The park was developed by
Nationwide Insurance after demolition of the
Ohio Penitentiary, which occupied the site and surrounding area from 1834 to 1998. The park was originally known as Arena Park, and was renamed for Nationwide's then-retiring chairman Dimon R. McFerson in September 2000. McFerson Commons neighbors
Nationwide Arena and
North Bank Park. The park's open lawn space is used for family sports and events. Events hosted in the park include: The arch was moved from its original site during demolition, which began at 6 pm on Friday, October 22, 1976. By 6 pm on the next day, a temporary restraining order secured by the
Ohio Historical Society halted the demolition. The order noted that improper procedures were followed in planning its demolition. Battelle then allowed the historical society 120 days to remove the remaining remnant of the demolition, the single arch left standing; Battelle offered no funds to help preserve or move the arch. In 1999, the arch moved to its current location. A set of decorative cherubs and medallions topped each of the ends at the top of the arch; the pieces were removed and placed in storage during the move to McFerson Commons, and have not been restored atop the arch since then. ==See also==