Spring 2021
DEVELOPMENT NEWS, LEVEL ONE ARBORETUM, + PARKS AND REC EVENTS Cover: Beehex + Jim Grote built something special
This quarterly publication is provided by The City of Gahanna UNIQUELY GAHANNA - SPRING 2021
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UNIQUELY GAHANNA - SPRING 2021
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Contents C OV E R S T O RY BEEHEX + GROTE PARTNERSHIP HELPS TECH COMPANY REACH NEW HEIGHTS
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IN THE KNOW 8 NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT
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GAHANNA BRIDGES + LIONS LOCKER
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LEVEL ONE ARBORETUM
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PARKS & RECREATION
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ON THE COVER:
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DEVELOPMENT NEWS
BeeHex Employees / Photo by James D. Decamp
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Published by Media Group, Inc. on behalf of the City of Gahanna. Ads in this publication are sold by 614 Media Group, Inc. Ads are not necessarily endorsed by the City of Gahanna.
FROM THE MAYOR
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elcome to the City of Gahanna’s new magazine, Uniquely Gahanna! Keeping you—our residents and stakeholders— informed and engaged is a priority for us. This newest communication tool expands our ability to connect with you in an easily accessible manner and provide you with the information that you want and need. Each quarterly magazine will share details on upcoming recreational programming and events, provide news on projects underway around the City, and highlight unique and inspirational stories of the great work being done by our Gahanna businesses and residents. In 2021, our City focus will be on rebuilding our foundation to ensure our long-term success given the significant growth expected throughout the Central Ohio region over the next 20 years. Our efforts in
#BuildingCommunityTogether will include investing in the largest street maintenance program in our City’s history, pursuing smart economic development and job creation, and adopting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely) to guide city services and projects. Yet while we look to the future, we also must take time to enjoy the present. With over 750+ acres of parkland, over 20 miles of trails, a new splash pad coming later this summer, the opening of a Level 1 Arboretum at Creekside Park, and CORA in full swing in the Creekside District, residents and families have many amenities to enjoy and explore around our city. Spring is recognized as a season of rebirth, renewal, and regrowth. After a year of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and battling adversity,
we are ready for a season of restoration. The spring months carry much hope as students return to school and restrictions begin to lift. Gahanna has remained strong and resilient as ever, and we look forward to the promise of what 2021 may bring.
CALENDAR
May 1
May 2-8
May 8
HERB DAY 9a.m.–2p.m. @ Veterans Memorial Park (73 W. Johnstown Rd.) Celebrate the greenest day of the year in the Herb Capital of Ohio! Shop a large variety of herbs and plants at Gahanna’s Veterans Memorial Park. Presented by Visit Gahanna and the Ohio Herb Center. OhioHerbCenter.org
HERB'N RESTAURANT WEEK Select Gahanna Eateries Celebrate Gahanna's title as the Herb Capital of Ohio with herb-infused dishes and cocktails from signature restaurants + eateries. Dine-in or carry out decadent entrees, desserts, and cocktails that are exclusively available for Herb'n Restaurant Week! Facebook.com/VisitGahanna
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION: ARBORETUM RIBBONCUTTING Creekside Park (117 Mill St.) Join the City of Gahanna Parks & Recreation Department for the unveiling of the new Creekside Arboretum, featuring a large variety of unique plants and trees. Gahanna.gov
June 4
June 19
DRIVE-IN MOVIE SERIES 9–11p.m. @ Headley Park Enjoy a cinematic experience under the stars! Reserve your spot early online (space is limited). $20 per ticket per car—advanced sales only. ExploreGahannaParks.com
CREEKSIDE GLOW RUN 7–10p.m. @ Creekside Park & Big Walnut Trail Join the Glow Run fun under a near-Full Moon. The path will be lit up with themed surprises along the way. Each participant will receive glow products to wear. Glow attire is encouraged! All levels of runners and walkers are welcome. The event will not be timed, so go at your own pace! $10 per person. ExploreGahannaParks.com
UNIQUELY GAHANNA - SPRING 2021
L AU RIE JADWIN • M AYOR
Mayor Laurie Jadwin presents the Virtual 2021 State of the City. City leaders, local business owners, and Gahanna residents will talk about the adversity of 2020, how our community responded, and why a brighter future is in focus for 2021.
SIDE NOTE
These events are tentative, subject to change and will be held pending any new COVID-19 advisories or mandates. Social distancing and appropriate safety measures must be observed.
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-Laur ie J adw in
Parks & Rec Hiring Pools and Camps are OPEN this summer, and Parks & Rec season hiring is in full swing! These jobs are great opportunities to build your resume, work outside, and network with your peers. Scan now to get started.
New Parks & Trails Map Gahanna Parks & Rec has a new Parks & Trails Guide available to help you navigate our amazing natural resource areas. The City of Gahanna is home to 750+ acres of beautiful parks and trails for you to explore! Enjoy the journey by scanning the QR code below.
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Monthly Water Billing Makes Debut City of Gahanna utility customers will soon be receiving their water bill monthly. The three-month rollout will be complete by June. Monthly bills will be mailed at the beginning of each month and will be due on the last business day of that same month. There are real advantages to monthly billing over quarterly billing, according to Grant Crawford, Director of Public Service and Engineering. “For many residents, budgeting smaller monthly payments is easier than larger amounts four times a year,” he said. “With monthly billing, bills will be received around the same time each month, and the due date will always be the last business day of the month. Another benefit to receiving a bill every month is the ability to review your usage on a consistent basis, which is helpful in detecting a leak when unusual usage occurs.” ← To find out more, scan the QR code.
Smart911: Saving Lives + Critical Time in Emergencies Smart911 allows individuals to create a Safety Profile for their household by visiting smart911.com or using the Smart911 App. The Safety Profile should include any information the subscriber wants the 9-1-1 and response teams to have in the event of an emergency. When a citizen makes an emergency call, their Safety Profile is automatically displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker, allowing them to send the right response teams to the right location with the right information. Gahanna Division of Police Chief Jeff Spence stated that Smart911 is an opportunity for Gahanna’s residents to provide critical, life-saving information directly to dispatchers. “This is a free service offered to our residents that will greatly enhance our response to residents in times of emergency. The system saves time, which saves lives,” he said.
SWACO: Feet On The Street Impactful Recycling Education to Combat Contamination Over the last two decades, Central Ohio residents and communities, including Gahanna, have embraced recycling. One of the biggest challenges with recycling is unintended contamination. Placing non-recyclable items in your recycling cart can cause processing problems at the recycling facility, increasing processing cost and jeopardizing curbside recycling programs. “Cart Tagging” has proven to be an impactful way to educate residents and reduce contamination by providing direct feedback on their recycling behaviors. Please take a minute to respond to the survey about your current recycling habits. This information is an important part of the Feet on the Street program coming to Gahanna this spring, in partnership with SWACO, The Ohio State University, The Recycling Partnership, Good Land, and the Ohio EPA.
← Scan to take the survey.
CORA: Springtime Comes to Creekside → Creekside Outdoor Refreshment Area (CORA) is just six months old, but she’s already making a name for herself. CORA, which officially kicked off this past October, allows people to walk within designated boundaries with an alcoholic beverage purchased from participating establishments. Many of the restaurants located in the Creekside District are seeing an increase in foot traffic and are excited about this spring season. Take in the beauty of Creekside and enjoy time with friends and family this spring! The hours set for CORA are 3-11 p.m., MondayWednesday, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday -Sunday.
← To learn more about CORA, scan the QR code.
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NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
BillGO Comes to Creekside BillGO, an award-winning financial technology company based out of Fort Collins, CO, is set to move to Creekside this spring. The company will bring 50 jobs to the area, and will move into 101 Mill St. BillGO was founded in 2015 by Dan Holt, CEO, and Kelly Seidl, CTO and provides secure, realtime payment options to address the need for modern and centralized digital options for consumers.” BillGO currently serves more than 8,000 financial institutions and more than 30 million customers. We are excited to welcome them to the heart of Gahanna, the Creekside District. For BillGO, who has doubled their employee count in 2020, Creekside Gahanna was the perfect fit for their growing business. “BillGO was attracted to Gahanna because of its family friendly environment, beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, and the opportunity it offers for business growth,” said Holt. Attracting smart economic development has been a key focus for Mayor Laurie Jadwin since taking office in January 2020. “Creekside is a place of vibrancy and vitality where people gather, meet, and spend time,” Jadwin said. “Adding new employees in the Creekside District will continue to add to the energy of the area and is in line with our focus of pursuing development opportunities that make sense for our community.” The addition of the new technology company in the heart of the City also is a step in the right direction for job creation in Gahanna—a key focus for the City.
Dan Holt, Co-founder & CEO of BillGO ↑ Photo from BillGO Facebook
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DEVELOPMENT NEWS
↑ Crescent Campus Moving Ahead Real estate developer Larry Canini, of Canini & Associates, is bringing forward the second phase of The Crescent at Central Park, a multifaceted development located adjacent to Hamilton Road near Tech Center Drive. Both residential and commercial components of the project have made progress in recent months and are steps closer to construction. Gahanna City Council recently approved a zoning and variance application for residential buildings on the property, owned by the Buckles Family, which will encompass a 14.4-acre portion of the undeveloped parcel. The most recent council action allows the developer to build much needed housing in the area, which will support future jobs located on the same campus.
The overall vision for the Crescent at Central Park—a mixed-use campus incorporating residential, medical offices, retail, and hotel services—will begin to come to fruition when the site work on another medical facility begins later this spring. Final development plans for Walnut Surgical Suites, a private surgical center, were recently approved by the City’s Planning Commission. The 7,200 square-foot facility, which will be constructed just north of Tech Center Drive on Buckles Court North, will house about 15 employees and will be run by a local group of physicians. The center will complement the already existing medical buildings in the area, the Walnut Creek Wellness Center and Central Ohio Urology Group. Larry Canini, who has deep roots in Gahanna, stated
that this campus-style development is perfect for the growth in healthcare demand in the marketplace. “The entire project will provide a vibrant setting for all types of businesses. With great visibility from both I-270 and Hamilton Road along with the proximity to John Glenn International, this project will have many uses and will benefit the community as a whole,” Canini said. He added that amenities with the residents in mind are an integral part of the overall campus design. “Plans to expand Pizzurro Park, expand the leisure trail connections within the City, and preserve usable green space is important to the success of the project,” Canini said.
← Wright-Patt Credit Union Lands a Gahanna Branch Gahanna is excited to welcome Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) to Gahanna this summer! This 7,200 square-foot facility will bring 20 jobs to the area and will serve as only the second location on the east side of Columbus. The location will offer drive-through service and nightly depository services. Todd Elliott, Columbus Market President for WPCU, stated that along with providing traditional services like basic transactions, loan services, and financial coaching, the Gahanna branch has more square feet to utilize, which will be used to provide a greater purpose for the community. “The Gahanna branch of WPCU will have a community room and meeting space that will allow us to provide financial education seminars for our members and the community, as well as provide space for local businesses to use for hosting small events and meetings,” he explained. WPCU is the largest credit union in Ohio, with more than 400,000 members who live, work, or attend school in Southwest and Central Ohio. Welcome to Gahanna, WPCU!
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RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT
The Lundquist Family Six years ago, when Nate and Whit Lundquist were searching for a community to call home for their family and business, only Gahanna met all of their needs. “We loved the smaller community size and how involved Gahanna is with its residents,” Nate Lundquist said. “We’ve lived other places and it feels like, sure the town knows you’re there—but that’s about it. In Gahanna it always feels like the city is knocking on your door and asking you to come out and play.” The Lundquists had been planning to start an urban farm for about a year before the pandemic, but their work with content creation projects (film, advertising, etc.) kept them busy. When COVID-19 hit, much of that work disappeared. With extra time on their hands and an awareness of the community need for locally grown produce, they focused on how they could serve the community. That’s how MicroGiants was born. “Our family was working on living healthy—especially during the pandemic, and we wanted to help reconnect people in our community with healthy food,” Nate said. “Now, MicroGiants brings farming close to home and delivers fresh, local, organically-grown greens directly to customers every week, year-round.” “We just feel connected to the people here. We don’t feel like we live in our little plot of land in isolation from everyone else,” Nate said. “Gahanna is invested in the thriving of their residents and families.”
Learn more about Nate and Whit at MicroGiants.co or find their products at Gahanna Farmers Market.
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s the “Herb Capital of Ohio” and home to the Ohio Herb Center, Gahanna celebrates its herb’n roots with events, classes and trails to appeal to anyone with or without a green thumb. The 2021 annual Herb Day event will move from its traditional location at Creekside Plaza to Gahanna’s Veterans Memorial Park (73 W. Johnstown Rd.), and will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 1. Hosted by Visit Gahanna and the Ohio Herb Center, and sponsored by Tina Wedebrook, Re/Max Connection, the event will include a large plant sale with special offerings. Garden enthusiasts can pre-order plant bundles that include pollinator, culinary & sensory plants. Additionally, the event will feature vendors showcasing central Ohio artisanal products.
OHIO HERB CENTER Unable to attend the Herb Day celebration? Visit the Ohio Herb Center to take advantage of its educational resources including year-round classes and workshops for all ages. The Center is located at 110 Mill St. in the historic Nafzger-Miller House. It includes a gift shop with locally made products, as well as a parlor and kitchen used for classes, parties, meetings and rentals. Upcoming classes include: •Basic Gardening Maintenance, April 17 •Permaculture Basics, May 8 •Summer Skincare, May 22 •Herb Craft: Herb Garland, May 27
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HERB'N RESTAURANT WEEK / HERBAL COCKTAIL TRAIL Savor herb-infused dishes and cocktails from signature Gahanna restaurants and eateries May 2-8 during Visit Gahanna’s Herb’n Restaurant Week. Dine-in or carryout decadent entrees, desserts, and cocktails that are exclusively available for that week only. Enjoy dishes, drinks and desserts from 101 Beer Kitchen, Local Cantina, Lola & Guiseppe’s, Crafted Culture, Sexton's Pizza, Wyandotte Winery, Arepazo and more! Pick up one of Visit Gahanna’s Herbal Cocktail Trail passports at the Visitor Center or any of the six partner establishments, and chart your herbal cocktail adventure. Enjoy delicious cocktails crafted seasonally by local partners, while earning passport stamps for each cocktail purchased. Earn six stamps and score an Herbal Cocktail Trail Flask. Go to VisitGahanna.com to learn more.
Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival Moves to September Blues and Jambassadors rejoice! Visit Gahanna has announced that the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival® (CBJF), Gahanna’s largest signature event, is planning to return Sept. 17-19. The annual event will be in the fall, as opposed to its traditional third weekend in June, to allow more time for vaccinations and to ensure safety protocols are in place. (The 2020 Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival® was canceled due to COVID-19.) Visit Gahanna will work closely with the Ohio Department of Health, Franklin County Public Health, and the City of Gahanna to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place for the event. With Governor DeWine’s recent announcement that new protocols for fairs, festivals, and parades will be shared soon, the team at Visit Gahanna is confident that the Festival will be able to proceed, albeit with a modified look to accommodate COVID restrictions. Planning is still in process and additional details will be released soon. According to Lori Kappes, Executive Director for Visit Gahanna, the CBJF steering committee is implementing several changes to this year’s event, which include a modified footprint to best manage crowd capacity, two live music stages, and pre-event online admission sales.
↓ Soul Kitch'n Band Photo by Paul Molitor / The Portrait House
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→ Anjan Contractor The brains behind BeeHex
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Jim Grote’s partnership with BeeHex helped the Gahanna-based tech company reach new heights By Sarah Sole / Photos by James D. Decamp
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t’s fitting that pizza was what connected Anjan Contractor to Donatos founder Jim Grote. Contractor, who co-founded food manufacturing supply company BeeHex with Benjamin Feltner in 2015, said that in its infancy, the start-up company was focusing on 3-D printing pizza for parties, to capitalize on the novelty. Grote saw the demonstration for himself. BeeHex’s 3-D printer produced fresh, 3-D printed dough. The pizza had sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, and Grote was ultimately swayed. “That was pretty impressive,” he said. Contractor was looking for investors, and that’s when Grote jumped on board. “That’s when we formed a 50-50 partnership,” he said. While Grote’s partnership with BeeHex began with pizza, the relationship has ultimately led to so much more. Headquartered in Gahanna, BeeHex is one of many businesses that call the EDGE Innovation Hub home. Grote founded the EDGE in 2019 with his son, Tom, and Craig Turner, who serves as Executive Director. The campus was founded to supply research and development, and counts Donatos among its eight partners, as well as Grote’s food processing equipment business, the Grote Company. The common thread, Grote said, is that the partners focus on the latest technology. “Really, we’re about the future of food,” Grote said. It was the future of food that spurred Contractor on a path that ultimately led to the founding of BeeHex.
"Really, we're about the future of food" Contractor previously worked for a NASA subcontractor, partnering with another scientist on a grant-funded mission to personalize astronaut nutrition using 3-D printing technology. The first phase covered—you guessed it—3-D printed pizza. But after the second phase didn’t receive funding, Contractor decided to go his own way, using $45,000 of his own personal funds to launch BeeHex. As part of Grote’s investment in 2017, BeeHex was provided an office space in Gahanna, and eventually became part of the EDGE Innovation Hub when it was later founded in 2019. → UNIQUELY GAHANNA - SPRING 2021
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↓ Jim Grote Dontatos founder
And while 3-D printing pizza was a way for BeeHex to get some media attention as a start-up, the company ultimately branched out. And it was Grote who helped provide the connections for that diversification. “Jim is a very interesting individual,” Contractor said. “He’s a dreamer; he’s very passionate about new technology.” Grote helped him connect with other engineers to help shape BeeHex, Contractor said. BeeHex worked with Donatos and Grote executives to explore what products BeeHex could produce to meet the market demands. A conversation with Cheryl’s Cookies about the limitations involved with cookie decoration proved to be a pivotal one, as it led to more conversations with other dessert decorating companies. The result? BeeHex built 3-D decorating equipment and is now selling it to bakeries worldwide. Contractor hasn’t abandoned his nutrition endeavor first begun with NASA, either. BeeHex is currently working with the U.S. Army to design a product line of machinery that produces personalized nutrition bars for soldiers. The business also briefly pivoted because of the pandemic, producing plastic face shields from March to May of last year. Contractor said the ecosystem at EDGE has definitely aided in BeeHex’s growth, connecting the business with food producing and food equipment experts easily. “It’s a food ecosystem,” Contractor said. The EDGE campus, he said, has tremendous potential. “This is just the start,” Contractor said. ♦
↑ Anjan Contractor at BeeHex
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GAHANNA BRIDGES + LION'S LOCKER TEAM UP TO HELP THOSE IN NEED By Sarah Sole
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hen Gahanna Middle School reached out to Gahanna Bridges this past September for help securing beds for three middle school students who were stuck sleeping on lawn chairs, the nonprofit organization jumped into action. Ron Smith, who heads up Gahanna Bridges and serves as Director of Business Development for umbrella organization Neighborhood Bridges, said he put an alert out on the Gahanna Bridges network to get the word out. The response was swift. “Within eight minutes, I had three twin beds that I could deliver to the family,” Smith said. With community organizations in Alabama and Ohio, Neighborhood Bridges connects people with services or resources to those in need of them. Gahanna Bridges also works closely with the Lion’s Locker Pantry, started by Gahanna Lincoln High School staff members to provide food, toiletries, school supplies, and other items to PreK-12 students in Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools. Gahanna Jefferson high school teacher Marcie Aiello said she and fellow high school teachers Ryan Callihan and Tracy Dyckman started Lion’s Locker about five years ago after seeing a need for students to have immediate access to school supplies, food, and toiletries. “Gahanna Bridges is able to assist with larger needs than we can provide through Lions Locker. For example, when a family experiences a fire —Bridges is able to rally additional community and business donors to help with furniture, appliances, etc. Lions Locker addresses short-term, immediate needs for students and their families so they don't have to wait. Then we provide a connection to additional community resources when there are additional needs.” “We have a fantastic community here,” she said. ♦
To learn more or to help support these organizations, visit @lionslockerpantry and @gahannabridges on Facebook.
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LOTS OF LEAVES
Gahanna’s new Creekside Arboretum is a space to explore and learn. By Sarah Sole
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ature enthusiasts don’t have to travel far to discover a new adventure, courtesy of the City’s Parks & Recreation Department.” Explorers can find the Creekside Arboretum, a levelone certified collection of 40 different species of trees, tucked within Creekside Park’s 3.5 acres (located at 117 Mill St.). “We wanted it to be somewhere that people could easily access,” said City Forester Julie Predieri. The space was accredited by Arbnet, part of the Morton Arboretum in the Chicago area, Predieri said. To achieve level-one arboretum certification, 25 labeled species of trees are required, a threshold reached prior to the start of the project. Creekside Park, adjacent to Gahanna’s Creekside entertainment district, is one of the City’s most heavily used parks, Predieri said. Those shopping or enjoying dinner can visit the park, play in the creek, and now, wander through a botanical garden of trees. While the city designed the space to be explored at a visitor’s leisure, the Parks & Recreation Department is also planning a more formal educational opportunity. Predieri said they plan to hold a grand opening with tours on May
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8, in celebration of Arbor Day. “We hope to continue offering tours a few times each year into the future,” she said. Exploring the park at different times of the year will give visitors the opportunity to see the different characteristics of the trees, Predieri said. The City has installed signs near each tree, listing common and scientific names. Additionally, the signs feature QR codes for visitors to scan if they’d like to learn more about a particular species. When determining the types of trees to include in the park, the City focused on species that could thrive in flooded areas, since the low-lying area is prone to that, Predieri said. The goal is to continue to plant in the area. While some of the trees are native to the region, others are native to Asia, she said. “We did try to focus on Ohio trees,” Predieri said. The smallest labeled tree is probably six feet in height, while the tallest is at least 70 feet in height, she said. Larger trees are likely more than 50 years old. “There’s a big age range in what we have labeled,” Predieri said. Most of the trees are close to paved trails in the park.
← Gahanna's new Creekside Arboretum features 40 different species of trees
Visitors will find a variety of oaks, and other species including Eastern Cottonwood and American Sycamore, she said. Stephania Ferrell, Gahanna’s Director of Parks & Recreation, said watching the project evolve into a new attraction that will enhance the park and draw visitors has been exciting. “It was an amazing feeling to be a part of that,” Ferrell said. Time and effort were needed while creating the arboretum, due to its educational importance, she said. “The arboretum provides a new, natural educational hub for the community,” she said. While visitors can learn the scientific names of the trees they see, they’ll also be able to enjoy some impressive aesthetics. Although the arboretum is located in the middle of the City just minutes from I-270, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in nature, enjoying the serenity. “It’s a really cool space to take a walk and just get some fresh air, momentarily stepping away from your busy life,” she said. ♦
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PARKS & RECREATION 20
Parks & Recreation events and programming will be held pending any new COVID-19 advisories or mandates. Social distancing and appropriate safety measures must be observed. Many of our camps and programs have been modified due to restrictions. For additional program information and registration links, visit ExploreGahannaParks.com or call (614) 342-4250.
ACTIVE SENIORS
AQUATICS
The Gahanna Senior Center (480 Rocky Fork Blvd.) offers programs for adults, ages 55+. Although the Center is currently closed due to the pandemic, there are still many opportunities to stay engaged. Take part in events like the Spring Fling (May 12) and enjoy a catered lunch, live music, and games. Try your luck during the Senior Center’s Parking Lot Bingo events, or hone your golf skills as part of the Senior Golf League. Monthly “Lunch and Learn” programs (currently offered virtually), are a great way to discover what’s happening in the community. A NEW Walking Club offers members the opportunity to get outside each week, with excursions to different parks.
Gahanna Pools will be open this summer! A limited number of daily time slots will be available. Online reservations are required. Membership is encouraged. The Gahanna Aquatics team will follow CDC guidelines for operating pools and will take necessary precautionary measures. Gahanna Aquatics is proud to offer a variety of American Red Cross Babysitting, Lifeguarding, Water Safety Instructor, and Lifeguard Instructor courses—with both online and in-class portions. (Certification Courses included.) Build your water safety skills and/or learn to teach swim classes for children and adults. Visit Gahanna.gov/aquatics-2 to register for classes and review the new safety protocols that will be in place at Gahanna pools this summer.
Learn more at Gahanna.gov/SeniorCenter (614) 342-4265.
CAMPS Students will learn to interact with others, gain problem solving skills, develop both independence and teamwork, think and act beyond the self, connect with nature, and remain intellectually engaged while staying safe, keeping active, and having FUN! Note: Programs have been modified from typical operations to align with all Ohio Department of Health COVID-10 requirements. To learn more, call (614) 342.4250 to request a copy of the Camp Safety Plan or visit www.Gahanna.gov/Camps.
Gahanna Parks & Rec Summer Day Camp (Ages 5-12)
Summer Sports & Activity Camp
Activities include arts & creativity, sports & games, outdoor education, team building, and character education. Programs are based outdoors in Gahanna parks.
Bally Sports Group provides this active and fun summer camp experience, introducing campers to a different sport each week. Camp will also feature traditional activities including camp games, nature walks, trivia, and more.
(Ages 6-12) Presented by Bally Sports Group, LLC
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Summer Recreation Club & NEW Recreation Teens Club (Ages 5-12/Ages 13-15)
During enrichment experiences in Gahanna parks, pre-teens and teens can enjoy activities like nature exploration, games, arts & crafts, and more. Days, times, and locations vary; Registration required.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
Moonlight Paddles (Adults/Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult)
Experience a summer evening like never before, as you enjoy a kayak paddle under the stars. Certified instructors will provide a Paddling SmartStart introduction to kayaking. Solo or tandem kayaks, life vests, and paddles will be provided, and guides will assist participants along the float. Offered monthly during warm weather months. For guidelines and registration information, visit ExploreGahannaParks.com.
Paddle Gahanna There’s no better way to explore Gahanna than by kayak or paddle boat! Book your rental online and paddle the Big Walnut Creek at your leisure. Online bookings required. Discover the wildlife and quiet solitude of Creekside Park or Friendship Park while paddling. Book online at www.PaddleGahanna.com.
Outdoor Explorers Series: May Flowers Hike (7 p.m., May 6) Take a spring walk and learn to identify different flowers, their importance to the ecosystem, and more. To learn more, visit ExploreGahannaParks.com.
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RECREATION + SPORTS
Bally Sports Group
Amazing Athletes of Central Ohio
Edington Family Fitness
Bally Sports Group (BSG) is a youth sports programming company composed of educators, prospective teachers, coaches, former athletes, and sports management students that specialize in providing quality youth sports programs and camps through partnership with various community organizations across central Ohio. Gahanna Parks & Rec is proud to partner with BSG in offering these summer programs:
Amazing Athletes use sports as a catalyst to meet the needs of the whole child through non-competitive, sports-based fitness classes designed to advance each child’s individual motor-skills and inspire future participation in physical activity.
These virtual fitness classes are led by Coach Shellie Edington. A master CrossFit Games World Champion, Shellie participated in the CrossFit Games 5x from 2013 to 2017 and founded Tumblin4Kids in 2000.
Amazing Tots (Ages 18 months-2.5 years) A guided, discovery-based program with structured physical activities tailored to toddlers.
Fitness with Shellie for Adults
Little Sluggers T-Ball
Amazing Athletes (Ages 2.5-4/5-6 years) An introduction to 10 different sports.
Fit Kids (Ages 4-5/6-10/Virtual) A virtual athletics class with an all-inclusive physical preparedness program that is age-appropriate and fun!
(introduction to the game of baseball for ages 3-4)
Minor League – Coach Pitch Baseball
(6-6:45 a.m. Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri./Virtual)
Workouts consist of joint mobilization, full body warm up, and strength development.
(Ages 5-6)
Mini Soccer Stars
New in 2021 Invictus Fitness–Gahanna Parks
(Ages 3-4/5-6/7-9)
Combine Strength Training exercises with cardio movements in a 60-minute Metabolic Conditioning Workout. All abilities welcome. Visit ExploreGahannaParks.com to learn more.
↑ Photos from each organization's Facebook pages
FACILITY RENTALS Plan your gathering at one of Gahanna’s beautiful parks with rentable spaces at Hannah Park, Friendship Park, Woodside Green Park, and the Geroux Herb Garden. The Gahanna Senior Center and Golf Course Clubhouse are great venues for hosting indoor gatherings and events. Call (614) 342-4250.
GOLF Gahanna Municipal Golf Course challenges golfers of all abilities to play the scenic 9-hole course located along the Big Walnut Creek. Open from March–November (weather permitting), the course hosts league play on weekday mornings and evenings throughout the season. Tee times are required and can be booked online. For membership rates and information, go to: Gahanna.gov/Golf
UPCOMING EVENTS • Earth Month DIY Activities: (April) Get outside with some fun, FREE do-it-yourself Earth-themed crafts, scavenger hunts, and activities! • National Bike Month: (May) Cycle with friends or family! • Drive-In Movie Summer Series: (9 p.m. June 4) Headley Park. Advance registration required. $20 per car. • Gahanna Story Trail Opening: (June 4) Friendship Park. Gahanna Parks, Columbus Metropolitan Library, and GahannaJefferson Schools collaborate to unveil the 2021 Story Trail! • Concert in the Park Summer Series: (3 p.m. June 12) Headley Park. Live music at the gazebo! Advance ticket purchase required. $10 per car. • Creekside Glow Run: (7 p.m. June 19) Creekside Park. Join the Glow Run fun under the stars. All levels of runners and walkers are welcome. $10 per person. • Outdoor Adventure Days: (1 p.m. June 27) Friendship Park. $5 per person.
Or call (614) 342-4270.
UNIQUELY GAHANNA - SPRING 2021
To learn more or register for these events, go to: ExploreGahannaParks.com
UNIQUELY GAHANNA - SPRING 2021
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UNIQUELY GAHANNA - SPRING 2021
