Downtown Optimist Park

About Downtown Optimist Park

This small neighborhood park is located in central Columbia on the southeast corner of Grand and E Forest Avenues. It has a non-reservable shelter, playground, swingset, and half basketball court. The privacy fence on the south end of the property has a mural. This art project led by Jabberwocky Studios in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation CARE Program  who gathered community input and inspiration, designed and painted a mural in the park to reflect the neighborhood’s unique culture.

Park amenities

Activity areas

  • Basketball Court
  • Playgrounds

Picnic areas

Park history

Year Property Acquired: 1973
Purchase Price: Donated
Acquired From: W. H. Gaitor
Donated To: City of Columbia
Dedication Date:

Downtown Optimist park was originally on school property at Hickman High School. The park consisted of a small building, playground equipment and barbecue grills. The building was used for selling Christmas trees and other club activities. The park was a neighborhood park. When the school needed the outdoor space, the park was moved to the present location. This property was originally neighborhood property dedicated as park land. However, when the City paved the adjoining streets, the neighborhood deeded the property to the City in exchange for the tax bills. Some of the playground equipment from the original Optimist Park was moved and the City provided additional equipment. The Optimist Club has assisted the Parks and Recreation Department in the development of the park, as well as providing recreation activities for the youth of the community.

A park renovation was completed in 1990 with funds from the Community Development Block Grant.

The park was renovated again in 2015, replacing the shelter and playground and other improvements.

Downtown Optimist Mural PaintingIn 2017, a mural was painted on the wood fence on the south end of the park. The art project was led by Jabberwocky Studios in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation CARE Program who gathered community input and inspiration, designed and painted a mural in the park to reflect the neighborhood’s unique culture.  This park mural, along with other murals in the tunnels along the MKT Trail, are intended to beautify our community, develop young artists, and deter vandalism by discouraging graffiti.

Capital improvement projects and council items

year completed project description council items
2015 Downtown Optimist Park Improvements: Shelter and playground replacement, ADA improvements View Council Item
2017 Fence Mural (by Jabberwocky Studios and CARE Program)