Serenity Space speaks to a new voice on Cleveland Ave
- Kaleb Duarte
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
If you've ever passed by the newly renovated Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) Linden Branch, there's a chance you've seen a lone gazebo under the shadow of the library from across Kenmore Rd. As it sat guarded by a low brick wall, grass, weeds, and grime have slowly reclaimed what was once an old community park, and with it, remnants of a community's vision for a brighter Linden.
As the land bank set its eyes on the site, America Community Facelift Corp (ACFC), a local neighborhood beautification nonprofit, saw the 1/4 acre plot of grass for what it was: an opportunity. To transform such a large space into a community oasis was a tall order, however. That was, until 11 teenagers showed up on the site with shovels, paintbrushes, and a plan to make their vision a reality.
During the summer of 2026, the CoLab Studio, the NDC's flagship internship program for high schoolers, undertook the challenge of returning this once-loved park to an oasis for the community. Over 7 weeks, these 11 paid interns would learn about design, imagine a space using their newfound skills, and implement their ideas with their own hands. What resulted was a journey that will shape these young leaders forever.
"This will be brought down another generation... If I've ever been taught about doing hard work, it's here. It's really here."
Mark L., CoLab Studio 26 Intern
Alongside ACFC and the CML Linden Branch, site improvements were built included a fresh gravel path, new plant beds with native pollinators, a little free library, a community notice board, seating, yard games, and even a 20' shipping container to host a future mural and stage structure. Visitors to the site will be welcomed by a 9' tall 11-segment arch, signed by each of its creators.
"It really empowered me in a way. It made me feel like I was capable of something"
Aatika A., CoLab Studio 26 Intern
The work to transform this site wasn't easy. For three weeks under the hot July sun, interns were digging, planting, painting, assembling, and more. Despite the physical challenge, the interns share that the efforts were worth it. While reflecting on her experience as an intern this summer, Nuurto M. shared: "The heat killed me, but I still felt like I was doing something good. That's what I want to do. I want to make other people feel happy, and that makes me feel happy."
Although the CoLab Studio is a design-build intensive, the curriculum stretches far past a single design challenge. Throughout the program, interns were taken on guided tours of their neighborhood to explore the historical and contemporary inequities that shaped their built environment. They met with real architects, artists, planners, and more at their offices, gaining a slice of what it would be like to one day become a design professional. Offices such as Meyers + Associates, Designing Local, and EDGE opened their doors to share their impactful work, while Blockfort and Dipped Custom Prints offered a glimpse of what entrepreneurial success as an artist might look like. Ohio State's Knowlton School and School of Design connected the interns to resources to pursue higher education and prepare for college applications.
"I didn't really see a future in becoming an architect or a drawer or a painter. But now I realize there's more to architecture than just drawing."
Abe S., CoLab Studio 26 Intern
In the end, the interns developed something that is nothing short of abundant in the Linden community: Pride.
"I want this place to be somewhere where kids can have a great future. They can bring memories. And they'd be like: 'Oh, when I was a kid, I saw all these people working hard, digging, and digging. Using all the strength to make this place look really good.' And thinking of that, it makes me really emotional, actually," shared Danilsa P. Anjana M. shared a similar takeaway: "A lot of neighborhoods don't have a lot of opportunities, which I realized from this park. I really wish to help neighborhoods like this later in the future through programs like this, and I really appreciate that I got the chance to do that."
Youth are uniquely positioned to address the ailments of our neighborhoods. As the perception of inner-city youth frequently positions them as public liabilities, the CoLab Studio challenges this narrative by positioning them as assets. For the past four years, the CoLab Studio has invested in over 43 youth to become champions for a brighter future in their communities. To some, Serenity Space is one of the many impactful beautification projects that have appeared along Cleveland Ave. Although the end of a CoLab Studio results in a transformed space in our built environment, the real client was never a space at all, but the youth who inhabit it.
"When you truly invest in something, anything could look beautiful as long as you put a lot of effort and a lot of time into it."
Mark L., CoLab Studio 26 Intern
Visit the Serenity Space at 2217 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43211.
Learn more about the Youth CoLab, CoLab Studio, CoLab Engage, and CoLab Bridge, and support the program below.