We tend to think of home as the place where we live—our permanent residence and the people (and pets) who live there, too. Although I’ve lived in Orlando for over thirty years, it doesn’t take the place of Columbus, Ohio in my heart. Hmm… I wonder why?
Although I grew up in Ohio, I wasn’t born in Columbus. I didn’t go to grade school or high school there. The total amount of time I spent in Columbus was fifteen years. A lot of living was packed into that season of my life. It began by attending Ohio State, working as a social worker, and marrying my soulmate. You know the old saying, first comes love, then comes marriage, soon I’m pushing a baby carriage.
We bought our first house on the west side of town. I stayed at home with our two preschoolers and became involved in church and neighborhood activities. Our home was on a block of what you would consider “starter homes.” Half of the families had children under age six. It was a safe place for kids to learn how to ride a bike, with little traffic.
During those years I worked with a group of parents to petition the city of Columbus to develop a park for the children of our neighborhood. Twenty-four acres of land had been donated to the city in 1979 by Ruth E. Redick, a native of Columbus. Our efforts succeeded and by 1986 the playground was built, and given the name, Redick Park. My children enjoyed playing there for a few years before we moved to Orlando.
Herb and I visited Columbus in September. We drove around the city to see if any of the places we frequented, and homes we lived in are still there. Some of the buildings still stand. Some are gone. One house I lived in on South High Street was completely gone, and all that remained was the front steps. As we drove we talked about the past, the people we knew, the fun times.
When we visited Redick Park, I was pleased to see that the city is keeping up with it. The grass was mowed. They’ve added ball diamonds where a sand volleyball lot used to be. A feeling of contentment came over me knowing something remained of a project in which we were involved. I am thankful for Ruth Redick, who had the vision to create a place for families to enjoy the outdoors.
Contrary to the song “My City was Gone” by the Pretenders, this is one example of green space that has been preserved. “Way to go, Ohio.”
How about you? Is there a place you’ve lived which you remember fondly? A place you could never forget? Leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you.
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