Florence 2019 Activity Guide

OFFICI A L COMM U NIT Y A ND AC TI V IT Y GU IDE

2 019 O FFICIAL COM M U NIT Y AN D ACTIVIT Y GU IDE

LIVE WORK PLAY

LOCAL SPECIAL EVENTS & CALENDAR

LOCAL SPECIAL EVENTS & CALENDAR

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS, PARKS & RECREATION

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS, PARKS & RECREATION

KEY CITY CONTACT INFORMATION

KEY CITY CONTACT INFORMATION

SUPPLEMENT TO

w w w. b e s t o f n ky. c o m

WELCOME

Message from the Mayor

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elcome to 2019 and the City of Florence! As I prepare for my sixth term serving the community, I am pleased to share with you a quick look at the excellent municipal services we provide as well as a little insight into the plans for our continued success.

We invite you to explore our city— our parks—and our great attractions like our Minor League Baseball team, the Florence Freedom. We believe we have something for everyone, and we hope you get a chance to enjoy it all.

Take a few minutes to read through this magazine and become acquainted with all there is to do. You can get more information about the community and our events at our website (florence-ky. gov), or by following us on Facebook (City of Florence, KY - Mayor’s Office) and Twitter. We also encourage you to

TABLE OF CONTENTS City Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Calendar & Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Parks & Recreation. . . . . . .. . . . . . . 8 Florence Nature Park. . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Economic Development. . . . . . . . . 10 Florence Y’ALL App. . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Main Street. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Community Programs. . . . . . . . . . . 14 Advertiser Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Published in Partnership with

Diane E. Whalen download our City App, Florence Y’All. You’ll find more information about that within this magazine as well. If you need additional information or we can be of further assistance, please call us at 859-647-8177.

Locally, Veteran & Family Owned Publisher & President: Eric Harmon Custom Editor: Corinne Minard Designer: Keith Ohmer Advertising Manager: Laura Federle Sales Executives: Abbey Cummins, Brad Hoicowitz, Rick Seeney

2019 OFFICIAL COMMUNITY AND ACTIVITY GUIDE

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CITY STAFF

City of Florence Staff CITY CLERK Nancy Zeilman 859-647-8144 nancy.zeilman@florence-ky.gov CITY COORDINATOR Joshua Wice 859-647-8177 joshua.wice@florence-ky.gov ASSISTANT CITY COORDINATOR Patricia Wingo 859-647-8177 patricia.wingo@florence-ky.gov CFO/HR Linda J. Chapman 859-647-5413 linda.chapman@florence-ky.gov

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CITY OF FLORENCE

BUSINESS/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Joshua Hunt 859-647-8177 joshua.hunt@florence-ky.gov POLICE CHIEF Tom Grau 859-647-5420 tom.grau@florence-ky.gov FIRE/EMS CHIEF Scott Knoll 859-647-5660 scott.knoll@florence-ky.gov PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR Eric Hall 859-647-5416 eric.hall@florence-ky.gov

CITY COUNCIL Dr. Julie Metzger Aubuchon, O.D. Vice Mayor 859-525-1800 julie.aubuchon@florence-ky.gov Mel Carroll 859-384-1880 mel.carroll@florence-ky.gov Duane Froelicher 859-384-7416 duane.froelicher@florence-ky.gov J. Kelly Huff 513-604-1194 jkelly.huff@florence-ky.gov David A. Osborne 859-371-8132 david.osborne@florence-ky.gov Gary Winn 513-827-9466 gary.winn@florence-ky.gov

2019 CALENDAR

2019 DATES TO REMEMBER JANUARY

APRIL

01. New Year’s Day Government Center Closed 02. Christmas Tree Curbside Pick Up 05. Christmas Tree Recycling @ Stringtown Park 21. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Display

11. Safe Sitter Classes 20. Easter Egg Hunt @ UC Health Stadium 27. Great American Clean Up 29. Spring Clean Up Week @ Tanners Maintenance Facility 30. Aquatic Membership Discount Expires

FEBRUARY 18. President’s Day Display - Florence Government Center

MARCH 01. Student Ambassador Applications 10. Daylight Savings Time 12. Youth in Government Program 13. Youth in Government Program 13. Citizen’s Police Academy 14. Youth in Government Program 15. Safe Sitter Class 21. Gold Wine & Cheese @ WOG* 31. Spring Tennis Clinics through May 18

859-283-2750

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CITY OF FLORENCE

MAY 01. Summer Tennis Clinics 1 May 19-July 6 12. Florence Freedom Season Begins 19. Public Services Week 21. Summer Tennis Clinics #1 21. Florence Public Services Night Out @ Florence Mall 25. Florence Family Aquatic Center Opens 27. Memorial Day Parade & Program Memorial Day Government Center Closed 28. Memorial Day Golf Scramble @ WOG*

JUNE 03. Swim Lesson Session #1 04. Florence Resident Appreciation Night (Mondays) @ WOG* 07. Movie in the Park @ Lincoln Woods Park 10. Swim Lesson #2 11. Police CSI Camp 14. Flag Day 14. Safe Sitter Class 15. Movie @ Aquatic Center 17. Swim Lesson #3 24. Swim Lesson #4

2019 CALENDAR JULY 2. Florence Resident Appreciation Nights @ WOG* 3. Independence Day Celebration @ UC Health Stadium 4. Independence Day Celebration Rain Date 4. July 4th Government Center Closed 7. Summer Tennis Clinics 2 July 7-August 24 7. Family Nights @ WOG*

OCTOBER

08. Swim Lesson Session #5 15. Swim Lesson Session #6 22. Swim Lesson Session #7 24. Summer PeeWee Program (2wks.) @ WOG* 25. Christmas in July @ Aquatic Center 29. Swim Lesson Session #8

14. Fall Clean Up Week 20. Grade, Middle & High School Tournament @ WOG* 29. Halloween Night Out

NOVEMBER

AUGUST 06. Florence Resident Appreciation Nights @ WOG* 06. National Neighborhood Night Out @ Yealey Elementary School 11. Florence Aquatic Center Closes 25. Fall Tennis Clinics August 25-October 12

SEPTEMBER 03. Labor Day Golf Scramble @ WOG* 05. Labor Day Government Center Closed 08. City of Florence Championship @ WOG* 14. Florence Pooch Festival @ Senior Activity Center 21. Florence Arbor Day Celebration @ Orleans Park

04. Daylight Savings Time 11. Veterans Day Program 28. Thanksgiving Day Government Center Closed 29. Aquatic Center Membership Discount Begins

DECEMBER 01. Family Nights (Saturdays) @ WOG* 03. Christmas Tree Lighting Program - Florence Community Plaza 24. Christmas Eve Government Center Closed 25. Christmas Day Government Center Closed *WOG is World of Golf at 7400 Woodspoint Drive.

Live Thoroughbred Racing December - March Simulcast Racing Year Round

On-Site Catering & Group Events 7500 Turfway Rd • Florence, Ky 41042 turfway.com • 859.371.0200 Find us on Facebook & Twitter 2019 OFFICIAL COMMUNITY AND ACTIVITY GUIDE

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RECREATION

Florence Parks Florence Community Plaza 8100 Mall Rd This park is dedicated to those who serve and protect our city and serves as a gathering spot for our annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

Florence Nature Park.

7200 Nature Park Dr This 15.64-acre park features large, granite animals, 2,800 linear feet of paved walking trails and the Evelyn M. Kalb Gathering House. Contact 859-647-5416 for more information or to reserve.

Lincoln Woods Park 1 City Park Dr The 15-acre park features two tennis courts, a basketball court, a rubber-surface playground, two clay infield ball fields, a picnic shelter, grills, restrooms, drinking fountain, wooded area and dirt trails. Call Boone County Parks to reserve the shelter at 859-334-2117.

Orleans Park 8400 St. Louis Blvd Eleven-acre year-round park with a sled hill, playground, bridge, shelter, basketball court, paved walking trail, tennis court, sand volleyball court, restroom, grill, drinking fountain and athletic field.

South Fork Park 9200 South Fork Park Dr Forty-two-acre park featuring an earthen sculpture play area, nautical-themed playground with two age-appropriate play structures, swing set, sand volleyball court, basketball court, frisbee golf, pedestrian bridge, 2,720 linear feet of bike path, natural wooded and meadow areas, shelter, grill, drinking fountain and parking lot.

Stringtown Park 7340 Burlington Pike Eight-acre park featuring two play structures, exercise stations, basketball court, sand volleyball court, cornhole sets (bring your own bags), shelter, grill, seat wall, paved walking trail, benches, restroom, drinking fountains, open green space and parking lot.

Florence/Boone County Skate Park 8100 Ewing Blvd This 22,000-square-foot park is designed for in-line skates, roller blades and skateboards.

Niblack Memorial Park 7431 U.S. 42 The Florence Senior Activity Center is located on the 4.5-acre neighborhood park, which also features a walking trail.

Florence Family Aquatic Center 8200 Ewing Blvd When summer arrives, the Florence Family Aquatic Center is the place to be. Located on 4 acres on the Florence Government Center

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campus at 8200 Ewing Blvd., it is more than just an average swimming pool. There is a lazy river, 25-meter competition pool, two spray ground areas, spiral and speed slides and zero depth pool with shade shelters, lockers, sunbathing deck, giant funbrellas, concession stand and family restrooms.

Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Admission is available through the purchase of a season membership or daily admission. Take advantage of the 15 percent discount until April 30, 2019.

Shelters and concessions are sold during pool hours. Two shelters are available at a cost of $15 for two hours or $25 for four hours. Party packages are available. Birthday cakes are permitted. Call 859-647-4620 or check out the menu at florence-ky.gov. No coolers allowed and no refunds provided.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS Join us as we celebrate the holidays at the Aquatic Center with music, games and entertainment.

Aquatic Center Opens: May 25 Memorial Day: May 27 Movie Night: June 7 Independence Day Celebration: July 3 Christmas in July: July 25 End of Season Splash: August 11 For more information, visit florence-ky.gov.

PARKS & RECREATION

Florence Nature Park is Renovated and Refreshed

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he Florence Nature Park Project has completed the first phase of renovation, which consisted of remodeling the existing Evelyn M. Kalb Gathering House by making site improvements to the property. The interior of the Gathering House included a new wood beam ceiling, tile flooring, windows, relocated and renovated bathrooms, and an expanded and remodeled kitchen area.

The exterior included a new deck, roof, siding, sidewalks, reconstruction of exterior bathrooms and landscaping. Reservations are now being accepted for 2019.

The second phase is coming in the fall of 2019. Located within the heart of the Florence Nature Park, surrounded by soaring trees and wildlife, is a stunning new event center which is now under

construction. This unique nature setting will provide guests with a venue capable of hosting weddings, social events, award ceremonies, team building exercises, corporate gatherings and more.

The Event Center will accommodate: • 134 guests for a seated corporate event

This versatile event center meets a demand in the community and will quickly become known for its lofty ceilings, stone façade and craftsman Kentucky feel. The city will announce the grand opening of the event center to the residents once it has been completed and we are ready to accept reservations. ■

• 100 guests for a seated wedding event • 134 guests for a seated outdoor lawn corporate or wedding event (tent not included) • 118 parking lot spaces

7 DAYS A WEEK

Boone County

www.boonecountyfarmersmarket.org | (859) 586-6101 2019 OFFICIAL COMMUNITY AND ACTIVITY GUIDE

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Business Community Continues to Grow and Expand

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he City of Florence business community continues to benefit from both expansion within its existing core and an influx of new enterprises. The opportunities for growth and job creation are diverse, ranging from distribution and manufacturing to the food and retail industries.

During the State of the City address in June, Mayor Diane Whalen stated, “Our excellent climate for business growth and development has attracted large investments in our city, and that has allowed us to maintain and improve our community without a tax increase. Year-to-date for 2018, we have 117 approved occupational licenses for new businesses opening in Florence. Nine new hotels and two new distribution centers alone have provided a capital investment of approximately $95 million. Combine that with the addition of Menard’s and Bosch Automotive improvements and the investment increases to more than $205 million.”

Below are some of our most recent successes: • Menard’s - home improvement super center • DB Schenker - logistic supply chain management and distribution company • Wayfair - world’s largest ecommerce furniture store, with its first retail outlet

• Comfort Suites - 82 rooms • Hilton Home 2 Suites - 109 rooms • Stay Bridge Inn - 89 rooms with expect- ed completion in spring 2019 • Fairfield Inn & Suites - 91 rooms with an- ticipated completion in spring 2019

• Tru Hotel - four-story, 45,000-square- foot hotel at Vandercar Way • Holiday Inn Express - 93 rooms and four stories • Towne Place Suites Marriott - 101 rooms and four stories • Becoming Mom Spa & Ultrasound - at 7665 Mall Road • Zoup - a fast-casual soup restaurant concept at 7753 Mall Road • Five Below - where everything is $5 and under • Noah’s Ark Animal Clinic - 7025 Burlington Pike

Business Retention & Expansion A healthy and vibrant local economy depends on the well-being of local businesses. Although the City of Florence has experienced an emergence of new development in the last five years, business retention and expansion is the foundation of effective economic

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CITY OF FLORENCE

development. Existing businesses and local workforce are key barometers of a community’s economic health.

The city recently implemented a Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program. This is part of Mayor Whalen’s vision to encourage dialogue with the existing city businesses.

“A number of the jobs that have been created over the last year were created by our current companies and business owners who have chosen to expand, or by our existing business owners who have chosen to open a second business within the city,” says the mayor. “We count on the success of our existing companies, and so our retention and expansion efforts are in place to help them expand and grow. It is important that we keep them in the know with the city’s long-term vision and mission. We want to make introductions for workforce development, other industry leaders, and let them know what’s happening at the state level to help them stay competitive.”

Florence is fortunate to have many successful entrepreneurial businesses with longevity in the city. Understanding the changing environment of retail provides us the opportunity to discover any challenges they may encounter.

We are here to listen to and research the concerns of our businesses and help to determine any improvements we need to make to help reach the goals of our community. This will allow the city to design the economic development strategies for existing business as well as new development. A strong BRE program ensures that relationships are forged, and that the needs of local businesses are not only heard, but addressed. An open and continuing dialogue is important to improving the business climate for everyone. ■

TECHNOLOGY

NEW APP Provides Great Service at Your Fingertips

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lorence Y’ALL is a real-time, free mobile resource provided by the City of Florence.

Using location-based technology with the option to include a photo or video, the platform allows the public to conveniently communicate non-emergency issues directly to the city from their smart devices.

From streets to parks, water to sewer, code enforcement and more, Florence Y’ALL is a convenient way to report a problem and monitor the progress as

your city staff works on a solution.

Additional App features include public services projects, city news and events, city department information, online utility payments, staff directories, advisories and alerts, employment opportunities and feedback.

Engage with the Florence Y’ALL App and be part of our vision of “Better Services, Better Community.”

App is available for download on Google Play and the App Store. ■

2019 OFFICIAL COMMUNITY AND ACTIVITY GUIDE

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COMMUNITY

Main Street: Past, Present and Future

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lorence’s Main Street is our city’s most significant remaining identifying feature of our past. It guides us to look to our future by remembering what has always been important to our community. Main Street is truly the original heart of the city. It is where it all began. It holds our history, reflects the development of our community, shares our values and exemplifies how we are defined.

Main Street—the curvilinear street that once housed the city building, hotels, restaurants, bars, churches, grocers, blacksmiths, shops and residences—remains the same curvilinear street it was when platted in 1820. The buildings have changed since then and the street is paved, but when you look closely you will still find pieces of our distant past and a living reflection of our development as a city. Take a look around Main Street and the immediate area and you will find quite a few buildings built between 1840 and 1890. The next prominent period of construction occurred in the 1920s and 1930s followed by many new post-WWII homes being built on the surrounding streets.

And, as frequently happens, new buildings replaced some of the old buildings.

Main Street was the convergence of Covington, Lexington and Union Pikes and thus became the first stagecoach stop on the road from Covington to Lexington. The small city struggled to find a name, at times being called Pole Cat, Crossroads and Connersville, and has been affectionately known as Stringtown on the Pike, but it was officially incorporated as the City of Florence in 1830.

When the town was platted streets were named for famous Kentuckians such as Governor Isaac Shelby and Governor James Garrard, or were logically named, examples being Center Street because it was in the center of town or Locust Street because of all of the lo12

CITY OF FLORENCE

Florence Deposit Bank

COMMUNITY

Florence Hotel, then (LEFT) and now (RIGHT) cust trees. All the amenities the town required were focused on Main Street.

And so it remained well into the 1960s. But, as the city grew, so did the focus of Main Street as the heart of the city, and gradually activity shifted to other areas of town. New uses for existing buildings became commonplace.

Favorite drug store soda shops moved, grocers closed and people moved away.

Even as new development promised to revitalize the street with shops and of-

fices, Main Street continued to struggle to maintain its identity.

As we entered the new millennium, the city invested considerable resources to upgrade the aesthetics of the street.

Repaving was completed and new curbs and sidewalks were installed, as were landscaped medians. Utilities were moved, streetlights were installed and banners were hung. A brief boost in activity occurred following this investment, but Main Street still finds it chal-

lenging to restore itself as a community destination.

Commitment to our past, present and future encouraged the city to continue to work toward the revitalization of Main Street. And now, interest in the original heart of the city is growing. The beat is getting stronger as businesses and residents recognize the unique nature of the street. The sense of place and history that Main Street provides is becoming more important as residents look to find a gathering place that can connect them to that history.

The city is reinforcing its efforts to assist in the revitalization of Main Street through the implementation of a comprehensive program. By working with residents and businesses to guide the process, a plan will be forged to incorporate additional aesthetic improvements, programming, marketing and economic development efforts focused on the reinvigoration of Main Street.

Main Street is clearly on the verge of a new beginning just a few hundred years after it all began. ■

INDEPENDENT LIVING • Spacious private apartments – 5 individual floor plans • Screened porches, patios and Bay windows • Housekeeping and Maintenance provided • Cable TV provided • Scheduled social activities, clubs and outings • 24 hour Emergency communication in each apartment • Local transportation • Staffed Wellness Center

My New Kentucky Home….at Colonial Heights and Gardens!

• 2 Well-prepared Meals Daily in our Dining room • Carports Available / Ample Extra Storage • Over 17 Acres in a Park-like setting

LICENSED PERSONAL CARE/ ASSISTED LIVING/MEMORY CARE • Spacious Private apartments – 5 individual floor plans • Assistance with Bathing, Dressing and Grooming • Medication Administration • Private, Nurturing Environment for Memory Impaired • Scheduled social activities, clubs and outings • 3 Well-prepared meals and Snacks daily • Laundry, Housekeeping and Maintenance Service provided

6900 Hopeful Road Florence, KY 41042 www.colonialhg.org 859-525-6900

• Ample Storage

The Lifestyle you Deserve.

The Value you Expect.

Call for a Tour Today 859-525-6900 TDD 800-545-1833 ext 359 2019 OFFICIAL COMMUNITY AND ACTIVITY GUIDE

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COMMUNITY

Community & Environment Programs Forms indicated in the descriptions below can be downloaded from our website at florence-ky.gov where you will also find a program description or you can contact the Florence Government Center for more information at 859-647-5416.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Safe Sitter (Babysitting) class March 15, April 11 and June 14 Florence Government Center 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Teens 11-15 develop their leadership skills working with younger children and infants in this six-hour class. Lunch is not provided. Classes are limited to 12.

The fee is $40 per student. Each student receives a course completion card, Safe Sitter Bag, flashlight, note pad and workbook, bandage dispenser and snacks.

Youth in Government March 12-14 Florence Government Center This program provides an opportunity for students from Boone County elementary schools to learn about local government.

The mayor, city officials and city departments provide information on the local government process and legislative duties of local government.

CSI Camp June 10-14 Location TBD This popular camp features hands-on training in the art of crime scene analysis and collection. Open to youth ages 12-14.

Letters of interest accompanied by a teacher recommendation must be submitted.

Tennis Clinics

Citizens Police Academy March 13-May 1 Location TBD Participants learn firsthand from the Florence Police Department about traffic violations, searches, interviewing suspects and other topics.

Florence Student Ambassador Program March 1 Teens entering grades 6-12 can participate in the youth leadership program where they will represent the city and our community at city-sponsored events and various Northern Kentucky events. The teens can enhance their profiles through community service, public speaking, government operations and exposure to community organizations. Applications are available.

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CITY OF FLORENCE

Spring Session, 7 weeks, March 31-May 18 Summer Session I, 7 weeks, May 19-July 6 Summer Session II, 7 weeks, July 7-August 24 Fall Session, 7 weeks, August 24-October 12 Registration forms will be sent through the schools and copies available in the lobby of the Florence Government Center or on the city’s website at florence-ky. gov. Register for clinics directly through tennis professional Tom Kolenich.

Swim Team Summer: Monday-Thursday Florence Family Aquatic Center The eight-time winner of the Northern Kentucky Swim League (NKSL) Championship Meet, the Florence Hammerheads (ages 6-18) is open for membership. Must be a member of the Florence Family Aquatic Center, a Kentucky resident and able to swim the length of the pool. Cost is $40-$50.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS

Great American Cleanup April 27 Please help us keep Florence beautiful by volunteering to collect litter along the roadsides of our city and receive a t-shirt and lunch for your efforts.

Spring Cleanup April 29-May 5 As a Florence resident, you can eliminate clutter by bringing your unwanted trash and debris (excluding hazardous waste) to the Public Services Maintenance Facility at 7850 Tanners Lane for disposal M-F 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Annual Leaf Collection Mid-October thru Mid-December Our annual Leaf Collection Schedule for city residents can be found on our website. Just look up your street name and there will be three dates for pickup.

Fall Cleanup Week October 14-20 Florence residents can bring in unwanted debris for disposal at the Public Services Maintenance Facility at 7850 Tanners Lane.

Christmas Tree Pick Up & Recycling January 2 After the holidays, the city offers curbside tree pickup or residents can bring their tree to Stringtown Park for mulching.

ADVERTISER INDEX

Advertiser Index 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arlinghaus Heating & Air

15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Full Throttle Indoor Karting

9. . . . . . . . . . . . . Boone County Farmers Market

7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greater Cincinnati YMCA

4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boone County Schools

11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heritage Bank

6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CMC Property Management

6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilton Cincinnati Airport Hotel

3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commonwealth Bank & Trust

Back Cover. . . . . . . . . . . Smokin’ This and That

13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colonial Heights & Gardens

7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turfway Park

4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florence Freedom

13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wiseway Supply

2019 OFFICIAL COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS GUIDE

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