This summer, fun was found throughout the Discovery District. For the third year, the Discovery SID brought the Topiary Park Summer Movie Series featuring from-book-to-film favorites. This update on the drive-in movie brought families downtown once a month to enjoy movies based on popular children’s and young adult’s novels under the stars. Community partners included Columbus Metropolitan Library, Discovery Civic Association, Friends of Topiary Park, State Auto Insurance Companies, Motorists Mutual Insurance Company and Gateway Film Center.

Each event included free popcorn and activities, and guests were encouraged to bring a picnic or enjoy food from a food truck on hand. Though the weather was not always cooperative, attendance at the event grew from last year. With added sponsorship partners, the overall cost to the SID decreased this year.

Discovery SID was also a proud sponsor of PBJ and Jazz concert series also in Topiary Park. This daytime, family-friendly event introduces jazz music to a very young audience.

Reaching out to a little different demographic, Discovery Beach offered a spot to pick up a game of beach volleyball and enjoy a sandy beach in the middle of the urban jungle. The court was also available for special events, with Grass Skirt Tiki Room and Hills Market there to provide pre- and post-game refreshments. Getting into the spirit, CCAD students created a parklet in the area. Discovery SID continues to support Discovery Beach, which helps to activate and support the area and its businesses, and intends to bring the beach back again in 2017.