By Betty Blockinger, Rosalie Hendon and Michele White T The Columbus (Ohio) Recreation and Parks department's Whetstone prairie project became the key to unlocking community support for their parks and building new partnerships. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N .O R G | D E C E M B E R 2 02 0 | PHOTOS COURTESY COURTES OF COLUMBUS (OHIO) RECREATION AND PARKS he Columbus (Ohio) Recreation and Parks staff take the department's mission to heart: " To connect the people of our community through the power of nature, wellness and creativity. " The Whetstone prairie project, our only restored prairie in the city, became the key to unlocking community support for our parks and building new partnerships. It also proved to be a perfect example of how we could activate our core mission by bringing the lasting benefits of nature to our residents through sustainably managing the unique resources of our park system. Parks & Recreation 35