When Columbus Commons and The Scioto Mile were created, $400 million in private development quickly followed. Armed with this experience and a successful model for attracting investment to a blighted district, Downtown Columbus, Inc. set out to revitalize the Scioto Peninsula – naturally the plans included a park.

Prioritized by the 2010 Downtown Strategic Plan, Downtown Columbus, Inc. began construction a 6.5-acre park and 638-space underground parking garage in September 2016. Located directly west of Columbus’ dynamic Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the plans included themed gardens, a play area for children, and a plaza with a fountain.

Dorrian Green opened to the public in November 2017, coinciding with the debut of the American Museum of Natural History at COSI – additions that highlight the neighborhood as a cultural destination, attracting residents and visitors to Downtown.

Adding meaningful green space in front of the top-rated science museum and adjacent to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum created a welcoming entryway into Downtown’s newest neighborhood, The Peninsula. 

Capitol South served as the project manager, working with Corna Kokosing, Desman and MKSK.

Now, Dorrian Green serves as a place to gather, and the site of signature free summer event programming produced by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, including Dorrian Days and Wednesdays on the Green. Extensive future programming is planned to further utilize this space as the neighborhood continues to grow around it.