (PDF)
2013 Annual Report (PDF)
2012 Annual Report (PDF)
2011 Annual Report (PDF)
2010 Annual Report (PDF)
2009 Annual Report (PDF)
2008 Annual Report (PDF)
2007 Annual Report (PDF)
Master Plans
The purpose of a master plan is to provide a vision and framework that allows us to fulfill our physical and programmatic needs as we grow our community in a way that creates a unified department character and identify. A master plan should provide achievable, flexible, and fiscally responsible development plans that will help to ensure we can accommodate future activity levels, support our mission statement and forge forward striving to achieve world-class parks, programs, and facilities.
Parks Department Master Plan Reports
Want to learn more about Columbus Parks & Recreation Department? Download our Master Plan Reports below. You may also check-out a copy of the current plan at the front office of NexusPark to read while on premises (Mon – Fri 8am-5pm).
2007 – 2011 Master Plan (PDF)
2012 – 2016 Master Plan (PDF)
2017 – 2021 Master Plan (PDF)
2017 – 2021 Master Plan Appendices (PDF)
2022 – 2026 Master Plan (PDF)
2022 – 2026 Master Plan Executive Summary (PDF)
Fair Oaks Mall, Donner Park and Center, Surrounding Area Connectivity, and Land Use Master Plan
The FOCDC contracted MKSK to conduct a Master Plan of the Fair Oaks Mall and Donner Center. This master plan is intended to describe concepts for the future Fair Oaks Mall and Donner Park and Center. The select details it provides, such as the size of uses within the buildings and their proximity to each other, are intended to be illustrative and capture key master plan conclusions. This plan does not represent a design. The concepts it provides are expected to evolve over time and be adapted as additional information becomes available through subsequent detailed design efforts. This master plan will inform future policy and budgeting decisions with respect to investment at Fair Oaks Mall and Donner Center and Park. This master plan also outlines key connectivity enhancements that will link these assets to the community and one another. Lastly, over time lands surrounding Fair Oaks Mall are anticipated to redevelop. This master plan provides guidance for desired uses and formats for future development in this area.
Download a copy of the Final Master Plan (PDF).
Community Golf Evaluation
Columbus Golf Course Report – 2020 (Final Updated Report)
Columbus Golf Course Report – 2020 (First Report)
City of Columbus Golf Course Information Session Presentation Link
RFPs/RFQs
There are no active RFP/RFQ processes at this time.
Locations & Hours
Administrative Staff
| Name | Title | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Jones | Director of Parks and Recreation | 812-376-2680 |
| Pam Harrell | Associate Director of Business Services | 812-376-2693 |
| Casey Ritz | Associate Director of Park Operations | 812-376-2688 |
| Nikki Murphy | Associate Director of Recreation | 812-376-2697 |
| Brady Buckley | Associate Director of Sports | 812-376-2695 |
| Beth Hughes | Marketing Manager | 812-376-2696 |
| Shanda Sasse | The Commons Manager | 812-376-2656 |
| Celeste Reynolds | Project & Resource Development Manager | 812-376-2759 |
| Stephanie Heck | Park Operations Facilities Supervisor | 812-376-2689 |
| Taylor Henson | Park Operations Athletics Supervisor | 812-348-2421 |
| Danny Brown | Park Operations Maintenance Supervisor | 812-375-2761 |
| Simon Mellencamp | Park Operations NexusPark Maintenance Supervisor | 812-528-7937 |
| Jacob Hendricks | Recreation and CGC Program Manager | 812-376-2685 |
| Jim Lemke | Aquatics Manager | 812-376-2691 |
| Erin Hartwell | Fitness, Health & Wellness Manager | 812-669-5304 |
| Shannon Lacey | Columbus Gymnastics Center Coordinator | 812-376-2669 |
| Seth Rice | Sports Programs Manager | 812-376-2658 |
| Carleen Fry | Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena Manager | 812-376-2588 |
| Keith VanDeventer | Golf Pro/Manager | 812-376-2684 |
| Collin Lollar | Sports Coordinator | 812-375-2741 |
| Martavius Mims | NexusPark Fieldhouse Sports Manager | 812-348-4427 |
| Francys King | NexusPark Fieldhouse Sports & Events Coordinator | 812-669-5318 |
