McFerson Commons

… quiet place to take a walk … beautiful too … highly recommended …

McFerson, named after a President of Nationwide, is a narrow splotch of green in the middle of the burnt-​red brick theme of the Arena District; but, it represents more than just a colorful contrast. Standing in front of the park is a symbol of Columbus’ past and a deep reminder of who we are – the terra cotta façade of the old Union Station’s arching entrance.
As history geeks like myself know, Union Station once stood in the Short North where the convention center and the High Street I-​670 overpass now stand. In fact, the I-​670 cap’s design is based on the arcade of the old station. In the 1970s a battle was brewing over the obsolete building. Historical societies wanted to restore it while developers wanted to demolish it. The developers pulled a fast one. One weekend they started demolition without announcement. Relying on an Ohio State football game, the element of surprise, and the low news consumption typical on Friday and Saturday, the developers had hoped to make a fait accompli before the restorationists could interfere. Undetered, the restorationist woke a federal judge in the night and got an injunction. Unfortunately, by that time all that remained was the arch. Some claim the event was the turning point that let to the restoration and preservation movement we see today.
The rest of it is just well maintained grass park flanked by benches under trees. Behind the trees three story buildings crowd close giving the commons a cosmopolitan feel. It reminds me of the Roman inspired green malls of Washington D.C. But there is not much else. They must have events here as it seems perfect for a outdoor art bazaar, a carnival, or a concert. This may be a great place to have a picnic, or a summer wedding.
Don’t let the three stars make you think its mediocre, it’s great. It is just not a place for a special trip. Visit after a ball game, and reflect on the past.

One circuit of the park is just over a half mile.

Arch park!
A lovely, but unexpected, sight in the heart of the Arena District right across the street from the arena itself.
While I like a little character to my parks, the arch is the only character happenin’ here, which is fine… A-​OK.
There are dozens of events held here, and parking is a cinch if you count all of the nearby garages.
It’s an urban green space with a massive historic arch that was the main portal to the train station that once stood along High St. History note: The Union Train Station was demolished in the 1970’s, with the exception of this arch.
The history of the arch is the coolest thing about the ‘park.’

I was back here again this weekend for the Pet Promise Rescue Run and its still pretty much the same. It is a good place for the start of events because there is enough room to set people up and still have enough room to move around, but I’m not sure of how nice it would be with nothing set up there. It might be a bit empty otherwise.
Also of note, I’ve seen this park listed as Arch Park on several sources. The official name is McFerson Commons but it might have been named Arch Park previously and people may still be referring to it as that. So just a heads up if you see Arch Park, this is where they mean!

I did a free fitness bootcamp here on 4÷28÷10 (
). It is a great space, although it is filled with goose poop. But we got 31 people in for a great workout.
Wouldn’t really call it a park, it’s just really a space of grass. But still a really nice location to stroll through or eat lunch.

This place may officially be known as McFerson Commons but I like to think of it as arch park.
The arch in question once anchored the entrance to Union Station, the train station, not the bar. Its one of the historical oddities sprinkled around the arena district, and the biggest. Doing a little research uncovers that this arch is the only thing left from the demolition of the station during the seventies. Sad little arch.
The arch dominates the park and stands out against the modern backdrop of the arena and the buildings around it. Four pillars adorn the structure and are topped with ornate cornices (barely passed art history, so sorry if that is not the correct term) There are two angels who float in the arch’s corner watching over the people stumbling to their cars after arena shows and hockey games. Standing underneath the arch makes you feel small under all that history.
I love just hanging out and reading here. I’ve have also seen weddings here and they look picture perfect. High school seniors could use this spot as a great alternative to posing on their cars or swinging from a tree. Just a suggestion…
Stop driving by this incredible landmark on the way to the Arena Grand and check it out. The history, the height, its sad story make arch park a great place to be.