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First Parks and Recreation Director Honored
The Westerville Parks Foundation's financial assistance program was recently renamed the Richard Rano Financial Assistance Program in honor of the first Director of the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department. Richard “Dick” Rano was a trailblazer who strove to improve the quality of life for all Westerville residents through increased access to City resources.
Rano served the City of Westerville for 30 years and laid the foundation for the Department under the philosophy that everyone should have access to the City’s phenomenal natural spaces, facilities and programs.
Under his leadership, the Parks and Recreation Department was recognized by the National Recreation and Parks Association with the Gold Medal for Excellence in Parks and Recreation in 1974 and 1997. Rano was responsible for the acquisition and/or redevelopment of many of Westerville’s signature parks, including Alum Creek Park North, Boyer Nature Preserve, Brooksedge Dog Park, Hanby Park, Heritage Park and Everal Barn, Highlands Park and Aquatics Center, Hoff Woods, Huber Village Park and Metzger Park. Additionally, Rano was recognized as a Westerville Champion, the City’s highest honor, in 2016.
The Westerville Parks Foundation Financial Assistance Program was established in the 1980s under Rano’s leadership. The program was built upon the idea that all people could have equitable access to the City’s parks and recreation services. After he passed away in June 2023, Rano’s family requested donations to the Westerville Parks Foundation in lieu of flowers. To date, more than $4,000 has been donated, which has been directed to the assistance program.
The newly branded program will help continue Rano’s legacy by reducing or eliminating financial barriers that prevent individuals from living healthy, active lifestyles. Through the program, Westerville residents may receive up to $100 per person or $500 per family per year in support of daily or monthly passes and registration fees.
To learn more about the Westerville Parks Foundation and how to donate to the financial assistance program, visit www.westervilleparksfoundation.org. Visit www.westerville.org/parks to learn about the City’s award-winning Parks and Recreation programs and services, including financial assistance.
