[1] The department also maintains 29 community centers, five athletic complexes, six golf courses, 120 miles (190 km) of trails, five splash pads and interactive fountains, eight pools, an indoor aquatic center, 14 nature preserves, three reservoirs, five dog parks, and a skate park.

[4] In 1895, the Franklin Park Conservatory opened to the public and was owned and operated by the department until 1989.

[7][6] The Recreation Department took over management of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 1951, but later gave up ownership to the Zoological Park Association, Inc., a non-profit organization, in 1970.

[8] On June 6, 1953 the Columbus Park of Roses opened to the public, following all the paths and gardens laid out, and enclosed by a fence.

[2][11] Having begun his term as superintendent of the Recreation Department, Melvin Dodge was named the department's director and began the development of the Olentangy Riverfront to create a park with a floating bandshell, amphitheatre, and bike trails.