Public Notice: Olentangy Trail Maintenance and February City Service Updates

Public Notice: Olentangy Trail Maintenance and Temporary Closure

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has issued a formal notice regarding the temporary closure of a significant portion of the Olentangy Trail. Starting Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and continuing through Wednesday, February 11, the trail will be closed to all traffic between Bethel Road and West Henderson Road. This closure is scheduled daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to facilitate the safe removal of hazard trees along the State Route 315 corridor.

During these hours, no passage will be permitted for pedestrians or cyclists. City crews have installed barricades and posted closure notices at Broad Meadows Boulevard and within Whetstone Park to alert trail users. The barricades will be removed outside of the active work window, but the public is advised to exercise caution as equipment may remain near the trail shoulders. This maintenance is part of a broader city initiative to ensure the safety of the trail system and prevent falling debris during winter weather events.

Winter Weather Advisory: Preparation for Winter Storm Fern

The Ohio Department of Health and local emergency management agencies are monitoring the approach of Winter Storm Fern. Residents are urged to finalize their winter weather kits and prepare for potential travel disruptions. Official advisories recommend staying indoors when possible and checking on elderly neighbors or those with limited mobility. Public health officials emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs of cold-related illnesses, such as hypothermia and frostbite, as temperatures are expected to drop sharply following the storm front. The city's warming centers remain on standby should a Level 3 snow emergency be declared.

Park Construction and Playground Improvements

Several neighborhood parks are currently undergoing significant renovations as part of the 2026 capital improvement plan. Residents should be aware of active construction sites and limited access in the following areas:

• Williams Creek Park: Playground replacement began on February 2. The old equipment has been removed, and new structures are being installed as weather permits.
• Saunders Park: Construction is underway for a new adult fitness circuit. Visitors are urged to maintain a safe distance from fenced-off zones near the park’s south entrance.
• Nelson Park: A new playground installation project is currently active and is expected to continue through mid-April. While the existing playground remains available for now, construction crews are operating northeast of the shelterhouse.
• Mifflin and Karns Parks: Both locations remain under construction for playground upgrades and pollinator garden installations, with an anticipated completion date in late March 2026.

Public Meetings and Community Notices

The Ohio Department of Health is hosting the Sewage Treatment Systems Technical Advisory Committee meeting today, February 10, 2026. The meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and will address ongoing technical standards for local wastewater management. Additionally, the Columbus Convention Center is hosting the annual Ohio Educational Technology Conference (OETC) from February 10 through February 12. Residents should expect increased traffic and limited parking in the downtown area near the convention corridor as several thousand educators and technology officials arrive for the event.