Iuka Ravine

Iuka Ravine Historic District

The original Iuka Run was enclosed in a culvert in the early 20th century and Iuka Avenue was build on top of the former stream bed. An intermittent stream forms in Iuka Park during heavy rain events and joins the historic stream after running into storm sewer inlets. The City of Columbus Sewer atlas shows a 72 inch storm sewer tunnel roughly following the historic path of Iuka Run, until it reaches Woodruff Avenue where it joins the rest of the city stormwater system and flows down Woodruff Avenue toward a storm outfall on the Olentangy.

Iuka Run used to flow from the Linden Area, through the vicinity of Indianola Middle School, through the current Iuka Ravine Historic District, past Indianola Presbyterian Church, and onto the OSU Campus. At one time, it was one of several streams that fed the body of water that became Mirror Lake. Iuka Avenue runs through the ravine, providing access to vehicles and pedestrians.

Iuka Avenue

The riparian corridor is good throughout the park, with single and multi-family housing and along area roadways. Plantings of native species within Iuka Park have been funded by ComFest grants in the past, but more native trees may be desired in Iuka Park. Some banks of the former streambed are eroding due to nearby pavement runoff. A neighborhood clean up of this area may be desired, as litter sometimes accumulates in Iuka Park and around the Indianola and Summit Avenue bridges. The neighborhood is listed on both the Columbus Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places.