🌳 Three Columbus Parks Are Set For A $35 Million Makeover

Plus: 🚨 Columbus Just Approved A New Youth Curfew

Author

Chelsea Wiley
June 30, 2026

Sponsored by North Market 🍴
North Market is calling your name! Whether you're exploring the original downtown location for its classic market charm or the Bridge Park spot in Dublin for a modern twist, there's no better place to eat, shop, and discover the best of Columbus. For more info, head over to northmarket.org.

Hello, Tuesday! Chelsea, here.

For months, the future of McCoy Park has been one of the most talked-about development stories in Southwest Columbus. What started as a debate over one park has grown into a much larger conversation about access to parks, recreation, and community investment. This week, the city unveiled a new $35 million plan that aims to do more than replace what was originally proposed. Instead, it spreads new amenities across multiple parks and promises to serve far more residents than the original vision. Here's a look at what's included and when construction could begin.

⛳️ Magic Mountain East Will Permanently Close This Weekend
Another longtime Columbus institution is saying goodbye. Magic Mountain Fun Center East will permanently close after July 5, marking the end of decades of birthday parties, go-karts, mini golf, and family memories.

🚨 Columbus Just Approved A New Youth Curfew. Here’s What Families Need To Know.
Columbus has approved a new curfew for minors, lowering the nighttime hours for kids and teens while delaying citations until 2027. Here's what the new rules mean for families and how they'll be enforced.

Headlines 📰 

💼 After nearly four decades with Scotts Miracle-Gro, CEO and Chairman Jim Hagedorn is stepping down, with CFO Nate Baxter taking over the company's top job. The Marysville-based company says the transition was part of a long-term succession plan, not a response to recent events. (WOSU)

☕️ Tucked inside Stonewall Columbus' community center, Queer Beans has quickly become one of the Short North's most welcoming gathering spaces. Axios stopped by to check out the coffee, pastries, and the community-first vibe that's making the café a neighborhood favorite. (Axios Columbus)

🔋 A proposed statewide ban on new data centers won't make the 2026 ballot, but the movement behind it isn't slowing down. Organizers are now focusing on local petitions and community action, with several Central Ohio cities already pushing back against future development. (Matter News)

☀️ Weather: Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 106.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Sponsored by PromoWest 🎸
No one does live music in Columbus quite like PromoWest. They’ve got some fantastic shows coming up, including Young the Giant, Band of Horses, Paris Paloma, and more. To see what’s on the calendar, or to grab tickets to a show, head over to promowestlive.com.

🎇 4th Of July Celebrations

via Red, White & BOOM! (Facebook)

🎆 The Best 4th Of July Celebrations In Columbus: Your Guide To Festivities, Fireworks, & Fun
The Fourth of July is almost here, and there's no shortage of ways to celebrate around Central Ohio. From Red, White & BOOM! to hometown parades, lakeside fireworks, and small-town festivals, we've rounded up the biggest celebrations happening July 3 and 4 to help you plan your holiday weekend.

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☀️ It’s going to be a hot one out there today, so stay safe, hydrated, and in the shade or air conditioning!

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- Chelsea