Bennett Farm

The City of Powell is transforming the historic Bennett Farm property into a community park that will preserve the site’s agricultural character while creating new opportunities for residents to enjoy the property.

Located at 2409 State Route 750, Bennett Farm is one of Powell’s significant historic properties. The City purchased the approximately 32-acre property in 2024 with the goal of preserving the land and creating a unique community destination.

The future park will balance historic preservation, open space, recreation and community gathering while maintaining the character that makes Bennett Farm special.

Bennett Farm.JPG

The Process

Transforming Bennett Farm into a public park is a multi-year process. The City is taking a phased approach to planning and development so the property can be thoughtfully evaluated, prepared and improved over time.

In 2026, City Council adopted the Bennett Farm Master Plan, which establishes a long-term vision for the property. The plan was developed with input from the community and identifies potential uses, improvements and preservation opportunities for the site.

The master planning process included extensive public engagement, with more than 1,000 community members participating through surveys, meetings and other opportunities to provide feedback.

The master plan is a roadmap for the property’s future. Individual improvements will still require additional planning, design, funding and City approvals before construction.

Updates

Steps to prepare the Bennett Farm property for its next chapter are underway.

Site Preparation and Cleanup
Site preparation began in August 2026. Initial work includes clearing debris and preparing portions of the property for future improvements. Crews have graded the eastern portion of the property and removed old structures such as garages and a corn bin. Clearing of the south end of the farm for removal and replacement of the existing fence has also been completed.

Historic barn
The historic barn is being carefully evaluated and prepared for disassembly. City Council authorized Frontier Timber Framing to disassemble the barn, allowing the historic structure to be documented and its materials preserved as the City moves forward with the park plan. Scrap materials and manure have been removed from the barn.

Farmhouse
Watson General Contracting was awarded the bid to demolish the farmhouse, with demolition anticipated by late fall. Removing the structure is part of the ongoing site preparation work as the City moves forward with the Bennett Farm park plan.

Multi-Use Path

The City of Powell is developing a new multi-use path along the Bennett Farm property to improve connections between Arbor Ridge Park, downtown Powell and the City's shared-use path network.

The approximately 2,000-foot asphalt path will run along the south side of East Olentangy Street (State Route 750), connecting Bartholomew Boulevard to Arbor Ridge Park. The project includes drainage improvements, grading and other improvements needed to construct the path.

Law General Contracting, Inc. was chosen to complete the project. Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is contributing $200,000 toward the multi-use path from the Recreational Area, Enhancement and Conservation (REALM) program.

The path is an important early step in the development of Bennett Farm. It will provide residents with a new walking and biking connection along the property's frontage while establishing access to the future Bennett Farm park. The City's Shared-Use Path Master Plan identified the connection as a high-priority project.

Conceptual Design Overview

Conceptual Design Presentation

FAQs

What is Bennett Farm?

A 32-acre former sheep farm that was purchased by the City of Powell in 2024.

Where is the farm located?

Bennett Farm is located on State Route 750/Powell Road, about one mile east of Downtown Powell. Arbor Ridge Park is directly east of the property.

What are the future plans of the farm?

The City is collaborating with MKSK on a Parks Master Plan to update Powell’s existing parks assets. This plan is being developed with extensive public input to ensure that the community’s needs and desires are reflected in future projects. As part of the Parks Master Plan, MKSK is conducting a study to evaluate potential uses for the Bennett Farm property.

Plans for Bennett Farms are in early stages but will likely include paths, green space and conservation of history including a Bennett family memorial.

Where did the funds come to purchase the farm?

The resident-approved income tax restructuring in 2021 (otherwise known as Powell 2.0) enabled the City to make strategic acquisitions like this for the benefit of the community.

What's the history of the farm?

Bennett Farm has been a part of Powell’s landscape and history for decades. The city entered the purchase agreement with long-time resident Marjorie Bennett who died in 2023 at the age of 97. Marjorie was married to Willard Bennett, who began the farm. When Williard died in 1991, the Bennett family continued to operate the farm. For decades, the Bennett family raised sheep on the land.

How does this relate to other park efforts?

MKSK conducted a Parks Master Plan to thoughtfully update Powell’s existing parks. This plan is being developed with extensive public input to ensure that the community’s needs and desires are reflected in future projects.

How will the City decide what do to with the farm?

The City has collaborated with MKSK on a Parks Master Plan to update Powell’s existing parks assets. The plan was developed with extensive public input to ensure that the community’s needs and desires are reflected in future projects. As part of the Parks Master Plan, the City conducted a study to evaluate potential uses for the Bennett Farm property.