South-Western City Schools welcomes Randy Banks to superintendent role
Inside: After school programs Lions Club anniversary HVAC program at academy
To be great is to be misunderstood. April 12 - Sept. 1, 2025
Feb. 28-March 16
Little Theatre Off Broadway presents And Then There Were None
Little Theatre Off Broadway 3981 Broadway www.ltob.org
Fri., March 7, 21 and April 4, 18
American Red Cross Blood Drive
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.redcrossblood.org
Sat., March 1, April 5
Grove City Masonic Lodge Community Breakfast
8-10 a.m.
Grove City Masonic Lodge No. 689 3558 Park St. www.grovecity689.org
Sat., March 15
Grove City High School Band Craft and Gift Bazaar
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Grove City High School 4665 Hoover Rd. www.gchsbands.org
NEW!
Winter Farmers’ Market
Featuring themed activities for kids.
Sat., March 1
Women’s History Month
Sat., March 15
Saint Patrick’s Day
Sat., March 29
Hoppin’ into Spring
Sat., April 12
National Pet Day
Do you have an event you would like to submit?
Send details and photos to rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.
March 21-April 20
Grove City Bunny Hunt www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., March 22
Keep Grove City Beautiful Cleanup
8 a.m.-noon
Areas across Grove City www.grovecityohio.gov
Sun., March 23
Grove City Chamber Singers Spring Concert
3:30 p.m.
Grove City United Methodist Church 2684 Columbus St. gcchambersingers.wixsite.com/ gcchambersingers
Mon.-Fri., March 24-28
Spring Break – South-Western City School District www.swcsd.us
Sat., March 29
Gardens at Gantz Farm Symposium
*Registration required 8:30 a.m.
Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.gantzgardens.com
Thur.-Sun., April 3-6
Grove City High School Drama presents Mamma Mia!
April 3-6: 7 p.m.
April 5: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Grove City High School 4665 Hoover Rd. www.swcsd.us
Thur., April 17
South-Western City Schools’ All Show Choirs Showcase 7 p.m.
Grove City High School 4665 Hoover Rd. www.swcsd.us
April 18
No School – South-Western City School District
Good Friday www.swcsd.us
April 18-May 4
Little Theatre Off Broadway presents Jane Eyre the Musical Little Theatre Off Broadway 3981 Broadway www.ltob.org
Sat., April 19
Bike with Mayor Ike
9 a.m.
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., April 19
EcoFest
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., April 26
Operation Medicine Drop
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Jackson Township Fire Department 3650 Hoover Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov
I’m thrilled to share some wonderful news: the new RecSchool building at Gantz Park is nearly ready! By the time this issue comes out, the beautiful 3,400-square-foot space will open its doors, bringing RecSchool back to the park and nature-centered setting that makes it so special.
This isn’t just a new building – it’s a labor of love and a tribute to the history of Gantz Park and the historic red barn that once stood there. While the original RecSchool barn is gone, its spirit lives on in the new space, blending the charm of the past with thoughtful modern features for our young children to explore and grow.
During construction, RecSchool classes continued uninterrupted at the Kingston Center, a temporary location that kept the program going strong. Thank you to our team of incredible Parks and Recreation teachers, staff and families who adapted beautifully, ensuring the hands-on, nature-focused learning that defines RecSchool remained constant. Now, as we prepare to move back to Gantz Park, all are looking forward to creating new memories in this extraordinary space.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the RecSchool program, which originally held classes in several churches before moving to Gantz Park in 1988. The well-loved and in-demand preschool opportunity for children ages 3 to 5 heavily incorporates the natural environment as a key part of the learning experience. Providing more families with access to this sought-after program, the new building allows us to increase RecSchool enrollment capacity from 78 children to 108 per week, and provide space for additional programming, such as the popular PlayTots toddler/parent program.
Inside, the building is thoughtfully designed with two well-equipped classrooms and a versatile flex space, perfect for hands-on activities, creative projects and group learning. One of the highlights is the nature deck overlooking Marsh Run stream, where children can connect with the natural world in a truly immersive way. It’s easy to imagine the joy and curiosity of students as they explore these inspiring spaces. RecSchool students currently learning at the Kingston Center will be the first to enjoy this new chapter, bringing learning and play back to Gantz Park, where it all began. Public open houses are planned for this spring, and I invite you to come see the new building for yourself. Whether you’re a parent, a former student or just someone who appreciates the magic of this program, I think you’ll feel the same excitement and pride we do. More about the planned open houses will be shared on our social media, website and e-newsletter communications as details become available.
This milestone has been highly anticipated, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many people to whom we owe a debt of gratitude – City Council and staff who guided the project, families who’ve stuck with us and a community that understands the value and importance of our RecSchool program.
As I think about the laughter and learning that will soon fill the new space, my heart feels full. This isn’t just a building – it’s a place where memories are made and where a love for learning takes root.
Richard L. “Ike” Stage Mayor
New Look!
As Superintendent Randy Banks settles into his new role, the district is preparing to update and modernize its logo. Stay tuned for more updates later this year.
Photo by Ray LaVoie
welcomes back a familiar face as its new
It was by chance that Randy Banks began working for South-Western City School District (SWCSD). He heard about an open position from a friend, and after getting the job stayed with the district for the next 13 years.
Now, roughly 26 years later, he has returned to the district to take on a new role as superintendent.
While Banks knows he has big shoes to fill, he is looking forward to working with the staff and students as the district continues to grow and change in the coming years.
By Rachel Karas
Banks grew up in Jefferson, Ohio, finding his love of teaching at a young age. He chose to pursue his passion in college, studying to become a teacher during his undergraduate years at Mount Vernon University.
“I was influenced by good teachers, good coaches, good mentors as a student myself so that certainly played a role,” Banks says.
Throughout his career, Banks has worked at various schools across the country, including a unique program that took him to Wichita, Kansas. Over a summer during college, Banks worked in a gang prevention program where he tutored kids and helped them grow.
Years later, his first full-time position was as an 8th-grade social studies teacher at Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools.
Banks first joined the district in 1998 as an assistant principal at Norton Middle School. He stayed in the
district for several years, going on to work as a principal at Brookpark and Finland middle schools before moving up to an administrative role as a certified personnel director.
Over the years, Banks says he was able to watch the district grow, celebrating wins, such as the 2009 levy passage, right along with his team.
In 2015, Banks chose to move closer to home and took a job at Worthington City Schools as an assistant superintendent. Roughly nine years later he returned to SWCSD and stepped into the role of superintendent at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.
“I was here and was able to see the intermediate schools be built. Central Crossing was built, the Career Academy was built. Then I left and so much more was replaced,” Banks says. “That’s kind of a unique part of this, is that I got to see it at the beginning, and now I’m coming back, and hopefully will be a part of completing the cycle.”
As Banks returns to these familiar halls, he is enjoying taking in all the changes that have happened over the years and he is thrilled to join the ongoing process.
“To me, honoring the commitment of the leaders who came before me with the building projects is big,” Banks says. “Completing those two high schools would be a great capstone on their progress and on this community’s commitment to education to make sure that students have appropriate learning spaces.”
The buildings aren’t the only things changing. The career center has introduced new programs, including pre-nursing and HVAC programs, as well as continuing education opportunities for staff at the district.
“We have the Western Governors University where we’re trying to encourage some of our own employees who live locally to pursue advanced degrees and maybe even certifications within education to assist us, but really to help promote them on their own career paths,” Banks says. “And then we’re currently working on a partnership with The Ohio State University on a Grow Your Own administrative pathway, which basically would be a cohort of our current teachers that want to pursue administrative positions and really building the next generation of leaders to serve the district.”
Similar to any new job, there are challenges Banks will have to work through; however, he is happy to be back with a district that means so much to him.
“There’s the perspective that you have as an outsider coming back in on what you think it is going to be like,
and then, now that I’ve been here for six plus months, I just would say that it’s been confirming.” Banks says. “It’s exactly what I thought it was, and probably even better… to see a lot of the new faces that weren’t here 13 years ago, and how they’re contributing to
make South-Western City Schools a better place.”
Rachel Karas is the lead editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Banks and his wife, Michelle, are both educators. She began her career at Columbus City Schools and now serves as the director of elementary education at Upper Arlington City Schools.
They have three children; two daughters and a son, all of whom work in the medical field.
When Banks isn’t working, he enjoys watching football, especially the Buckeyes, and taking trips with his family. They have traveled to places such as Maine, and their favorite places to visit are National Parks.
“We usually try to get away from the crowds and try to stay active,” Banks says. “That’s just how we unplug from work.”
In total, his family has visited nine parks, including a trip taken last year with their first grandson.
By Mike Boso, Chief Building and Zoning Official
Spring is the perfect time to bring those home improvement plans to life. Whether it’s adding a pool or deck, upgrading the heating and cooling (HVAC) system or replacing old windows, setting the project up for success starts with two key steps: hiring the right contractor and getting the necessary permits. These steps help ensure the job is completed safely, correctly and with lasting results.
Hiring a contractor registered with the City of Grove City is one of the best moves a homeowner can make. Registered contractors have already proven they meet City requirements by providing proof of licensing, insurance and bonding. This helps protect homeowners from financial risk if the work doesn’t go as planned.
Checking that your contractor is registered is quick and easy – just reach out to the Building Division before signing a contract or making a deposit.
Permits are more than an extra step; they play a pivotal role in protecting homeowners, helping ensure the work meets safety standards and is inspected by certified professionals. This can prevent future issues like faulty wiring or structural problems.
Common indoor and outdoor projects requiring permits include electrical work, plumbing, HVAC systems, roofing, patios, driveways, garages, pools and sheds. Not sure if your project needs one? The Building Division is happy to help.
Choosing an unlicensed or unregistered contractor comes with risks. Homeowners could face poor workmanship, surprise costs or even safety hazards. Worse, without proper licensing or
permits, there may be no way to resolve issues if things go wrong. By hiring a registered professional and securing permits, homeowners can feel more confident their project is in good hands.
The Grove City Building Division is here to make the process easier. The Division is eager to verify contractor registrations, guide homeowners through the permit process
and answer questions about projects. Plus, the Building Division Portal allows homeowners to apply for permits, check their status, schedule inspections and even follow the progress of their project – all online, from the comfort of home.
For help with your next project, contact the Grove City Building Division at 614-277-3075 or visit www. grovecityohio.gov/BuildingZoning. With a little preparation, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing their improvements are built to last!
Wow, 2024 was an incredible first year for me as a city council member! As I look back, I feel it’s been a year filled with learning, growth, and exciting progress – and I couldn’t be more optimistic about what lies ahead for Grove City.
This issue of Discover Grove City Magazine focuses on kids, and as a mom of school-aged children, this topic is close to my heart. I’m passionate about creating opportunities that set a strong foundation for our children’s future and ensure that every child in our community has the chance to thrive.
One of my top priorities has been our parks and recreation programs, which play a vital role in fostering opportunities for all generations. In addition to chairing the Safety Committee, I’m honored to serve as the council liaison to the Parks Board. These roles allow me to focus on the importance of
parks and recreational offerings as a cornerstone of our community.
New Parks and Recreation Director Jack Castle, hit the ground running when he took over the role in 2024. His leadership continues to build on the incredible progress we’ve already made. Over the past year, the department has grown significantly, with new staff, expanded offerings and a renewed vision for the future. These efforts benefit everyone in Grove City – our seniors, families and especially our youth.
One of the most exciting projects we’ve undertaken, in collaboration with the Parks Board and the Parks and Recreation Department, is the exploration of a potential community center. This initiative reflects our commitment to bringing multi-generational opportunities to Grove City.
In 2024, we worked diligently to engage the community in meaningful ways, including a survey to gather input
on desired programming and amenities for a potential new center. As a council, we participated in multiple work sessions and received presentations from a consultancy group to lay the groundwork for this vision. While there’s still much to be done, we’re focused on providing clear, transparent information about what a community center could look like, how it would benefit our residents and how we could fund such a significant investment.
Looking ahead, 2025 will be a year of continued community engagement and education. We want to hear from you – your ideas, your priorities and your concerns – as we refine our plans for this exciting project. Together, we can shape a future for Grove City that reflects the needs and dreams of everyone who calls this community home. Thank you for allowing me to serve you. Here’s to another year of growth and opportunity for Grove City!
Ward 4
By Maisie Fitzmaurice
Before and after school programs available to South-Western City Schools families
While an 8-year-old may think they’re as selfsufficient as an 18-year-old, parents know how important it is to have a responsible adult with them at all times.
For South-Western City Schools parents with early morning and late afternoon obligations or those with children who wish to socialize outside of school hours, before and after-school care programs are offered through the district’s community partnerships.
Through these programs, parents can rest assured that their children are not only safe but physically and mentally engaged when they’re not around.
The Hilltop Y.M.C.A. staff host before and after-school programs at several of the elementary and intermediate schools in the district. According to Kisha Swift, vice president of marketing and communications at Y.M.C.A. of Central Ohio, the organization has supported the Grove City community for 36 years.
Grove City Parks and Recreation has also partnered with the district for more than 30 years to offer its program, known as Programmed After-school Recreation for Kids (P.A.R.K.).
Each day, the childcare program staff go into the schools to conduct the activities so the students can go to the programs right before or after school lets out.
“We collaborate with the schools to identify; What do their students need? Is it transportation so that they can have access to another program? Is it social, or emotional development? Is it help with summer learning loss? And so, we’re really proud of those collaboration pieces in our partnership,” Swift says.
Outside of convenience for parents, one benefit of these programs is that the kids can interact with peers differently than they do during the school day.
Students of all ages mix and mingle and they have the opportunity to meet students from different schools or classes to form friend groups based on shared interests.
“Everybody plays together, and it’s very cool to watch all of them grow socially and be able to accept each other,”
Kelly Sutherland, Grove City Parks and Recreation deputy director, says.
The Hilltop Y.M.C.A. works with several schools in the district to offer before and after school programming, including:
• Bolton Crossing Elementary
• Harmon Elementary
• Darbydale Elementary
• Holt Crossing Intermediate
The P.A.R.K. programming provided by Grove City Parks & Recreation reaches several schools in the Grove City area including:
• Buckeye Woods Elementary
• Highland Park Elementary
• J.C. Sommer Elementary
• Monterey Elementary
• Richard Avenue Elementary
For information about other schools in the district, check out the district page at www.swcsd.us/before-andafter-schoolprograms.
Apart from having fun and building friendships, younger students learn skills and become socialized through watching and interacting with older kids.
“For their emotional growth, it really does help when they’re around kids of different age groups learning,” Sutherland says. “Like having the second graders and third graders teach the kindergartners how to share.”
Through the interactions and relationships students form, they also learn how to positively handle conflicts and manage their emotions under site workers’ supervision.
“A student that once acted out with frustration when losing at a game has learned ways to come to the teacher first or ask for time away from the group to settle down and then rejoin the group,” says Mandy Bealer, a former supervisor in the program and current executive director of school-age childcare at Y.M.C.A. of Central Ohio.
While the majority of the school day is spent sitting quietly at a desk, these before and after-school programs allow kids to get active and creative through crafts, coloring and dynamic games such as tag and dodgeball.
These programs often allow kids to choose how they’d like to spend their time. They also offer homework help and periodically have extracurricular lessons and guest speakers as well as seasonal parties for holidays such as Valentine’s Day.
Students even learn about caring for others by giving
back through creating cards for senior citizens, fundraising for hurricane relief and collecting food and supplies to donate to homeless shelters, showing them how to serve their community.
“I think it’s really important, especially with this nowadays and the screen times and everything, we don’t have screens. They can bring stuff, but this is strictly just handson learning and socializing that you don’t see all the time anymore,” Sutherland says.
While play is the main focus of the programs, these programs infuse fun ways kids can learn about the world around them.
“We do have STEAM-based planning,” Sutherland says. “We also bring outside speakers in, for example, central Ohio theater groups come in. We have Franklin Soil and Water come in and talk to the kids about conservation and soil and how it works.”
For Amy Clarkson, P.A.R.K program site manager of Richard Avenue Elementary for more than 20 years, her favorite part of her job is seeing former students in the program return to work for P.A.R.K. years later.
“To date, I’ve had eight kids in the program come back to be leaders. Two of them even had their children enrolled in the program,” Clarkson says. “The kids always say, ‘When I grow
up, I want to be a P.A.R.K. leader,’ so it’s fun to see some of them actually return as a leader. I guess it shows we are doing something right by having fun and making a positive impact for them to want to come back as adults.”
In 2024, the Y.M.C.A surveyed parents with children in the program on whether or not they agree or disagree with three statements:
Their child is physically and emotionally safe.
Their child is surrounded by positive and caring adults. Their child has an opportunity to develop positive relationships with peers.
Overall, they found a 95 percent satisfaction rate.
The Y.M.C.A. can also offer resources for parents and families outside of their childcare needs, and the organization secured $197,000 in funding to assist parents with affording childcare and helping to fill the gap in transportation for students bused to different schools.
“As a parent, you have that guilt of like, ‘I’m going to work or school, and my kid’s now by themselves.’ In an afterschool program, they don’t have to worry about that. That guilt is gone because the kids are having fun in a program,” Sutherland says. “If mom and dad get off work, a lot of kids are like, ‘Go home. I don’t want to go home yet.’ That’s a really nice feeling.”
Maisie Fitzmaurice is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mfitzmaurice@cityscenemediagroup.com.
By Ella Jay
his past December, Grove City Lions Club celebrated its 85th anniversary, recognizing several decades of commitment to community service and many significant accomplishments. Founded in 1939, just 22 years after the founding of the Association of Lions Clubs, the Grove City chapter had much to commemorate.
Major milestones
Over the years, the Grove City Lions Club has helped the community in many ways.
In its early days, the Club built a shelter house at Windsor Park and constructed playground equipment at the park on Kingston Avenue in 1954. Some of the Club’s earliest forms of fundraising included selling light bulbs and brooms made by the blind, and selling oranges and grapefruits before Christmas.
In more recent years, the Club has helped the Jackson Township Fire Department purchase equipment and added playground equipment for the blind at Windsor Park.
“Thanks to the support of the Grove City community, we have been able to make over $10,000 in total donations to local organizations and individuals,” Lions Club President Stu Koble says.
The Grove City chapter also occasionally partners with other, nearby Lions Clubs and organizations to help those in need.
In February of 2023, the Club helped fund disaster relief for those affected by the tornado that hit Pickaway County. The Club has also been part of a partnership for three years that donates Christmas care kits and Lego boxes to children in pediatric cancer wards.
“We spend a lot of community hours helping many, many people,” Koble says.
According to Koble, the Club has five primary areas of focus that help guide its work. Those areas of focus include: vision, diabetes, pediatric cancer, environment and hunger.
“Helen Keller spoke at one of (the Lions) conventions in 1925,” Koble says. “She was an early member and was kind of the initiator of us serving and helping the blind and visually impaired.”
One of the ongoing projects the Club runs to assist those with impaired vision includes leaving eyeglass drop boxes
around the community in public gathering spaces, such as the library. People can drop old or broken eyeglasses in the boxes, which then get repaired and donated to people in need.
The Club also repurposes donated glasses cases into mini care kits for the unhoused.
While vision is one of the Lions Club’s main focuses, there are plenty of other ongoing and recurring initiatives to which the Club contributes.
The Club celebrated its anniversary during its 2024 Christmas party.
Held at the Eagle Pavillion at Rotary Lake, the party welcomed more than 65 attendees as well as several guest speakers, including Grove City Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage.
During the party, Stage issued the Club a special proclamation for being the oldest service club in Grove City. As a nod to his 57 years of membership, longtime Lion B.J. Roach accepted the proclamation on behalf of the club.
Also attending the celebration were the Club’s District Governor Toni Gray, 1st Vice District Governor Dr. Carl Gass and Council Chair Mike Kerek, who each gave a short presentation on the Club’s achievements.
“We’re very proud of the fact we were actually joined by our noon club as well,” Koble says. “There is no other Lions Club in our district of 50 clubs that has two clubs combined.”
With the two clubs combined, the Grove City chapter consists of a total of 88 members.
For example, the Club is wellknown for sponsoring and supporting Grove City Little League Baseball and the Grove City Food Pantry, grilling bologna sandwiches at Arts in the Alley and flipping flapjacks at its annual pancake breakfast.
These events sometimes support more than one initiative. For example, the 2024 pancake breakfast served more than 200 guests and kids received free vision screenings as well as pictures with Santa, with the proceeds going to the nonprofit Pilot Dogs.
Additionally, the Club has contributed to environmental initiatives, including a special project in which members plant a tree in a local park alongside a memorial plaque when a Lion passes away.
This benefits the environment as well as honors the member’s life and service.
The Club used its anniversary celebration as an opportunity to collect donations of new underwear for children, which were donated to the Purple Door Free Store at Grove City Methodist Church.
The Club has adopted roads as well, and members clean up litter once a month.
During the last year, the Club also participated in community events such as Arts in the Alley, Boo Off Broadway and the City’s back-to-school KidsFest where backpacks full of school supplies are given away.
More recently, the Club embraced the holiday spirit of giving by baking more than 100 dozen cookies for veteran Christmas packages and volunteering at the Traditions Independent Living center’s annual Christmas dinner. In January, the Club collected coats, hats, gloves, socks, blankets and toiletries for those in need during the cold winter months.
As a nonprofit organization, the Grove City Lions Club donates all of its event proceeds to multiple charities. In the past, the Club has donated to more than 30 charities, ranging from local entities such as the Grove City High School Choir and Navy ROTC programs, to larger organizations such as Ohio School for the Blind and Central Ohio Diabetes Association.
While the Club is proud of all its accomplishments and those it has helped, it is hoping to increase its reach.
“Growing our membership is essential for realizing our community service and continuing our quest to help those in need,” Koble says. “New members inspire our club with new energy and ideas while providing the next generation of Lion leadership.”
According to Koble, the Club has been working to make its service and donations more visible in the community in order to spark more interest in younger people to join the ranks. By sharing why he values being a Lion so much, Koble hopes to encourage others to become members too.
“The camaraderie, the friendships I’ve developed … and (helping those who are in need) has given me a lot of gratification and life satisfaction,” Koble says. “The Lions have given me an avenue from which to do that.”
Ella Jay is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com.
By Maisie Fitzmaurice
Even if you enjoy spending time outdoors, it is hard to deny the comfort a climate-controlled environment, achieved through heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, offers.
Besides the comfort they bring, they can also save the lives of vulnerable, climate-sensitive adults and children during times of more extreme temperatures, all while making your home healthier by filtering dirt, dust and allergens in the air.
The rise in market saturation of these systems has led to a booming HVAC industry, with many of the homes built after the 1950s including heat radiators as well as ventilation and air conditioning through wall and window units, and later through central aircooling and heating systems.
On the career side of the industry, there are many benefits to entering this field that includes a high level of job security.
The field is full of exciting innovations that will continue to create new jobs and opportunities within the industry. The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers job market is expected to grow by nine percent in the U.S. and six percent in the Columbus metropolitan area according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Additionally, estimated full-time salaries for HVAC industry professionals are well above national and local minimum wage as well as the estimated living wage in Columbus, with an average annual salary of $60,000 or $29 an hour.
Through South-Western Career Academy’s newly-introduced HVAC program, upperclassmen in the SouthWestern City School District can prepare for a career as an HVAC technician, installer, service manager, refrigerator technician and even a systems engineer. Students can choose to complete requirements to earn necessary certifications and work-based experiences.
Luis Chavira, a junior in the program, sat down with Discover Grove City Magazine to share his experiences participating in the program.
Discover Grove City Magazine: What initially drew you to this program when you were a sophomore?
Luis Chavira: I liked that it combines different skill sets. We do some electrical work and brazing, which is a type of welding. Initially, I was looking at the electrical trades, but HVAC caught my attention after Career Day. Seeing the inside of a furnace and learning about heating and air conditioning systems was really interesting to me.
DGCM: What has your experience been with the new program?
Chavira: Honestly, it’s a really cool program. This is the first year we’ve had it at the South-Western Career Academy, and it’s not as difficult as I thought it would be. There’s definitely a learning curve, but as long as you put in the work and spend time in the classroom, you can manage it pretty easily.
DGCM: What industry skills do you feel most prepared for as of now?
Chavira: I feel prepared to do basic diagnostics on furnaces, read wiring schematics and do brazing. I also think I’m ready to charge systems and recover refrigerant.
DGCM: What role do you see yourself playing next year as a senior when 25 new students join the program?
Chavira: I think I can be a mentor to the juniors, helping guide them through the program and assisting with anything they might struggle with. The instructor, (Nathaniel) Whitt, does a great job with the kids. But it’s not easy to provide individual help to everyone. I’d like to support him by stepping in when needed and being someone the new students can rely on.
DGCM: What do you hope to do after graduating?
Chavira: After high school, I hope to secure a job with one of the companies we’re connected with. My goal is to start with residential work, and maybe in five or so years, I’d like to own my own company.
DGCM: What should people know about the HVAC program from a student’s perspective?
Chavira: It’s a high-demand job with great pay and opportunities that are only going to grow. It’s a career path that provides hands-on learning and a stable future. I think anyone interested in a trade or a practical, rewarding job should seriously consider it.
Maisie Fitzmaurice is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mfitzmaurice@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
Jay
According to a recent survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 75 percent of older adults wish to stay in their homes as they age to maintain their independence and community connections.
While 44 percent of those adults believe a move is inevitable despite their wishes, that doesn’t have to be the case. There is a wide range of renovation options owners can implement in their home in order to make aging in place a safe, comfortable and affordable possibility.
The word renovation can seem daunting, however, there are many smaller and more cost-friendly features owners can add to their home to enhance accessibility and safety.
Ashley Carrier, a marketing specialist at 3 Pillar Homes, recommends several features she says they often incorporate into homes designed for aging in place:
• Grab bars in bathrooms
• Handheld shower heads and shower benches
• Comfort-height toilets
• Rocker light switches and smart home features
• Minimized transition strips on floors
Not all updates require connecting with a specialist. There are plenty of small upgrades you can make to your home by simply stopping at a hardware store and picking up a few things.
Some of these smaller features include:
• Non-slip shower mats and floor coverings
• Hands-free doors or lever door handles (twist-free handles)
• Hands-free faucets
• Good lighting
While small and simple, such features shouldn’t be overlooked, as they can make a world of difference in one’s daily life.
Karen Kirchhoff, whose home was built by 3 Pillar Homes, attests to how much she loves the small details she and her husband made in their home.
“The pantry is a (huge) walk-in pantry, so I don’t have to climb up or bend down,” Kirchhoff says. “And we got to pick out however many lights we wanted in the ceiling and where we wanted them placed.”
Kirchhoff says there are a handful of other unique and helpful features in her home, such as lights in the cabinets and pull-out laundry hampers, in addition to the more common features such as the comfort-height toilets and shower benches.
If your budget allows for larger projects, there are multiple safety and comfort-enhancing home renovation options to choose from, many of which begin with the design of the home itself.
For instance, people planning to age in place may find zero-entry homes, such as ranches, the most suitable.
To increase accessibility throughout your home, wide doorways and hallways, as well as walk-in closets increase accessibility. Kirchhoff enjoys her large, walk-in closet, which gives her plenty of space to easily access all her clothing.
Other spaces to pay attention to inside the home includes zero-entry showers, adjustable countertop heights, non-slip tile and low-pile flooring are suggested. Outside the home, Carrier has noticed a trend in accessible pathways, covered patios and porches.
“Aging individuals (or those) who may have trouble walking, still want to get outside and enjoy the comforts of being outside.” Carrier says. “It’s almost always a huge priority for them.”
When it comes to the adaptability of a home, Carrier also recommends including flexible spaces in the designs that can adapt to changing needs over time, whether the clients themselves wish to age in place or if they have older family members in mind.
“We’ve noticed over the last year and a half, a very big uptick in people wanting to build main-floor guest suites and also additional spaces,” Carrier says. “It seems like it’s quite regular these days that people are asking for multi-generational (design) options.”
While there are plenty of ways to upgrade one’s home, moving may be the best option for some people.
Some older adults find walkable, ranch-style communities to fit their needs.
Such communities usually offer central amenities for residents so everything they need is within walking distance, making for the perfect combination of independence and companionship.
“We’ve found (the Villas) to be quite a nice area with easy-to-get-to walking trails and a fantastic clubhouse,” Kirchhoff says. “(We also like that) there’s lots of light that comes into the house, we have green space around us and all the grounds are well taken care of.”
For the Kirchhoffs, the location, layout of the community and extra amenities were just as huge a sell as the abil-
ity to customize their home with accessibility features.
“It pretty much has everything we ever wanted. We won’t move again,” Kirchhoff says.
Ella Jay is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@cityscenemediagroup.com.
We’re excited for the 2025 Bunny Hunt! Last year, families searched through Town Center to find bunnies.
Grove City prices were up 25.8 percent in December compared to last year, with a median price of $415,015. Homes stayed on the market for roughly 78 days, up from 44 the year before. A total of 64 homes sold in December, which is 24 more than in 2023.
(Data from Redfin)
All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.
4705 Hirth Hill Rd. W.
4 beds, 3.5 baths
$765,000 Sold 1/14/25
1905 Southchase Ct.
4 beds, 4 baths
$625,000 Sold 12/31/24
4694 Goodman St.
3 beds, 2.5 baths
$589,900 Sold 12/10/24
3608 Rose Ln.
3 beds, 3 baths
$559,335 Sold 12/24/24
3663 Kassidy Dr.
4 beds, 3 baths
$540,000 Sold 12/13/24
5887 Birch Bark Cir.
3 beds, 2.5 baths
$525,000 Sold 1/15/25
4501 Morbitzer Ln.
4 beds, 2.5 baths
$524,900
Sold 12/24/24
3602 Rose Ln.
2 beds, 2.5 baths
$512,590 Sold 12/11/24
2859 Annabelle Ct.
3 beds, 2.5 baths
$499,000 Sold 1/10/25
4759 Haley Way
4 beds, 4 baths
$495,000 Sold 12/27/24
5755 Trail View Crossing
4 beds, 2.5 baths
$490,000 Sold 12/16/24
6343 Shawnee St.
3 beds, 2 baths
$480,000 Sold 1/3/25
We love young library visitors and helping them discover just the right book that sparks a lifetime of reading. There’s something for every child, middle schooler, and teen, and our Youth Services team is here to help you find it! Check out these titles loved and recommended by Grove City Youth Services staff. Want more? Stop by or give us a call.
Snowglobe (teen fiction)
by Soyoung Park
The glitz and glam of K-Pop meets the apocalypse in this new dystopian sci-fi novel by Soyoung Park. In a world frozen solid, the city of Snowglobe, populated by celebrities and maintained by the workers at a power plant out in the icy wastelands, is the last green place around. Jeon Chobahm, one of the plant workers, is desperate for her chance to join the stars in Snowglobe, and when the biggest star of all ends up dead, Jeon may just have her chance. Is Snowglobe all that it seems, or is there something dark hiding in all that green space?
49 Miles Alone (teen fiction)
by Natalie D. Richards
Written by Columbus native, Natalie D. Richards, 49 Miles Alone follows Katie and Aster as they try to survive freak storms, injuries and other unfortunate events backpacking in the deserts of Utah. A chance encounter with couple Riley and Finn saves them from starvation right before throwing them into a bid to save Riley from Finn. With little food and even less time, can the girls find Riley before Finn does?
Impossible Creatures (middle-grade fiction)
by Katherine Rundell
Do you love reading about magical creatures? Have you read Wings of Fire and found yourself on the lookout for something fresh? Impossible Creatures may just be the book for you! It follows Christopher and Mal as they set out on an epic adventure to explore the Archipelago, a hidden series of islands filled with just about every magical creature imaginable. The magic of their world is fading, and the pair are in a race against time to find the cause somewhere on those dangerous isles.
Slouch (juvenile fiction)
by Christina Wyman
Stevie is tall for her age, and being 5’10” in the seventh grade isn’t for the faint of heart. Everyone wants to comment on her height, and all Stevie wants to do is disappear into the background. When playing basketball just manages to highlight how tall she is, she has to find a different school activity, finally finding the debate team…and Cedric. Join her on her journey to selfacceptance with the debate team and Cedric at her side.
The Bakery Dragon (picture book) written and illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz Poor Ember is different from all of the other dragons. Instead of being a big, strong, fiery powerhouse, he’s small and quiet, and his flames are more like sparks. He fears that he might never be able to be a proper dragon with a proper horde of gold until he discovers…pastries! When he befriends a baker, he finds out that friendship and flour might be more important than gold.
My Daddy is a Cowboy (picture book) written by Stephanie Seales, illustrated by C.G. Esperanza
Explore the world on horseback with a young girl and her father as they ride through their city, enjoying the early morning scenery. Along the way, our young friend learns that anyone can be a cowboy, as long as you have faith in yourself.
Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes that Dot Our Planet by Geo Rutherford (middle-grade non-fiction) Geo Rutherford of Spooky Lake Month TikTok fame brings all of her formidable knowledge of haunted hydrology to the published page. From the nearby perfectly preserved mummy sailors at the bottom of Lake Superior to the deep, nearly alien depths of Lake Baikal, enjoy this creepy look at water from all around the world.
Detective Beans & the Case of the Missing Hat (first chapter book/juvenile graphic novel) by Li Chen
What’s better than cats and detective stories? Cats in detective stories! Follow Detective Beans as he hits the streets to search for his missing detective hat. Mystery, action and hilarious jokes abound in this journey through Cat Town with Beans on the case!
more recommendations? Give us a call or visit www.swpl. org and explore NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8 Plus, online readers’ advisories featuring both fiction and nonfiction. Access via the ‘Resources’ tab, ‘Books & Literature’ section.
Online and office registration begins Monday, Feb. 24
The Source highlights Parks and Rec. programs, activities and amenities. See page 12 for a list of classes. For additional details, access the registration system at bit.ly/gcpReg or view an activity guide as a pdf online at bit.ly/gco.Source.
The CivicRec registration system and website allows people to find information and register online where they can sort classes by age, type of program and day of the week.
Online viewing allows users to personalize options to fit their families’ schedules and interests while accessing fresher, more accurate information.
Visit bit.ly/gcpReg or go to GroveCityOhio.gov and follow prompts from the Parks & Rec. page.
Questions? Staff are available to help! For preschool, youth and adult programs, call or visit the Kingston Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For programs and activities for ages 55+, call or visit the Evans Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Walk-in registration and payment are available at both locations. Payment by phone is not available.
PARKS & RECREATION OFFICES
Kingston Center 614-277-3050
3226 Kingston Ave.
General information and preschool, youth and adult class registration
Evans Center ................ 614-277-1060
4330 Dudley Ave.
55+ information and class registration; contact information for senior services
Gantz Farmhouse
2255 Home Road
614-277-3058
Herb garden and Gardens at Gantz Farm Volunteer information
Weather Hot Line 614-277-3060
Status updates on team sports practices and games.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Grove City Parks and Recreation @GroveCityParks
City of Grove City
@GroveCityOhio
KEY CITY OFFICES
City Hall
4035 Broadway
Classes and programs may be canceled due to adverse conditions (road and playing surface conditions, lack of utilities, etc.).
• For updates, call 614-277-3060, visit GroveCityOhio.gov or check Parks & Rec. Facebook and Instagram accounts.
• Later updates due to incoming weather/condition changes are made to the phone line
• Participation is always at the discretion of a minor participant’s parent/ guardian or the adult participant.
Outdoor Sports/Activities
• Cancellations for evening activities are determined based on field conditions by 4 p.m. by Parks and Rec. personnel.
• Contests may be canceled later if incoming weather affects conditions. Call 614-277-3060 for updates.
• Do not use dirt or grass infields of closed fields as it may cause damage requiring repair and lead to further cancellations.
Indoor Sports/Activities
614-277-3000
Service ......................... 614-277-1100
3262 Ventura Blvd.
Public Safety/Police 614-277-1710
2255 Home Road
• Weekday classes and programs are canceled when the South-Western City School District closes due to dangerous road conditions.
• If conditions change, evening classes may be canceled at the discretion of Parks and Recreation personnel by 4 p.m.
• Weekend cancellations are made by 7 a.m., Saturday and 11 a.m., Sunday
Children need spaces where they can feel free, safe and active while interacting with others. Grove City offers preschool programs that provide the foundations of group learning with a nature-based philosophy. Options vary from parent/adult-child activities to child-only classes.
P.A.R.K. serves elementary school students by providing activities that keep them engaged, but without the structure of school. Each day includes arts and crafts as well as small- and large-muscle play.
Preschool programs foster physical, mental and cultural development for children as young as 2. Participants build selfconfidence, discover interests and develop age-appropriate skills while having fun.
Ages 3-5 build academic, social, creative, physical and emotional skills in a child-centered group setting. Children connect with the environment through nature-based classroom experiences and frequent Adventure Days. Registration opens in February for the following school year (September-May). For info, visit bit.ly/GCRecSchool or call 614-871-6330.
Ages 2-3 with an adult explore a classroom setting filled with play-based learning opportunities including planned activities and circle time with reading and movement for an hour on Friday mornings, September-May.
P.A.R.K.
Share playful creative, active and social learning activities in a classroom setting: paint, build with blocks, draw, sing and dance. Dress for play and exploration.
• Grass Grows Green Ages: 2-3 with Adult Thu., 3/6 to 3/13; 6-7 p.m.
Explore the color green through hands-on activities.
• Welcome Spring Ages: 2-3 with Adult Thu., 4/3 to 4/10; 6-7 p.m.
Use art and play to explore signs of spring.
This out-of-school program offers a safe place for children in grades K-4 to stay physically, mentally and socially active when the South-Western City School District is in session. The Summer P.A.R.K. offers full-day programming with activities and field trips including weekly trips to The Big Splash.
After-school P.A.R.K. operates Monday-Friday, 2:30-6 p.m., at Buckeye Woods, J.C. Sommer, Highland Park, Monterey and Richard Avenue elementary schools.
Before School operates Monday-Friday, 6-8 a.m., at Buckeye Woods, J.C. Sommer, Highland Park, Monterey and Richard Avenue elementary schools.
Spaces limited; current P.A.R.K. families enjoy early registration.
• Summer P.A.R.K.: Wed., 3/19
• 2025-2026 After-school P.A.R.K.: Wed., 4/9
New Summer Camps Coming Visit GroveCityOhio.gov for details on fun new options this summer.
Grove City offers various team sports for ages 5 through adult. Register online or in the Kingston Center during the assigned month. Spaces are limited; registration may close before the end of the month. Youth and adaptive program players register by individual and are assigned to a team. Adults register by team.
Adult Softball - Spring-Summer
Teams play one day per week during a 10-game regular season at Fryer Park starting in mid-April. Register by team during March at $400 per team.
Leagues
Sunday Co-Rec Competitive
Sunday Co-Rec Recreational
Monday Women’s Recreational
Tuesday Men’s Competitive
Tuesday Men’s Recreational
Thursday Men’s Competitive
Thursday Men’s Church
Recreational
Friday Men’s Competitive
Friday Co-Rec Recreational
Adult Pickleball Ladder League - Spring
Play a six-week schedule starting 4/15 or 4/17 at Windsor Park. Pairings are based on weekly rankings. Register during March for $25 per player.
• Tuesday: Beginner (5:30 p.m.); Intermediate (6:30 p.m.); Advanced (7:30 p.m.)
• Thursday: Beginner (5:30 p.m.); Intermediate (6:30 p.m.); Advanced (7:30 p.m.)
Adult Cornhole - Spring
Teams of two play a six-week schedule at Grove City Brewing Company during April and May. Register by team during March at $50 per team.
• Recreational: Tuesdays, 6 p.m.
• Competitive: Thursdays, 6 p.m.
Grove City Buddy Ball
Buddy Ball removes barriers that keep children and adults with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field. Teams play on a special surface that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices.
Don’t miss your chance to participate!
Team sports involve scheduling fields and officials, and ordering uniforms for youth leagues, so registration happens well ahead of the season. Registration may close early if all available spots are filled.
Youth Registration
• Little League Ages: 5-17 February
• Softball Ages: 6-14 February
• Fall Baseball Ages: 5-17 June
• Volleyball Grades: 3-12 August
• Basketball Grades: K-12 October
Adult Registration
• Softball - Spring/Summer: March
• Softball - Fall: July
• Cornhole - Spring: March
• Cornhole - Summer: May
• Cornhole - Fall: July
• Volleyball: December
• Pickleball Ladder - Spring: March
• Pickleball Ladder - Summer: May
• Pickleball Ladder - Fall: August
Adaptive Registration
• Spring Buddy Ball
Ages: 4+ & 16+ - February-March
All Ages 4+ Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Teen/Adult 16+ Tue., 6-8:30 p.m.
Visit GroveCityBuddyBall.com for program details, including how to volunteer or make a financial donation. Register by individual for $35 with Grove City Parks & Rec. for the spring-summer leagues through Mon., 3/31.
• Fall Adult Buddy Ball Ages: 16+ - Mid-July-August
Bally Sports
Grove City Parks & Rec. partners with Bally Sports to offer beginner team sports experiences in T-ball, soccer and basketball. Visit bit.ly/BallySportsGC for more information and to register.
• Mini Soccer Stars Ages: 3-4
Wed., 4/2 to 5/7; 4-5 p.m.
Wed., 4/2 to 5/7; 5-6 p.m.
• Mini Soccer Stars Ages: 5-6
Wed., 4/2 to 5/7; 6-7 p.m.
Lead-up Sports and Fitness
Preschoolers build communication and social skills while also learning the fundamentals of sports through encouragement and instruction.
• Jump Bunch
Ages: 1 ½-2 ½; Wed., 3/5 to 4/16; 6-6:30 p.m.
Ages: 2-3; Wed., 3/5 to 4/16; 6:30-7 p.m.
Toddlers build coordination, balance, teamwork and motor skills during coach-led activities. Through encouragement and success, children gain confidence, sports-readiness skills and the foundations of fitness.
• Sporties for Shorties Ages: 3-5
Wed., 3/5 to 4/16; 7-7:45 p.m.
Young children develop kicking, running, throwing and team skills through exciting lead-up sports activities and group games.
Grove City’s Adaptive and Inclusive Program is dedicated to providing opportunities for children and adults including veterans with disabilities through recreation and leisure activities.
Grove City Parks and Rec. believes recreation should be accessible to every body and every ability including individuals with developmental, physical and invisible disabilities, or who need adaptive equipment or instruction. 2025 goals include offering a variety of activities such as weekly sports and recreation programs, special-interest classes, social activities and special events.
Have an idea for a new activity or program? Let us know! Email Maddison Mattey at mmattey@grovecityohio.gov.
• Adaptive Kids’ Indoor Play Time
Ages: 1-5 with Adult Sun., 3/9; 9-11 a.m. Sun., 3/23; 9-11 a.m.
Kids of all abilities get active using toys, gymnastics mats and play equipment including various sports balls.
• Adaptive Bingo Night
Ages: 8/up
Fri., 3/17; 6-7 p.m.
Play classic bingo for fun prizes in a lively, supportive environment designed for individuals with special needs!
• Adaptive Karaoke
Sing, dance and enjoy friendship while taking turns singing favorite tunes or dancing to others.
Ages: 14/up
Fri., 4/25; 6-7:30 p.m.
Program Age Groups
õ Adaptive
õ Preschool (1-4)
õ Youth (5-17)
õ Adult (18+) õ 55+/Senior
See page 12 for a agegroup-based index of Parks & Rec. classes.
The Evans Center offers older residents of Grove City a variety of opportunities to stay active physically, mentally and socially. Offerings include parties, trips to restaurants and cultural sites, and classes that teach skills for navigating the challenges that come with aging.
On-site Fun
• Game Show Day $ Fri., 4/11; 1-3 p.m.
Immerse yourself in nostalgia competing with friends in classic game shows reminiscent of yesteryear.
• Movie Fun: Someone Like You Fri., 3/14; 1-3 p.m. (PG; 2024) This redemptive love story explores a man’s journey through grief during a search for the twin of his deceased best friend.
Dining Trips ¤$♦
Lunch Bunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Hofbrauhaus: Wed., 3/12
• Cap City Diner: Thu., 4/17 Supper Club: 4-8 p.m.
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill Thu., 3/27
• PF Chang’s Wed., 4/9
• Center Updates with Q & A Wed., 3/5; Noon Wed., 4/2; Noon
Tammy Jefferson shares updates and news regarding the Center. Guest speakers may also share info on topics of interest to area seniors.
Off-site Day Trips ¤$
Travel by minibus to off-site tours, shopping or entertainment. Be prepared for walking.
• LaComedia: Jersey Boys ¤$ Thu., 3/13; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
This award-winning musical shares the rise of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons (mature content).
• Franklin Park Conservatory ¤$ Wed., 3/19; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit a premier attraction celebrating horticulture, art and nature including butterflies.
• Columbus Consignment Shop Hop ¤$ Wed., 4/30; 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Enjoy a day of shopping at Grandview Heights and Columbus area consignment shops.
• LifeCare Alliance Lunch Program $ Ages: 60/up
Tue.-Thu.; 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Enjoy a nutritious lunch at the Evans Center ($1.50 per meal).
Reserve a lunch: call 614-277-1067 in advance.
Annual MembershipMaximize Your Benefits
Be a part of something special with an annual membership to the Evans Center! For a $15 annual fee (covers January-December), enjoy:
• Early access to register for 55+ classes (Friday before the public).
• Full access to the Fitness Room ($120 per year value!)
• Discounted fee for select classes.
• Invitation to a members-only gala. For more information, stop in the Evans Center or call 614-277-1060.
Education Classes
Developing new skills is important at all life stages. Learn new technology, hobbies, tips for dealing with changing health needs and more.
• S.A.L.T.
Thu., 3/13; 10-11 a.m. Thu., 4/10; 10-11 a.m.
Grove City Police provide resources, raise awareness and share tips.
• Importance of Foot Care Q&A Fri., 3/7; 1-2 p.m.
An RN assesses your foot care needs and provides services.
• Stroke Wise Fri., 3/21; 11 a.m.-Noon
Discuss resources for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
• Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia Tue., 4/29; 1-2 p.m.
Learn stages, risk factors, research and FDA-approved treatments.
• Lunch & Learn: Stay Active $ Fri., 4/18; 11 a.m.-Noon
Exercise can help you achieve greater health and reduce fall risk.
• Lunch & Learn: Healthy Habits for Brain & Body $ Fri., 4/25; 11 a.m.-Noon
Embrace healthy habits and control chronic conditions to safeguard your brain.
Exercise designed with seniors in mind helps keep you active, healthy, balanced and feeling good!
• Senior Yoga $
Thu., 3/6 to 3/27; 11 a.m.-Noon Thu., 4/3 to 4/24; 11 a.m.-Noon Melt away tension and stress using yoga postures with breathing techniques and deep relaxation.
• Senior Exercise $
Mon., Wed., 3/3 to 3/31; 9-10 a.m. Mon., Wed., 4/2 to 4/30; 9-10 a.m.
Increase strength, flexibility, balance and range of motion with aerobic and strength training.
• Tai Chi $
Tue., 3/4 to 3/25; 10-11 a.m. Tue., 4/1 to 4/22; 10-11 a.m.
Achieve a calm, balancing energy through slow, mindful movements.
• Chair Volleyball
Mon., Wed., 3/3 to 3/31; 1-2 p.m. Mon., Wed., 4/2 to 4/30; 1-2 p.m.
Increase upper-body mobility by playing volleyball while seated with a light-weight beach ball and net.
• Fitness Room $
Exercise on your own using NuSteps, ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, and hydraulic and free weights for $10 per month (included with Evans Center membership).
Weekdays; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Keep your mind active and your fingers agile by creating beautiful art.
• Aromatherapy Jewelry $ Wed., 3/11; 11 a.m.-Noon
Make a pendant using clay infused with relaxing or invigorating oils.
• Greeting Cards $ Celebrate memorable moments in life by making stunning, useful greeting cards ($10 material fee). Thu., 3/20; 10 a.m.-Noon Thu., 4/17; 10 a.m.-Noon
• Crafts, Creativity & Conversations $
Complete a new fun art project with step-by-step guidance. Wed., 3/26; 10 a.m.-Noon Wed., 4/23; 10 a.m.-Noon
• Paint with Heather $ Create a beautiful spring painting with step-by-step guidance. Fri., 4/4; 1-3 p.m.
Feeling overwhelmed? You may benefit from meeting with others facing similar challenges.
• Life After Loss Wed., 3/12; 10-11 a.m. Wed., 4/9; 10-11 a.m.
• Alzheimer’s/Dementia Tue., 3/18; 7 p.m. Tue., 4/15; 7 p.m.
• Parkinson’s Disease Mon., 3/3; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mon., 4/7; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
MONDAY
9 a.m. Senior Exercise $
10 a.m. Indoor Cornhole
12:30 p.m. Bridge
1 p.m. Chair Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Parkinson’s Care Giver Support Group (1st Mon.)
7 p.m. Western Squares $
TUESDAY
10 a.m. Tai Chi $
11:30 a.m. LifeCare Alliance Lunch$
2 p.m. Showstoppers Practice
6 p.m. Yoga $
7 p.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group (3rd Tue.)
WEDNESDAY
9 a.m. Senior Exercise$
10 a.m. Loss Support (2nd Wed.)
10 a.m. Crafts, Creativity & Conversations (4th Wed.)
11:30 a.m. LifeCare Alliance Lunch$
Noon Center Updates Q&A (1st Wed.)
1 p.m. Chair Volleyball
THURSDAY
10 a.m. S.A.L.T. Meeting (2nd Thu.)
11 a.m. Senior Yoga$
11:30 a.m. LifeCare Alliance Lunch$
12:30 p.m. Bingo
1 p.m. Euchre
FRIDAY
Noon-
6 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive (1st & 3rd Fri.)
12:30 p.m. Bridge
$ Associated Fee
¤ Minibus transportation; must be able to get on/off without staff assistance
♦ Member discount
Walking/Easy
Walking/Moderate Walking/Active
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 2/24
Combining creativity with nature is just one way the Gardens at Gantz Farm staff and volunteers share their knowledge. Join an upcoming class to create beautiful, useful items or learn a new approach to gardening.
• Seed Starting for Kids Ages: 6-9
Wed., 3/5; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Sow seeds to start growing plants inside so you can replant them in a garden once it is warm.
• Bee House Ages: 6-9
Wed., 4/9; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Make a nesting house for solitary orchard bees, non-aggressive pollinators who live in nests.
• Jump Start Your Garden Sat., 3/8; 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Plant seeds for tomatoes, peppers, flowers and herbs. Receive a flat, cell packs, soil and seeds to take home.
• Spring Clean with Essential Oils Sat., 3/15; 10:30 a.m.-Noon
Create cleaning products using natural ingredients and essential oils.
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 2/24
• Grow Herbs for Cooking Tue., 3/18; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Learn about herbs used in cooking including how to grow, harvest and preserve them.
• Herb Bread: Make, Take & Bake Thu., 3/20; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Develop yeast dough skills: make and shape a loaf of herb bread to take home for final proofing and baking.
• Easter Egg Dyeing the Natural Way Tue., 4/15; 6:30-8 p.m.
Naturally dye a dozen eggs using fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, which produce subtle pastel colors.
• Spring Greens: Eat Your Weeds Mon., 4/28; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Greens offer great health benefits, and many can be found in your backyard. Learn their importance and how to cook them.
⎘See page 12 for a agegroup-based index of Parks & Rec. classes.
Cleanup Day: Volunteers Needed Sat., 3/22, 8 a.m.-noon
KGCB is organizing a community clean-up event to celebrate Earth Day! Sign up individually or as a group, pick up supplies then head out into various areas to collect trash and beautify the community.
EcoFest
Sat., 4/19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Town Center Park
A regional celebration of all things green, visitors learn ways to support the environment, browse vendors and services, enjoy activities and more.
Grove City is full of creativity! Much like physical activity improves health, making things with your hands and performing, especially in a group, offers personal benefits that extend beyond the final product.
• Spring Break Camp! Ages: 5-12
Mon.-Fri., 3/24 to 3/28; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
When school is out, spend the day engaged in various fitness, group games and spring-art activities.
• Parents’ Night Out: Spring Ages: 5-10
Fri., 4/4; 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Celebrate spring as you make crafts and a snack, hang out with Parks & Rec. staff, and dance while your parents enjoy a night to themselves.
• Pottery Wheel 101 Ages: 8-14
Mon., 3/3 to 3/10; 4-6 p.m.
Use a pottery wheel to master fundamental hand-building techniques and craft a unique pot.
• Mad Scientist: Messy Madness Ages: 6-11 Tue., 4/15; 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Have a blast conducting experiments with slime volcanoes.
• Paint Night Ages: 10-14
Mon., 4/23; 6:30-8 p.m.
Follow step-by-step directions and add your creativity to paint a masterpiece on canvas.
Holiday Fun
Celebrate the season by making crafts and engaging in themed activities.
• Leprechaun Traps Ages: 5-10
Thu., 3/13; 4:15-5:15 p.m.
Create a trap to catch one of the wee folk to see if he will share the secret hiding place of the gold.
Children build relationships, confidence and trust in their curiosity while working in a group setting filled with play-based learning.
• Adventure Egg Hunt Ages: 2-4
Wed., 4/16; 6:15-7 p.m.
Meet at Gantz Park to make an egg craft, then receive an egg carton and search for eggs. Exchange a filled carton for a prize bag.
Program Age Groups
õ Adaptive
õ Preschool (1-4)
õ Youth (5-17)
õ Adult (18+)
õ 55+/Senior
Keeping your mind and body active is important for health for all ages. Whether you are into self-guided activities like utilizing bike paths or enjoy group classes, Grove City Parks & Rec. has something for you!
Gymnastics & Karate
These activities are great ways to develop listening skills, balance, core strength and coordination, providing a great foundation for future athletic endeavors.
Gymnastics
• Gymnastic Age: 3
Tue., 3/11 to 4/22; 5-5:30 p.m.
Thu., 3/13 to 4/24; 5-5:30 p.m.
• Gymnastic Age: 4
Tue., 3/11 to 4/22; 5:30-6 p.m.
Thu., 3/13 to 4/24; 5:30-6 p.m.
• Gymnastics Ages: 5-6
Tue., 3/11 to 4/22; 6-6:30 p.m.
Thu., 3/13 to 4/24; 6-6:30 p.m.
• Gymnastics Ages: 7-8
Tue., 3/11 to 4/22; 6:30-7 p.m.
Thu., 3/13 to 4/24; 6:30-7 p.m.
Karate
• Peewee Beginner Ages: 4-7
Mon., 3/10 to 4/21; 5-5:30 p.m. Wed., 3/12 to 4/23; 5-5:30 p.m.
• Peewee Advanced Ages: 4-7
Mon., 3/10 to 4/21; 5:30-6 p.m.
Wed., 3/12 to 4/23; 5:30-6 p.m.
• Beginner Ages: 8/up Mon., 3/10 to 4/21; 6-7 p.m. Wed., 3/12 to 4/23; 6-7 p.m.
• Advanced Ages: 8/up Mon., 3/10 to 4/21; 7-8 p.m. Wed., 3/12 to 4/23; 7-8 p.m.
Yoga & Tai Chi
Melt away tension with postures and movement combined with breathing techniques and deep relaxation.
• Yoga
Tue., 3/4 to 3/25; 6-7 p.m.
Tue., 4/1 to 4/22; 6-7 p.m.
• Senior Yoga
Tue., 3/4 to 3/25; 10-11 a.m. Thu., 4/3 to 4/24; 11 a.m.-Noon
• Tai Chi
Tue., 3/4 to 3/25; 10-11 a.m. Tue., 4/1 to 4/22; 10-11 a.m.
Music lifts the spirit and supports cognitive, social, physical and musical development.
• First Steps in Music Ages: 3-5
Tue., 3/4 to 3/18; 6:15-7 p.m.
Tue., 4/8 to 4/22; 6:15-7 p.m.
A Feierabend Music instructor leads developmentally appropriate movement, dance and music.
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 2/24
• KinderMusik Ages: 1-4 with Adult Thu., 3/6 to 3/20; 9:30-10 a.m. Thu., 4/3 to 4/17; 9:30-10 a.m.
Interactive musical experiences singing and dancing support wholechild development.
• Zumba Toning Thu., 3/6 to 3/20; 6-7 p.m. Thu., 4/3 to 4/24; 6-7 p.m.
Dance-fitness party fans focus on toning and sculpting muscles.
Program Age Groups
õ Adaptive
õ Preschool (1-4)
õ Youth (5-17)
õ Adult (18+) õ 55+/Senior
The City of Grove City strives to add to, improve and maintain parks and recreation facilities throughout the city, including expansion of the multi-use path system linking recreational, residential and commercial areas of Grove City.
The Big Splash
• Improvements to pool shell, gutter grates and filtration system
Fryer Park
• Installation of turf on West Pod Fields
• Ball field improvements including new dugouts, shade structures and fencing, and enhanced grading and drainage
Grant-Sawyer Homestead
• Historical restoration of the carriage house
Hoover Park
• Stabilization of the pond shoreline including erosion control
Quarry Park
• Installation of playground with accessible surface
• Pickleball and basketball courts with lights
• Shelter with plumbed restrooms
• Paved, looped path
Windsor Park
• Expansion of lighted, paved parking lot
• Addition of basketball courts on Babbert Way
• The Park at Beulah: Park Street to Beulah Park Drive (along West Water Run)
• Jackson Pike: Hawthorne Parkway to Scioto Meadows Boulevard
• Hoover Road bridge over I-71
• Quarry Park internal loop
Gantz Park
• Construction of RecSchool preschool programming building
The Park at Beulah
• Opening of the Beulah Pavilion
The new four-seasons Beulah Pavilion, nestled within the scenic green space in The Park at Beulah, offers a peaceful, picturesque setting for gatherings and events such as weddings, corporate events and community meetings.
Bookings are first-come, first-served and require a signed agreement. Renter must be age 21 or older; there is no residency requirement.
Food and beverages, including alcohol, are permitted when provided through a registered caterer.
Rental Times and Fees
Monday-Thursday
• $600: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-10 p.m.
• $1,000: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Sunday
• $1,200: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-10 p.m.
• $1,000 for full-day rental.
Features
• Indoor seating for up to 150 people.
• Glass garage-style doors that open to a spacious patio.
• A prep kitchen with refrigeration and counter space.
• Tables and chairs (standard setup included).
• Audio-visual screens (3).
To make a reservation, stop in the Kingston Center during office hours, or visit GroveCityOhio.gov.
RecSchool
Ages: 3-5
September-May
PlayTots
Ages: 2-3 with Adult
September-May
Learning Together
Ages: 2-3 with Adult
$20 (NR: $25)
• Grass Grows Green
Thu., 3/6 to 3/13; 6-7 p.m.
• Welcome Spring Thu., 4/3 to 4/10; 6-7 p.m.
NatureKids: Adventure Egg Hunt
Ages: 2-4
Wed., 4/16; 6:15-7 p.m.
$12 (NR: $14)
P.A.R.K.
Grades: K-4
• After-school P.A.R.K.
School year: Mon.-Fri., 2:30-6 p.m.
• Before School P.A.R.K.
School year: Mon.-Fri., 6-8 a.m.
Spring Break Camp!
Ages: 5-12
Mon.-Fri., 3/24 to 3/28; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
$175 (NR: $185)
Parents’ Night Out!
Ages: 5-10
Fri., 4/4; 6:30-9:30 p.m.
$30 (NR: $32)
Pottery Wheel 101
Ages: 8-14
Mon., 3/3 to 3/10; 4-6 p.m.
$90 (NR: $95)
Seed Starting for Kids
Ages: 6-9
Wed., 3/5; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
$15 (NR: $20)
Grove City Buddy Ball
Register February-mid-April
May-June season
$35 per player
• Ages: 4+ : Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Ages: 16+: Tue., 6-8:30 p.m.
First Steps in Music
Ages: 3-5
Tue., 3/4 to 3/18; 6:15-7 p.m.
Tue., 4/8 to 4/22; 6:15-7 p.m.
$52 (NR: $60)
KinderMusik
Ages: 1-4 with Adult
Thu., 3/6 to 3/20; 9:30-10 a.m.
Thu., 4/3 to 4/17; 9:30-10 a.m.
$65 (NR: $73)
Jump Bunch *
Ages: 1 ½-2 ½
Wed., 3/5 to 4/16; 6-6:30 p.m.
$78 (NR: $86)
Ages: 2-3
Wed., 3/5 to 4/16; 6:30-7 p.m.
$78 (NR: $86)
Sporties for Shorties *
Ages: 3-5
Wed., 3/5 to 4/16; 7-7:45 p.m.
$78 (NR: $86)
Leprechaun Traps
Ages: 5-10
Thu., 3/13; 4:15-5:15 p.m.
$15 (NR: $17)
Bee House
Ages: 6-9
Wed., 4/9; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
$12 (NR: $17)
Mad Scientist - Messy Madness
Ages: 6-11
Tue., 4/15; 6:15-7:15 p.m.
$20 (NR: $22)
Paint Night Ages: 10-14
Mon., 4/23; 6:30-8 p.m.
$20 (NR: $22)
Gymnastics*
Ages: 5-6
Tue., 3/11 to 4/22; 6-6:30 p.m.
Thu., 3/13 to 4/24; 6-6:30 p.m.
$40 (NR: $45)
Ages: 7-8
Tue., 3/11 to 4/22; 6:30-7 p.m.
$40 (NR: $45)
Adaptive Kids’ Indoor Play Time
Ages: 1-5 with Adult Sun., 3/9; 9-11 a.m. Sun., 3/23; 9-11 a.m.
$5
Bally Sports: Mini Soccer Stars
Ages: 3-4
Wed., 4/2 to 5/7; 4-5 p.m.
Wed., 4/2 to 5/7; 5-6 p.m.
$80
Ages: 5-6
Wed., 4/2 to 5/7; 6-7 p.m.
$80
Gymnastics *
Ages: 3
Tue., 3/11 to 4/22; 5-5:30 p.m.
Thu., 3/13 to 4/24; 5-5:30 p.m.
$40 (NR: $45)
Ages: 4
Tue., 3/11 to 4/22; 5:30-6 p.m.
Thu., 3/13 to 4/24; 5:30-6 p.m.
$40 (NR: $45)
Thu., 3/13 to 4/24; 6:30-7 p.m.
$40 (NR: $45)
Karate Peewee Beginner* Ages: 4-7
Mon., 3/10 to 4/21; 5-5:30 p.m.
Wed., 3/12 to 4/23; 5-5:30 p.m.
$45 (NR: $50)
Karate Peewee Advanced*
Ages: 4-7
Mon., 3/10 to 4/21; 5:30-6 p.m.
Wed., 3/12 to 4/23; 5:30-6 p.m.
$45 (NR: $50)
Karate Beginner*
Ages: 8/up
Mon., 3/10 to 4/21; 6-7 p.m.
Wed., 3/12 to 4/23; 6-7 p.m.
$60 (NR: $65)
Karate Advanced* Ages: 8/up
Mon., 3/10 to 4/21; 7-8 p.m. Wed., 3/12 to 4/23; 7-8 p.m.
$60 (NR: $65)
Adaptive Bingo Night Ages: 8/up
Fri., 3/17; 6-7 p.m.
$5
Adaptive Karaoke Ages: 14/up
Fri., 4/25; 6-7:30 p.m.
$5
Spring-Summer Adult Softball Register March 1-31
Day varies by league
$400
Spring Adult Cornhole Register March 1-31
Recreational: Tue., 6:15 p.m.
Competitive: Thu., 6:15 p.m.
$50
Spring Pickleball Ladder League Register March 1-31
Beginner to Intermediate: Tue., 6-8 p.m.
Intermediate to Advanced: Thu., 6-8 p.m.
$25
Jump Start Your Garden Sat., 3/8; 10:30 a.m.-Noon
$30 (NR: $35)
Spring Clean with Essential Oils Sat., 3/15; 10:30 a.m.-Noon
$25 (NR: $30)
Grow Herbs for Cooking Tue., 3/18; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
$15 (NR: $20)
Herb Bread: Make, Take & Bake Thu., 3/20; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
$25 (NR: $30)
Easter Egg Dyeing the Natural Way Tue., 4/15; 6:30-8 p.m.
$20 (NR: $25)
Spring Greens: Eat Your Weeds Mon., 4/28; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
$15 (NR: $20)
55+ (55+ unless otherwise indicated)
LifeCare Alliance Lunch Program
Ages: 60/up
Tue.-Thu., 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Suggested donation: $1.50
Center Updates with Q & A
Wed., 3/5; Noon
Wed., 4/2; Noon
Evans Center Annual Membership
$15 per year
Game Show Day
Fri., 4/11; 1-3 p.m.
$15
Bingo
Thu., 3/6 to 3/27; 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Thu., 4/3 to 4/24; 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Movie Fun: Someone Like You Fri., 3/14; 1-3 p.m.
LaComedia: Jersey Boys Thu., 3/13; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$67
Franklin Park Conservatory
Wed., 3/19; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$27
Columbus Consignment Shop Hop
Wed., 4/30; 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
$12
Lunch Bunch: Hofbrauhaus
Wed., 3/12; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
$10; $8 Members
Lunch Bunch: Cap City Diner
Thu., 4/17; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
$10; $8 Members
Supper Club:
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Thu., 3/27; 4-8 p.m.
$10; $8 Members
Supper Club: PF Chang’s Wed., 4/9; 4-8 p.m.
$10; $8 Members
Chair Volleyball
Mon., Wed., 3/3 to 3/31; 1-2 p.m.
Mon., Wed., 4/2 to 4/30; 1-2 p.m.
Tai Chi
Tue., 3/4 to 3/25; 10-11 a.m. Tue., 4/1 to 4/22; 10-11 a.m.
$18
Senior Exercise
Mon., Wed., 3/3 to 3/31; 9-10 a.m.
Mon., Wed., 4/2 to 4/30; 9-10 a.m.
$15
Senior Yoga
Thu., 3/6 to 3/27; 11 a.m.-Noon
Thu., 4/3 to 4/24; 11 a.m.-Noon
$20
Fitness Room
Weekdays; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
$10 per month; included in membership
Importance of Foot Care Q&A
Fri., 3/7; 1-2 p.m.
Stroke Wise
Fri., 3/21; 11 a.m.-Noon
Understanding Dementia
Tue., 4/29; 1-2 p.m.
S.A.L.T.
Thu., 3/13; 10-11 a.m.
Thu., 4/10; 10-11 a.m.
Yoga
Tue., 3/4 to 3/25; 6-7 p.m.
Tue., 4/1 to 4/22; 6-7 p.m.
$22 (NR: $24)
Zumba® Toning
Thu., 3/6 to 3/20; 6-7 p.m.
$15 (NR: $17)
Thu., 4/3 to 4/24; 6-7 p.m.
$20 (NR: $22)
Karate Beginner*
Ages: 8/up
Mon., 3/10 to 4/21; 6-7 p.m.
Wed., 3/12 to 4/23; 6-7 p.m.
$60 (NR: $65)
Karate Advanced* Ages: 8/up
Mon., 3/10 to 4/21; 7-8 p.m.
Wed., 3/12 to 4/23; 7-8 p.m.
$60 (NR: $65)
Lunch & Learn: Staying Active
Fri., 4/18; 11 a.m.-Noon
$5
Lunch & Learn: Healthy Habits for Brain & Body
Fri., 4/25; 11 a.m.-Noon
$5
Life After Loss Support
Wed., 3/12; 10-11 a.m.
Wed., 4/9; 10-11 a.m.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Tue., 3/18; 7 p.m.
Tue., 4/15; 7 p.m.
Parkinson’s Disease Support
Mon., 3/3; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Mon., 4/7; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Aromatherapy Jewelry
Wed., 3/11; 11 a.m.-Noon
$14
Greeting Cards
Thu., 3/20; 10 a.m.-Noon
Thu., 4/17; 10 a.m.-Noon
Bring $10 material fee to class
Crafts, Creativity & Conversations
Wed., 3/26; 10 a.m.-Noon
Wed., 4/23; 10 a.m.-Noon
$14
Paint with Heather
Fri., 4/4; 1-3 p.m.
$14
*No class: 3/24, 3/25, 3/26, 3/27
" The Big Splash/Evans 2831 Southwest Blvd. # Blodwen 2352 Blodwen Circle
$ Breck Community 3005 Demorest Rd. % Concord Lakes 3606 Lake Mead Dr. & Cread Lawless 3401 Kingston Ave.
Creekside 2410 Holton Rd.
Fryer
3899 Orders Rd.
Gantz
2255 Home Rd.
Henceroth 2075 Mallow Lane + Hennigans Grove
5804 Paul Talbott Circle , Holton Run 5301 Demorest Dr.
Murfin Memorial Field
Hoover Crossing 2880 Wynridge Dr./ Murfin Trail
Hoover Park 4629 Haughn Rd.
Indian Trails 6190 Buckeye Pkwy.
Keller Farms 1904 Michelle Ct.
Meadowgrove 5601 Spring Hill Rd.
The Park at Beulah 3700 Glacial Lane
Pinnacle Area 2430 Holton Rd.
Pinnacle Links North 1243 Pinnacle Club Dr.
Pinnacle Links South 5014 Callum Way
Skate 3728 Hoover Road
Swearingen 2601 Columbus Street
Town Center Park 3359 Park Street ; Walden Bluff Walden Bluff Ct. < Westgrove 3580 Magnolia St.
Scioto Meadows 432 Scioto Meadows Blvd. 7 Sesquicentennial 3247 Park St.
Windsor 4330 Dudley Ave./ 4408 Broadway/ Dreamfield: 3400 Ventura Blvd.
B Century Village 4185 Orders Rd.
C Eagle Pavilion 3670 Discovery Dr. D Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. E Gantz Farmhouse & Gardens 2255 Home Rd.
F George Edge Music Broadway at Park St.
G Grant-Sawyer Home 4126 Haughn Road
H Grove City Gold Star Families Memorial 3964 Columbus St.
I Grove City Visitors Center & Museum
3378 Park St.
J Kingston Center 3226 Kingston Ave.
Windsor and Gantz parks feature shelters large enough for gatherings available to the public year-round, dawn to dusk, and are open for walk-up usage if not already reserved. Reservations for May 1 through Sept. 30 opened Tuesday, Jan. 21. All other shelters and gazebos are accessible on a first-come basis and are not available for reservation by the public. The Eagle Pavilion and Beulah Pavilion have separate policies from open shelters including no walk-up usage. For more information, call 614-277-3050 or visit GroveCityOhio.gov.
Size 1,800 square feet
Picnic Tables 12 (2 ADA)
Rental Times & Fees
9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR)
Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)
GANTZ PARK SMALL SHELTER
Size 850 square feet
Picnic Tables 6
Rental Times & Fees
9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $50 ($75 NR)
Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $90 ($125 NR)
Parks with Walk-up Shelters
• Blodwen
• Cread Lawless
• Creekside
• Fryer
Size 1,500 square feet
Picnic Tables 13 (2 ADA)
Rental Times & Fees
9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR)
Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)
GANTZ PARK GAZEBO
Size 500 square feet
Picnic Tables 0 Rental Times & Fees
9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $50 ($75 NR) Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $90 ($125 NR)
• Indian Trails
• Keller Farms
• Meadowgrove
• The Park at Beulah
• Scioto Meadows
• Swearingen
• Westgrove
• Windsor
WINDSOR PARK BASEBALL FOR ALL/DREAM FIELD SHELTER
Size 1,500 square feet
Picnic Tables 8 (8 ADA)
Rental Times & Fees
9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR)
Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)
Outdoor Shelter Reminders
• Reservations are available for May 1-Sept. 30.
• Refunds only granted 30 or more days before reservation date.
• Water fountains/flushing toilets are turned off seasonally to protect pipes (approximately Oct. 1-May 1).
• Restrooms are open to all park users.
• Reservations have priority. Police will assist if walk-up occupants refuse to leave. Call the non-emergency police number at 614-277-1710.
• Shelters are cleaned early each morning. Be prepared in case conditions are affected by others' use, weather or animals.
• Be courteous! Leave shelters in same or better condition.
• Place all refuse in proper containers.
• Prohibited actions include smoking/vaping of tobacco or marijuana, alcohol use/impairment and possession of weapons.
• All park laws apply; see Grove City Code Chapter 903.
bit.ly/gcpReg
24-7
Credit card only
Drop Box, 3226 Kingston Ave. (Rear)
24-7
Check or money order
• Due to security concerns, payments are not accepted by phone
• Online using a credit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card).
Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday
Credit card, cash, money order, check Ages 1-54
Evans Center, 4330 Dudley Ave. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday
Credit card, cash, money order, check Ages 55+
• In person via credit card, cash, money order or check made payable to the City of Grove City.
• Drop box (parking-lot side of the Kingston Center) by check or money order
Most activities list two fees with a lower rate for residents. Grove City Parks and Rec. facilities and offerings are funded through property and income taxes; in recognition of this, residents receive a discount.
• A resident is someone whose home address lies within the corporation limits of Grove City or unincorporated Jackson Township
• Please note: this does not include all of ZIP code 43123; the U.S. Postal Service uses ZIP codes to designate the office that delivers mail to an address.
• Verify your rate level at Property.FranklinCountyAuditor.com. Search for your address. Eligible addresses feature a parcel ID that starts with 040 or 160.
• The Fair Share Policy extends eligibility for lower rates to non-residents who pay income tax to the City of Grove City. Proof of employment (e.g., current pay stub showing tax payment) must be confirmed annually.
• No further confirmation regarding registration is made unless there is a change to the time or location. Participants are responsible for being present at the time and location listed.
• View your household’s schedule: log in and select the account tab (top left) to view upcoming classes.
Cancellation by Participant
• Registered participants may cancel before the program starts or materials are ordered. Requests must be in writing (hard copy or email).
• For a full refund for team sports, a request must be made before uniforms are ordered. Decisions on refunds are at the discretion of department personnel.
• Refunds are by check mailed to household or reversal of a credit card charge.
Class/Event Cancellation by Department
• Activities are subject to change or cancellation based on participation, instructor availability, weather or building conditions, and public safety concerns. Staff will notify registered participants of changes to classes.
• For day-of updates team sports, call 614-277-3060, monitor social media and visit GroveCityOhio.gov.
• Every attempt is made to print accurate, complete information. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the publication and the timeline for printing, the guide may include incorrect or incomplete information.
• We apologize for any errors or omissions and encourage you to visit the website and review online offerings for the most up-to-date information.
The City of Grove City reserves the right to photograph or otherwise record activities, participants, spectators and park visitors. Images may be used in social media, website, catalogs, brochures, magazines, ads or other print or electronic communications or promotions. Looking for your photo? Did you see someone taking photos and want to view them?
• Check EQ@GroveCityParks and EQ@GroveCityOhio.
• Browse the Discover Grove City magazine.
• Visit GroveCityOhio.gov.
Grove City Parks and Rec. is committed to serving the whole community regardless of age, sex, race, color, national origin or religion
Our goal is to include individuals with special needs in existing programs based on need and ability. Individuals or groups serving special populations are welcome to contact the department to make proper arrangements.
The City of Grove City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to programs or activities. An ADA Coordinator is designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Justice regulations implementing Subtitle A of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability by public agencies. Call 614-277-3050 for information.
Curb cans are incorporated into most Grove City homes built after 1990
• Curb cans filter sump pump and downspout rainwater before diverting to the City’s storm drainage system.
• Most homes feature two curb cans. They are located near the curb roughly aligning with the front corners of the house.
Unsure if your home has curb cans?
• A protective round or square cap in the right-of-way near the curb indicates a curb can.
• Grass may grow over the cap, so inspect closely.
• Cored holes near the street curb may indicate there is no curb can.
Homeowners are responsible for cleaning curb cans on their property. The procedure should be performed twice a year to reduce the risk of basement flooding and standing water at the curb.
Visit bit.ly/GCFloodPrevention for information on property and plumbing assessment recommendations.
Complete a thorough assessment of your property to help determine the source of flooding if you have water in your basement.
Potential problems tied to City infrastructure can be inspected by the Grove City Public Service Department.
Winter weather can damage your property. Take a spring-time inventory of your exterior property.
•Check roof for damage including looking for water stains on ceilings.
•Clear gutters of debris.
• Inspect trees for damage or rot. 17
Contact
Grove City Public Service
3262 Ventura Blvd.
Grove City, OH 43123
614-277-1100
Hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
1.Move the protective cap.
2.Remove debris (dirt, shingle grit, leaves, etc.) and locate gravel.
3.Remove layer of gravel to expose perforated under-drain, usually located 6”-18” below the surface.
4.Flush with water to verify proper drainage. If it does not drain properly, call 614-277-1100.
5.Wash gravel or replace with new gravel of same size and return it to the curb can. Put the protective cap back in place.
more at bit.ly/gcCurbCan.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week: April 14-20
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is a time to recognize the life-saving work performed by trained professionals in the 911 public safety field.
Started by a telecommunicator in California in 1981, the second week of April was designated by presidential proclamation in 1994 as an annual recognition of this important career.
April is National 911 Education Month. On Feb. 16, 1968, in Haleyville, Alabama, Senator Rankin Fite completed the first 911 call in the United States. Since then, 911 has become a lifeline for millions of people around the world.
Public Safety Telecommunicators, or 911 dispatchers, work around the clock to ensure proper lifesaving care is available any time of day. Thank a 911 dispatcher today!
Have you ever considered a career with the Grove City Division of Police?
Non Law Enforcement
If interested, complete a job interest form indicating positions related to the Division of Police at bit.ly/gcjobinterestcard.
For 12 months after submitting the form, you will receive an email notification each time a position in a matching category opens with City of Grove City.
Police Officers
Grove City uses the National Testing Network to evaluate potential officers. Visit www.nationaltestingnetwork.com, sign up for the Law Enforcement Exam and apply your score to Grove City. Once you complete the exam and the score is submitted, Grove City will contact you.
When the hiring process for applications opens, you will receive an email prompting you to apply.
For further questions regarding the hiring process with the Grove City Division of Police, send an email to: PoliceRecruitment@GroveCityOhio.gov.
April: National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Your notifications can wait when you’re behind the wheel. Focus on the road and remember to just drive! Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving
Learn more about the risks of distracted driving and what you can do to prevent it at bit.ly/NHTSADistractedDriving
