City Notices: Weekend Traffic Advisories and Park Maintenance Schedule

Public Notice: Arnold Sports Festival Road Closures

As the Arnold Sports Festival concludes its final day in Downtown Columbus on Sunday, March 8, 2026, residents and visitors should prepare for significant traffic impacts. Vine Street and Spruce Street, between North High Street and Park Street, will remain closed to all through traffic until 3:00 p.m. today to accommodate the festival's teardown operations. Furthermore, the Arnold 5K race is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., causing rolling closures and detours along North High Street and Spruce Street. While the Vine Street parking garage remains accessible via Park Street, motor vehicle traffic is encouraged to avoid the immediate vicinity of the Greater Columbus Convention Center until late afternoon.

COTA Service Update: Downtown Stop Closure

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has issued a temporary service advisory affecting Lines 5 and 8. Due to ongoing roadway construction, Bus Stop 4109, located at the intersection of South High Street and West Mound Street (southbound), is closed today. This temporary suspension of service at the stop will remain in effect until 5:00 p.m. this evening. Commuters and festival attendees are advised to utilize the nearest same-directional stops. For real-time updates and reroute information, riders should consult the Transit app or follow posted signage at affected intersections.

Recreation and Parks: Facility and Playground Alerts

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is currently managing several long-term renovation projects. Residents are asked to observe all safety fencing and signage at the following locations:

• Albany Crossing Park: The playground is currently a restricted construction zone as crews install new play structures for various age groups. This site will remain closed through June 2026.
• Easthaven Park: Work continues on the playground amenities following previous damage. Access to the playground remains prohibited as the final phases of installation are completed this month.
• Griggs Reservoir Park: The boat hoist area is closed for the installation of a new adaptive kayak launch. While the immediate construction site is off-limits, the remainder of the park and nearby amenities remain open for public use.
• Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center: The center remains closed for essential gallery floor renovations and restroom upgrades. Arts programming has been relocated to the Fran Ryan Center and Whetstone Community Center for the duration of the spring season.

Department of Public Service: Infrastructure Projects

Following the recent passage of the 2026 operating budget by the Columbus City Council, the Department of Public Service is preparing for increased maintenance activity. Residents may notice early preparations for post-event park restoration services to repair turf and irrigation systems following the weekend's high-traffic events. Additionally, long-term construction projects, including the Expo 2050 fairgrounds improvements, continue to necessitate the closure of 17th Avenue from Clara Avenue to Dora Avenue. This project remains on schedule for completion later this spring.