Franklin County • December 23, 2024
Good morning, Franklin County. Move over, Whetstone – Schiller Park is reclaiming its crown as Columbus' favorite green space, proving that sometimes the classics never go out of style. This German Village gem has been collecting accolades like kids collect fireflies on its summer lawns, marking its third win in four years. And speaking of local favorites getting dethroned, Columbus' dining scene is experiencing its own plot twist.
While Schiller Park maintains its reign, the restaurant world is witnessing a changing of the guard as newcomer Agni rises to the top spot, shaking up the established order. Meanwhile, Grove City residents are getting a taste of something new with Freddy's Frozen Custard bringing their signature steakburgers and creamy treats to town. It seems 2024 is already serving up plenty of delicious changes.
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🌳 Schiller Park claims Columbus' top park crown for second straight year. The German Village greenspace beat out nine other parks in Columbus Underground's annual reader survey, with Whetstone/Park of Roses and the new Quarry Trails Metro Park rounding out the top three. The historic park's popularity stems from its versatile offerings, including outdoor performances, dog-friendly areas, and family-friendly playgrounds. This marks a return to form for Schiller Park, which has dominated the rankings in recent years, having also won in 2021 and 2022 before briefly losing the crown to Whetstone in 2023.
🍽️ New Indian hotspot Agni dethrones longtime Columbus restaurant favorites. The relative newcomer, which opened in summer 2023, has quickly risen from #7 to claim the top spot in Columbus Underground's annual reader-chosen restaurant rankings. Chef Avishar Barua's creative culinary journey has earned widespread acclaim, with critics praising his innovative approach and artistic sensibilities. The top 10 list showcases a diverse mix of Columbus dining, featuring established names like Lindey's and The Refectory alongside fresh faces like Kitchen Social and Cobra. This changing of the guard marks a significant shift from previous years when Chapman's Eat Market dominated the rankings from 2021-2023.
🍦 Popular Kansas-based burger joint brings frozen custard craze to Grove City. Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers has opened its newest 2,477-square-foot location on Buckeye Parkway, featuring indoor seating for 70 guests plus additional patio space. The fast-casual chain, which launched in 2002, has grown to over 500 locations across 36 states, with this marking their 22nd Ohio restaurant. Known for their lean steakburgers topped with "famous seasoning," the menu also includes hot dogs, shoestring fries, and freshly churned frozen custard. Customers can visit the new location seven days a week, with extended hours on weekends until 11 PM.
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
vs Lincoln | L 5-2 | |
@ Dublin Coffman | L 2-1 | |
@ University School | W 3-2 | |
@ Findlay** | W 4-2 | |
vs Walsh Jesuit** | W 3-2 | |
@ Padua Franciscan** | W 8-0 | |
@ Dublin Coffman | L 5-0 | |
vs Worthington Kilbourne | W 5-0 | |
@ Dublin Jerome | L 4-3 | |
vs Thomas Worthington | W 2-1 | |
@ St. Xavier | W 9-1 | |
vs Dublin Coffman | W 4-3 | |
@ Olentangy Orange | L 4-2 | |
@ Thomas Worthington | W 5-2 | |
vs Olentangy Orange | W 5-3 |
| Team | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
vs Independence | W 64-54 | |
vs Eastmoor Academy | W 58-53 | |
vs Linden-McKinley | W 50-46 | |
@ East | L 61-54 | |
Centennial Stars | ||
@ Mifflin | W 58-49 | |
@ Northland | W 70-24 | |
@ Northside Christian** | L 46-39 | |
@ Columbus International | W 63-24 | |
vs Beechcroft | W 61-54 | |
@ Briggs | L 64-54 | |
@ Beechcroft | L 50-46 | |
vs Centennial | L 58-49 | |
vs Central Crossing | L 51-38 | |
@ Columbus International | W 64-41 | |
vs West | L 67-47 | |
vs Walnut Ridge | L 54-44 | |
vs West | W 58-46 | |
@ Marion-Franklin | W 67-47 | |
@ South | L 58-46 | |
@ South | W 54-44 | |
vs Africentric Early College | L 57-56 | |
vs Marysville | L 68-62 | |
@ Eastmoor Academy | W 59-48 | |
@ Walnut Ridge | W 57-56 | |
@ Thomas Worthington | W 61-42 | |
@ Olentangy Orange | L 46-36 | |
vs Westerville Central | W 69-57 | |
@ Marysville | W 72-68 | |
vs Africentric Early College | L 61-42 | |
vs Hayes | L 77-40 | |
@ Big Walnut | L 61-25 | |
@ Olentangy Liberty | L 55-46 | |
vs Minford | L 63-59 | |
vs Grove City | W 57-52 | |
vs Dublin Coffman | L 64-52 | |
vs Olentangy | W 69-61 | |
@ Hilliard Davidson | W 64-52 | |
vs Olentangy Berlin | L 42-37 | |
@ Westland | L 75-63 | |
@ Westerville Central | L 56-47 | |
@ Thomas Worthington | L 69-57 | |
vs Lincoln | W 56-47 | |
vs Westerville South | W 87-55 | |
@ Westland | W 80-25 | |
@ Hilliard Davidson | L 57-52 | |
vs Pickerington North | L 75-55 | |
@ Westerville North | L 87-55 | |
@ Hayes | L 71-56 | |
@ Mifflin | W 51-38 | |
@ New Albany | L 45-24 | |
vs Wellington School | W 73-38 | |
vs Whitehall-Yearling | L 65-57 | |
vs Logan | W 83-58 | |
@ Groveport-Madison | W 62-56 | |
vs Central Crossing | W 45-24 | |
vs Bloom-Carroll | W 42-37 | |
vs Bishop Ready | L 71-55 | |
@ Grandview Heights | W 65-57 | |
vs Newark | L 64-37 | |
@ Teays Valley | L 55-54 | |
@ Kenton Ridge | L 68-44 | |
@ North Union | L 58-39 | |
vs Lehman Catholic | L 44-28 | |
vs East | L 63-24 | |
vs Mifflin | L 64-41 |

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But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:31