About
Us
The Park is an oasis of hope that honors those who have advanced social justice while shining a light on the work that continues today. The Park is open to all, regardless of beliefs and views, who come with open minds and seek understanding of diverse interests and values and to promote the common good. It is a safe haven for those feeling oppressed as well as a starting point toward a better future.
In this place, members of the community can come together and explore paths to social justice through art, education and constructive dialogue. Social Justice occurs when a caring community seeks to empower the oppressed, obtain equality for all, and lift the dignity of humans.
In its downtown location, the Park interrupts the hustle and bustle of city life with beauty and meaning. The Pathway of Justice is made from bluestones meandering through the Park, each etched with a quotation that offers a reflection on social justice or guidance on achieving it. Other features of the Park include public art installations with the focus of social justice, educational programs, and special exhibits. In these ways, the Park brings awareness to and fuels action for social justice issues.
Rather than advocating specific positions on major social concerns, the Park promotes awareness, understanding and engagement.
The Story of the Park
A timeline of reflection, community, and the pursuit of justice.
The Legacy of Washington Gladden
1836–1918
Washington Gladden served for 36 years as minister of First Congregational Church and became one of the most influential leaders of the Social Gospel movement.
A champion of workers’ rights, racial equality, and civic responsibility, Gladden believed that faith and public life should work together to promote justice and dignity for all people. His legacy helped shape Columbus’s long tradition of social justice leadership. Learn more about Washington Gladden.
The Future Park Site
Late 1900s - early 2000s
Before becoming a public gathering space, the site at Broad Street and Cleveland Avenue served a variety of purposes, including home to the Platt family residence, the Byers auto dealership, and later a parking lot for First Congregational Church, UCC.
The location, in the heart of downtown Columbus’s Discovery District, would eventually become the ideal place for a Park dedicated to reflection and dialogue about social justice.
The Vision Begins
2016
A decision by Nancy Jeffrey helped to launch the creation of a new public space dedicated to social justice. On the death of her husband, Robert H. “Tad” Jeffrey, she and many others made gifts to the early concept of the Park. Tad’s great grandparents were deeply connected to Washington Gladden and First Congregational Church, and Gladden’s teachings were evident at the Jeffrey Manufacturing Company, where workers were respected and provided employee benefits in keeping with Gladden’s teachings.
With support from community partners and First Congregational Church, UCC, plans began to create what would become the first social justice park in the United States.
Groundbreaking
March 27, 2018
Community leaders, artists, and advocates gathered to break ground on the new park.
Speakers and performers included Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens, Tracy Ross, Nannette Maciejunes, Tom Katzenmeyer, Council Member Brown, Renee Wormack-Keels, Alina Craig, Tom Brownfield, and the Fort Hayes Jazz Duo.
Construction began on an 18,000-square-foot space designed to invite reflection and community engagement.
Construction
2018
Designed by Charlie Weaver of Architectural Gardens, Inc. and Mark Schieber of Schieber and Associates, the Park was created as a peaceful refuge within the city.
Key features include:
A recessed bluestone plaza designed as a quiet gathering space
The Pathway of Justice, with engraved quotes and Morse-code-inspired design
Garden terraces with 43 trees and landscaped seating areas
A large mural wall for rotating exhibits and public art
Together, these elements create a space that encourages reflection and conversation about social justice.
Park Dedication
October 28, 2018
More than 300 community members gathered to celebrate the opening of the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park. The Columbus Social Justice Pioneers Exhibit was the first mural installed in the Park at the time of its grand opening in October 2018. The temporary exhibition was displayed until May 2022 and highlighted significant events and leaders that depicted the early social justice history in Central Ohio (late 1800’s and early 1900’s). The dedication featured remarks and performances from civic, religious, and cultural leaders including Mayor Andrew Ginther, Council President Shannon Hardin, Rabbi Harold Berman, Imran Malik, Yvette McGee Brown, Dr. Melanie Corn, and poet Sara Abou Rashed.
The Park officially opened as a new public space for reflection, learning, and dialogue.
Our Single Garment of Destiny
2021
A major sculpture installation by Adriana and Julian Voss-Andreae was added to the park.
Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, the sculpture depicts a group of figures standing together. From one angle it appears solid; from another, nearly invisible.
The work reflects the idea that individuals are connected and that many people facing injustice often go unseen.
Social Justice Legends Mural
2022
The Park’s mural wall became home to the Social Justice Legends installation, honoring approximately 157 leaders connected to the ongoing pursuit of justice.
The exhibit also features key themes and ideas associated with social justice movements, continuing the Park’s mission of education and reflection. Learn more about the Legends.
A Living Space for Dialogue
Today
Today, the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park serves as a place where people gather to learn, reflect, and engage in conversations about justice and community.
Through art installations, educational programming, and special events, the Park continues to explore the ideas and values that shape a more just society.
Our Supporters & Sponsors
The Washington Gladden Social Justice Park exists thanks to the generosity and vision of many donors, community partners, and supporters. Their contributions make it possible for the Park to serve as a place where people gather to reflect, learn, and engage in dialogue about social justice.
The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Columbus, Ohio, is the sponsor of the Park. The Park reflects the church’s commitment to social justice, a principle of its faith. The Church has dedicated 18,000 square feet of its property for the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park and has provided leadership and support for the Park’s development.
Honoring Tad and Nancy Jeffrey
The creation of the Park was made possible through the leadership and generosity of Tad and Nancy Jeffrey. Their support helped bring to life a vision inspired by the teachings of Washington Gladden and the longstanding commitment of First Congregational Church, UCC to social justice.
An endowment established through the Tad and Nancy Jeffrey Fund of The Columbus Foundation helps ensure the ongoing care of the Park and its landscape.
We are deeply grateful to the many individuals and organizations whose support continues to sustain the Park and its mission. Beginning in 2026, our annual reports will include all of our generous annual donors.