Columbus Goes the Extra Mile

Scioto Mile is a large, winding riverfront park in Columbus, Ohio with a compelling plaza, a performance bandshell, fountains, sculptures, swinging and traditional benches and attractive planters. Photo: Hess America

The Washington, D.C.-based International Downtown Association has recognized the Columbus Downtown Development Corp. with a Downtown Pinnacle Award for its work and initiatives for the Scioto Mile project. The Scioto Mile is an urban parkland in downtown Columbus, Ohio that has reconnected the downtown to the Scioto River and its parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths.

The $42 million project was funded with equal parts private and public contributions, and developed by the not-for-profit Columbus Downtown Development Corp. (CDDC).

Scioto Mile was among 22 entries in the category of public space, which recognizes capital improvements and enhanced urban design. Accepting the award on behalf of CDDC were Darren Meyer and John Petrushka of MKSK, a planning, urban design, landscape architecture and entertainment design firm with offices in Columbus, Ohio, Covington, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Indiana. MKSK was the planning and design consultant for the project.