A PASSION FOR PARKS & RECREATION

Imagine the sounds of basketballs bouncing on the courts at Hannah Park. Envision the sights of children playing on the swings at Friendship Park. Close your eyes and smell the freshly mowed grass on the soccer fields at Shull Park.

The City of Gahanna Department of Parks & Recreation works hard to provide outdoor spaces and recreational activities that contribute greatly to Gahanna’s overall quality of life, encourage residents to come together, and create opportunities for children and adults alike that both educate and entertain.

“It’s a job we take seriously,” said Parks and Recreation Director Stephania Ferrell. “Our residents depend on us to create and sustain spaces and programs where their families can make memories for years to come.”

When most residents think of Parks and Recreation, the City’s trails, playgrounds, pools and community events typically are first to come to mind. Yet, the work of the Department extends far beyond what most residents see.

This dedicated and passionate team of professionals maintain more than 750 acres of parkland and open spaces that include 42 city parks, 17 playgrounds, a municipal golf course, and a Level 1 Arboretum. In addition to taking care of more than 20 miles of trails, the Parks & Rec staff operates and maintains two aquatic facilities, and provide youth and adult programming through the Gahanna Senior Center, summer camps, and year-round programs and classes.

For the members of the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation – many of whom are Gahanna residents themselves, their responsibilities are more than a job –they are a passion.

A resident of Gahanna for more than 20 years, Parks Foreman Jim Ferguson has worked in the City’s Parks & Recreation Department for 17 years. In his role, he oversees all of the parks ground crews in mowing and trimming the City’s parks and open spaces, as well as special event planning and set up. He views his job as an opportunity to combine his loves. “Besides getting to work outside, I get to make a difference every day in my community,” he noted.

As Forestry Supervisor for the City, Julie Predieri’s passion for nature and the outdoors eventually led her to pursue a career in forestry and wildlife. Being able to improve her community in the process was an added bonus.

Growing up in Gahanna, Predieri loved to be outside and in Gahanna’s parks. “I’ve always loved nature, animals, and trees,” she said. “Gahanna’s parks wouldn’t be the same without trees. Many residents even have their own personal favorite tree. They’ve got a special connection with our woodlands and it’s important to them and to me that we keep the trees healthy.”

For other members of the City’s Parks & Rec Department, participating in recreational programs as kids growing up in the community helped to shape their eventual career paths.

Nichole Butler similarly has fond memories of exploring Gahanna Parks as a kid. She grew up in the Woodside Green neighborhood and often visited Woodside Green Park, where she and her friends would build forts in the woods, play on the playground, climb trees, and fish in the pond. Her first job was with the Department as a camp counselor, which later grew into a role as a seasonal camp coordinator. Butler now supports the Department as Administrative Coordinator, where her love of Parks & Recreation motivates her every day.

Like Butler, Lauren Gregory initially was hired by the City as a camp counselor. She was drawn to that position because she loves working with youth and always loved summer camps. “When I was at camp,

I witnessed firsthand how we provided an amazing summer experience for the campers.” Her success in that role led her to become the Recreation Coordinator over Senior and Adult Programs for the City, where she sees firsthand the impact of her Department’s work. “Now I get to see how our programs help build a sense of community to a lot of seniors who may have lost someone… It is very rewarding to help them make those connections.”

The passion for Parks and Recreation even extends beyond the men and women who work within the department. Ruthie Elgin is a dedicated member of the Senior Center who looks forward to participating in events . At 90 years young, she plays bridge, Wii bowling, and participates in various game days and special events.

“I have a ball! The Senior Center is a blessing,” Elgin said. “Just come to Gahanna. Live in Gahanna and you will not regret it.”