Inside 43215: Downtown Lifestyles
MOTHER NATURE INVADES DOWNTOWN
Well, well, well, Happy Earth Day. It’s time to celebrate the planet’s environment, so let’s hear it for air conditioning, sunscreen and water filtration systems. After centuries of existence on this planet, we finally have the environment completely under control.
That’s a misnomer about urban life: it’s devoid of Mother Nature. Perhaps the misconception has been earned by other cities, but it’s far from the truth in Columbus. Integrated amongst the downtown landscape are no fewer than thirteen parks, and on more is on the way: The Scioto Mile.
Last week’s groundbreaking ceremony for The Scioto Mile launched a $38 million project that will transform the riverfront into a dynamic, fountain-laden destination for festivals and recreation. It’s a real park with real grass and real water and real bugs. It’s Mama Nature in all her glory.
Mother Nature is prevailing in small ways too. Urban gardens are cropping up everywhere, especially on Gay Street. Liz Lessner, owner of Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails has been very busy this year designing her business’s rooftop garden. The plans include giant flowering vines that will dangle down over the front of the restaurant. That’s where the natural invasion starts; Lessner predicts the grand outcome, “There will be an occupational hazard of falling flowers into patio dwellers food and drinks, but we think it’s worth the risk!”
Agreed.
