Pickerington April/May 2023

Jay and Lynda Sharrett

and

Photo by Jeff

pickerington community calendar april/may 2023

April 1

Breakfast with the Bunny

8 a.m.-noon, Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Enjoy breakfast as well as games, crafts and more with everyone’s favorite spring mascot, the Easter Bunny. Photo opportunities are also available!

April 1

Pickerington Area Home & Garden Expo

10 a.m.-1 p.m., Combustion Brewery & Taproom, 80 W. Church St. www.pickeringtonchamber.com

This inaugural event, hosted by the Pickerington Chamber of Commerce, offers approximately 30 vendors, as well as entertainment, giveaways, food trucks and more. Attendance is free.

April 1-2

Spring Book Sale

Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-3 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Seeking a bargain on your next favorite page-turner? Head over to Pickerington Library for its semi-annual book sale. Be sure to arrive early; these book steals sell fast!

April 2

Opening Day at the Museum

2-4 p.m., Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Museum, 15 E. Columbus St. www.pickhistory.org

Enjoy new exhibits featuring the Violet Grange and WWII uniforms and memorabilia belonging to Pickerington’s Ivan Nicodemus. Join for some old-time music on the museum’s playing piano.

April 8

Rick Barr at Cardo’s 7:30-11 p.m., Cardo’s Pizza & Tavern, 7897 Refugee Rd. www.cardospizzaandtavern.com

What better way to spend a Saturday night than with pizza and live music? Pop over to Cardo’s and hear Rick Barr cover your favorite country and rock hits.

April 10

Arbor Day Celebration

6 p.m., Sycamore Creek Park Arboretum www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Join the Arbor Day celebration as the Pickerington Parks and Recreation Board celebrates its 30th consecutive year receiving Tree City USA honors. Fittingly, a tree will be planted in honor of the award!

April 11

Stitching in the Stacks

6:30-8:30 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Calling all needlecraft lovers! For beginners and experts of all ages, join this club for a few hours of knitting and socializing.

April 13 and May 11

Pickerington Village Shop Hop

4-8 p.m., Olde Pickerington Village, 13 W. Columbus St. and locations around the village

www.pickeringtonvillage.com

Support local businesses and enjoy Pickerington’s beautiful scenery with this shopping adventure. With countless vendors, you’ll be sure to find a steal.

April 14-16

Weekend Bluegrass Jam Camp

Violet Baptist Church, 8345 BlacklickEastern Rd.

www.wernickmethod.org

Learn bluegrass and enjoy music with pals during this weekend camp, taught by Fred Staunton and George Welling.

April 16

Pickerington Village PetFest

1-4 p.m., Victory Park, Access from Lockville Rd.

www.pickeringtonvillage.com

Bring your pets to meet others of their kind while you explore the pet-related vendors and meet like-minded animal enthusiasts at this free, annual, family-friendly event.

April 21

Pickerington Earth Day Clean Up City Hall, 100 Lockville Rd. www.ci.pickerington.oh.us

Celebrate Earth Day and help your fellow citizens clean up our beautiful community.

April 21

Evan Holcombe Music at Combustion Brewery

7-10 p.m., Combustion Brewery and Taproom, 80 W. Church St.

www.combustionbrewing.com

Grab a drink and enjoy local musician Evan Holcombe’s beautiful acoustics, ranging from bluegrass to blues.

April 23

George the Locktender

2-3:30 p.m., Lockville Canal Park, 5895 Pickerington Rd., Carroll

www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events

Our interpretive historian will be in character as George Benadum, the man who tended locks in old Lockville on the Ohio and Erie Canal. Making history fun!

April 24

Monday Makers: Tea Tag Coaster

6-8 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

April is National Afternoon Tea Month. Celebrate it accordingly by making a personalized tea tag coaster.

Photo by Joyce Cleary

Would you like to submit an event for our calendar? Send details and photos to tkirkendall@cityscenemediagroup.com.

April 28

Wildflower Wander

1-3 p.m., Smeck Park, 7395 Basil Rd., Baltimore www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events

After a short discussion about the science of spring’s ephemeral wildflowers, we take a two-mile hike to search for what is blooming.

May 5

Chocolate Hop

6, 8:30 p.m., Pickerington Village www.pickeringtonvillage.com

Take a journey through Pickerington Village and donate $5 to receive a complimentary chocolate at participating businesses. With Mother’s Day on May 14, this is a great way to celebrate early.

May 6–October 29

Rock Mill Days

11 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays

1-4 p.m., Sundays, Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events

Visitors are invited to tour the restored 1824 gristmill. On the last Sunday of each month, we will mill corn the way it was done 200 years ago! Please check website for full details.

May 6

Touch-A-Truck

10 a.m.-noon, Pickerington Community Pool, 11330 Stonecreek Dr. www.pickerington.net

Why settle for toy cars when you can see real trucks and equipment up close? Kids can learn about their favorite vehicles in this interactive experience, and they will even earn a free Kids Driver’s License.

May 6

West African Drumming & Dancing

1-2 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Experience an amazing blend of rhythm and dance with this energetic performance. Listen to harmonious West African music and stay after for Q&A time.

May 7

DIY Birdhouse

1:30-3 p.m., Pickerington Sycamore Plaza Library, 7861 Refugee Rd. www.pickeringtonlibrary.libnet

Put your creativity to the test while making a home for your flying friends. Register in advance to ensure supplies are available.

May 7

All events are subject to change. Visit websites for additional information.

Historical Museum Open House

2-4 p.m., Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Museum, 15 E. Columbus St. www.pickhistory.org

Enjoy free admission to see an art exhibit featuring Pickerington North students and check out the veteran’s exhibit for May’s Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.

May 12

The Lews Brothers at Combustion Brewing

7-10 p.m., Combustion Brewery and Taproom, 80 W. Church St. www.combustionbrewing.com

This duo has provided energetic tunes to Columbus for over 20 years, and is sure to please with classic rock from the ’60s to the ’80s.

May 14

Mother’s Day

May 18

Pickerington Chamber Annual Awards Dinner & Silent Auction

5:30-8:30 p.m., Wigwam Event Center, 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. www.pickeringtonchamber.com/events

Celebrate the business community as the Chamber bestows four awards, including Business of the Year. Dinner, silent auction, cash bar and entertainment are provided. Registration is required.

May 19

Mambourg Night Hike

8:30-10 p.m., Mambourg Park, 5531 Cincinnati-Zanesville Rd. NE (US-22), Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events

Join us for a fun 1.5-mile hike through the woods at night! Please do not bring pets to this program.

May 20

Graduation Day for Pickerington Local School District

May 20

This is Spinal Crap: A Murder

Mystery Dinner

7-9 p.m., Outerbelt Brewing, 3560 Dolson Ct., Carroll

www.outerbeltbrewing.com

Want a side of mystery with your dinner? Solve a crime while sipping on a delicious brew with this riveting experience.

May 27

Comic Fest

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Grab your cape or favorite comic book character costume, and help ring in seven years of Comic Fest. Enjoy various local food trucks and vendors, and don’t forget to pick up a reading log to mark the first day of Summer Reading.

May 28

Milling Day at Rock Mill

1-4 p.m., Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster

www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events

Visitors are invited to tour the restored 1824 gristmill, see the 26-inch-diameter all-wood waterwheel, and watch miller grind corn into meal the ways it was done 200 years ago! Weather dependent so please, check website for full details and updates.

May 18 – Pickerington Chamber Annual Awards Dinner & Silent Auction

Facility Reservations

Are you hosting a graduation party, birthday party or family reunion this summer? The Parks and Recreation Department offers more than a dozen facilities and park spaces to host your event. Shelters, gazebos, basketball courts and even the skate park are available for rent. Reservations are being accepted now for events April 1-Oct. 31. All reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance and are first come, first served. Below is a list of park rules that must be observed in order to rent from the City of Pickerington.

Park Rules

1. Park is open from dawn to dusk.

2. Damaging or removing park property, natural features and wildlife is prohibited.

3. No littering or dumping.

4. Loud and disruptive behavior is prohibited.

5. Advertising or commercial enterprise requires permission from the City Manager.

6. No camping without a written permit from the City Manager.

7. No fires except in designated areas.

8. Hunting and trapping are prohibited.

9. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and owners must pick up after their pets.

10. No swimming, wading, or boating. Catch and release fishing only.

11. No motorized vehicles except in designated areas.

12. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Violation of any park rule may lead to ejection from the park or prosecution under the laws of the City of Pickerington. For a complete list of facilities available to rent, visit www.pickerington.net

Police Department Hiring Passports

If you have travel plans this summer and need a passport, the City of Pickerington can help. The City is a licensed agency and can process passports at City Hall, but by appointment only. No walk-ins are accepted. Appointments can be made by calling 614-837-3974. Applicants need a completed application, proof of citizenship (and photocopy), proof of identity (and photocopy), a recent color photograph which must meet passport requirements and a check or money for fees. Credit cards are not an accepted form of payment. For more information on obtaining a passport, visit: https://travel.state.gov.

The Pickerington Police Department is hiring. The department is creating two hiring lists for the position of police patrol officer. The first list is for candidates who already have or will soon be receiving their Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) certification, which all candidates must have at the time of hire. The first list also includes officers coming out of the academy or those who have limited law enforcement experience. The second list is for lateral hire police patrol officer candidates who have at least two years of continuous, full-time law enforcement patrol experience with a single law enforcement agency and are currently serving in a full-time law enforcement capacity. Lateral hire candidates must also possess a valid OPOTA certification.

The Pickerington Police Department offers a competitive salary and compensation package which includes:

• A base pay range between $64,667.20 and $94,369.60

• Paid holidays, vacation and sick time

• Insurance (medical, dental, vision)

• Generous training opportunities

• On-duty workout time

Interested candidates should visit www.pickerington.net and click on Human Resources or email Pickerington Police Commander Greg Annis at gannis@pickerington.net.

Officer Lash Honored

Officer Mallory Lash was recently recognized by the Pickerington Board of Education for her efforts in keeping students and staff at Ridgeview STEM Jr. High School safe on the morning of Feb. 2, after a parent brought a firearm into the school building, ultimately taking his own life. Officer Lash is one of our School Resource Officers and we’re extraordinarily proud to have her on Team Pickerington!

Upcoming events

April

1 – Parks Open

1– Breakfast with the Bunny

8 – Arbor Day

21 – Earth Day Clean-Up

May

6 – Touch-A-Truck

27 – Pool Opens

For more information, visit www.pickerington.net

Earth Day Volunteers

Looking for a way to give back to your community? Volunteers are needed for the 3rd Annual Earth Day clean-up on Friday, April 21. Pickerington City leaders, staff and community volunteers will come together to pick up litter at multiple locations around the city. Email hmaynard@pickerington.net if you’re interested.

Violet Township

Violet Township Road Department

Violet Township has proactively implemented pavement maintenance and preservation treatments into their annual road program to help extend the life of the township’s roads.

Pavement preservation is a cost effective and greener approach to getting the most life out of your roads and making taxpayer dollars go further. In addition to cost efficiency, a pavement preservation approach is known to produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, consume less energy, and provide faster application times than the alternative conventional approach. These treatments will also help with keeping water out of the pavement, prevent oxidation of the asphalt, and maintain good skid resistance until your road is identified as needing a traditional asphalt overlay.

The treatments you will see the township utilizing are as follows:

Crack Seal:

Overband Crack Seal is a combination of asphalt cement and fibers that produces a strong yet flexible repair to pavement cracks and construction joints. Ultimately, when applied at the right time, this seal will help keep water out of the subbase yielding longer pavement service life.

Benefits:

• High tensile strength for heavy loads

• Delays and minimizes reflective cracking

• Prevents water intrusion into subbase

• Most economical pavement repair process

• Prevents raveling and future potholes

Micro Surface:

When applied on the right road at the right time, Micro Surfacing is one of the most cost-effective Pavement Maintenance tools on the market today. Used primarily to extend pavement service life, Micro Surfacing also provides a safe, durable and skid-resistant surface.

Benefits:

• Superior durability with long service life

• Corrects wheel rutting

• Corrects moderate pavement bleeding or flushing

• Fast set and cure time allowing traffic to return quickly

Cape seal is a two-step process. The chip seal will be applied, then typically a week or so later the micro surface will be applied.

Cape Seal:

Cape Seal is a widely used pavement maintenance tool which incorporates chip seal covered with micro surfacing. It’s an economical solution for addressing fair to moderately cracked pavements, while also providing a smooth, dense surface, good skid resistance, and a long service life.

Benefits:

• Effectively repairs fair to moderately cracked pavements

• Smooth texture with no loose aggregate

• Long pavement service life similar to traditional asphalt overlay practices

• Excellent skid resistance over the life of the pavement

Higher Costs & What Contributes to Them:

We are experiencing many of the same problems that are plaguing many townships, cities, counties, and communities across the nation. These factors (problems) include inflation, supply chain issues, and in some cases, shortages which all contribute to increased costs. We are making every effort to increase the useful life of our roadways by using these different methodologies as presented above.

How to Reach Us

Violet Township Administrative Offices

10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd., Pickerington, OH 43147

614-575-5556 www.violet.oh.us

Violet Township Fire Stations

Phone 614-837-4123

Fire Chief: Michael Little

#592: 8700 Refugee Rd.

#591: 21 Lockville Rd. #593: 2365 Taylor Park Dr.

Violet Township Service Center Phone: 614-382-5979

490 Center St. Pickerington, OH 43147

Crack Seal

Micro Surface

Cape Seal

From the Fire Department

TORNADO WATCH AND WARNING DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?

WATCH:

A Tornado Watch is issued to alert people to the possibility of tornado development in your area

WARNING:

A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has actually been sighted or is indicated by radar

Get alerts on your wireless device

An droid iPhone

1. Go to the “Settings” app.

2. Go to “Notifications.”

3. Select “Advanced Settings.”

4. Choose “Wireless emergency alerts.”

5. Toggle on “Allow Alerts.”

6. Turn on all the alert options below.

1. Go to your “Settings” app.

2. Tap “Notifications.”

3. Scroll to the bottom of the page to “Government Alerts.”

4. Turn “AMBER Alerts” on.

5. Select “Emergency Alerts.”

6. Turn “Emergency Alerts” and “Always Play Sound” on.

7. Go back and turn “Public Safety Alerts” on

Where Should I Take Shelter?

In a Home: A basement provides the greatest safety. Seek shelter under sturdy furniture if possible. In homes without basements, take cover in the center part of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room such as a closet or bathroom, or under sturdy furniture. Keep away from windows.

In a Mobile Home: The home should be evacuated, and shelter taken in a pre-arranged shelter. If there is no shelter nearby, leave the trailer and lie flat in a ditch or ravine. Protect your head by placing your arms over it. Do not take shelter under the home.

Driving a Vehicle: Get out of the vehicle and take shelter in a nearby ditch or ravine. Do not get under the vehicle. Lie flat and put your arms over your head.

At School or at Work: Follow advanced plans to move into interior hallways or small rooms on the lowest floor. Avoid areas with glass and wide, free span roofs. (Schools, factories, and office buildings should designate someone to look out for severe weather and initiate an alarm)

In Open Country: Lie in a gully, ditch or low spot in the ground and hold on to something on the ground if possible. Do not seek shelter in damaged buildings.

Myth

Areas near rivers, lakes, mountains and big cities are safe from tornadoes

Fact No place is safe from tornadoes

Myth

Fact

Myth

Fact

Myth

Fact

The low pressure with a tornado causes building to “explode” as the tornado passes over

Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause the most structural damage

Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage

Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place

Tornadoes are always visible from a great distance

Tornadoes can be hidden in heavy rainfall or nearby low hanging clouds

Be Prepared!

Receive an alert if severe weather is in your area over your phone! Sign up for Alert Fairfield County at:

http://www.fairfieldema.com/alerts/index.html

No access to wireless alerts? Get a weather alert radio

Our local tornado sirens are designed to alert you when you are outside to an emergency situation. But what about when you are inside your snug, airtight house, or if a siren fails to sound? Chief Mike Little urges all citizens to have at least one Weather Alert radio inside their homes and businesses so you can be immediately alerted to a weather emergency. These type of radios are available for purchase at our Refugee Road location, or at most major electronics retailers

Pickerington Schools Launches Literacy Tours

By Leslie Kelly, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

In January 2020, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) published Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement to detail the state’s vision and direction for literacy. This plan identifies the “Science of Reading” (SOR) as the foundation with a commitment to structured literacy instruction, specifically naming the “Simple View of Reading” as the framework to represent the science.

The 133rd Ohio General Assembly passed legislation concerning the screening of and intervention for children with dyslexia in April 2021 and in July 2022, Ohio’s Dyslexia Guidebook was published to provide guidance as districts implement the requirements of the newly passed law.

During his State of the Union Address in Jan. 2023, Governor DeWine also emphasized the importance of SOR by stating, “In our budget, we are making sure that all Ohio children have access to a curriculum that is aligned with the evidence-based approaches of the Science of Reading.”

The key component of ODE’s plan, the guidebook and the State of the Union Address is the Science of Reading and the Structured Literacy approach that utilizes the Simple View of Reading Framework.

According to Ohio’s 2022 Dyslexia Guidebook, “Structured literacy approaches facilitate children’s ability to learn how to map speech to print, which is the core difficulty for students with dyslexia and students with dyslexic characteristics and tendencies. When students are systematically taught the connections between speech and print, they are better

positioned to learn how to read, spell, pronounce and store the meaning of words in memory.”

Pickerington Local Schools (PLSD) has been in the forefront of this work. In the 2014-15 school year, PLSD began utilizing Orton Gillingham with striving readers in need of intensive reading support. Orton Gillingham is a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy when reading, writing, and spelling does not come easily to individuals, such as those with dyslexia. Explicit phonemic awareness and phonics instruction has also long been a practice in our elementary classrooms, along with comprehensive reading and writing instruction to build background knowledge to support access to complex texts.

Tussing and Sycamore Elementary recently hosted Michelle Elia, Ohio Literacy Lead with the Ohio Department of Education. During our visit to Erin Courlas’s first grade class at Tussing Elementary, we watched as students engaged in explicit phonemic awareness lessons, and systematic, mul-

tisensory phonics instruction. We were also able to witness the strong literacy routines that have been established and support small group instruction. During our visit to Kelly Dishong’s second grade classroom at Sycamore Creek, we watched as her students also engaged in systematic and multisensory phonics instruction, as well as students accessing complex text and discourse with the background knowledge that had been developed in previous connected lessons. Ms. Elia said she was impressed with the instruction she observed in these classrooms as examples of structured literacy coming to life.

After the classroom visits, Ms. Elia and I met with a few members of the literacy team that have been leading this work (Lori Seymour, Joni Scipione and Sharon Caccimelio). Based on this experience, our team developed the PLSD Literacy Tour to host districts who would like to see Structured Literacy in practice and have the opportunity to discuss lessons learned with our experts. This year alone, Pickerington Schools has hosted five school districts, with additional requests continuing to come in stemming from Ms. Elia and her visit to our classrooms.

Pickerington Local School District is poised to be a destination literacy district with our diverse demographics, length of implementation, overall student success and willingness to share successes and challenges. As the Ohio Department of Education and the State continue the work to bring the Science of Reading into all classrooms in Ohio, Pickerington stands ready to be a partner in this work as we also continue our ongoing literacy journey.

Kelly Dishong’s 2nd grade Wit & Wisdom lesson.

By Rachel Karas

Picking Each Other Up

After Christy Sykes’ youngest daughter, Lorena, spent her first 37 days in the neonatal intensive care unit at Mount Carmel East, Sykes knew she wanted to help other parents going through the same difficult experience.

Nearly seven years later, Sykes has donated 449 care bags through her organization, Lorena’s Dream, to the same NICU where Lorena spent her first weeks. And she plans to donate even more – 100 per year – for the foreseeable future.

Happy Days Turn Troublesome

Before she became a mom, Sykes grew up in Pickerington where she spent a lot of time with family going to church and getting together on the weekends.

After graduating high school in 2001, she went on to study computer engineering technology at Shawnee State University where she eventually met her husband, Cory.

The two met through their leadership roles in a Christian group known as the Campus Crusade for Christ and grew closer over the years.

In 2008 they got married and eventually bought a house together in Pick-

Pickerington native makes care bags for parents of NICU babies

erington in 2015. Their family grew in 2013 with the addition of their daughter Carly and again in 2016 when Lorena was born.

And while they were excited to welcome their second daughter to the world, they were not prepared to do it quite so early.

“She was due in January and she came the week of Thanksgiving,” Sykes says. “So it wasn’t really until they were

faces

Christy Sykes holds her daughter Lorena shortly after she was born.

Christy Sykes (center left) and her husband, Cory, and two daughters

Photos courtesy of Christy Sykes

like, ‘OK, she’s coming, ready to push? It’s time to go deliver,’ that was really when I kind of started to panic thinking, ‘Oh, no, it’s way too early.’”

At four pounds and 13 ounces, Lorena was born roughly seven weeks early on Nov. 22, 2016, two days before Thanksgiving. Because she was born so early, she had to stay in the NICU until she learned how to eat and was able to gain some weight.

Every day Sykes made the trip to Mount Carmel to visit Lorena, and since she would be there for hours on end, she made sure to bring a bag filled with everything from snacks and drinks to tissues and a journal to take notes in.

“That’s kind of why I started doing the (NICU) bags,” Sykes says. “I thought everybody needs something little like that. That’s just for you. That gives you a little bit of home and feeling loved or feeling like you’re not alone.”

Lorena’s Dream Takes Flight

After getting approval from the NICU director, Sykes turned to her family and friends through social media in January 2017 to get her idea off the ground.

Sykes first needed support and sponsorship to bulk purchase the tote bags through Thirty-One Gifts. Then, Sykes stuffed each tote with things she’d had in her own NICU bag –snacks, tissues and more. The Lorena’s Dream bags, however, contained an additional item: an itemized list of the

inclusions and a letter that shared Lorena’s story.

Sykes’ goal for the first year was to secure a sponsorship for 15 bags. Instead, community members stepped up and covered 42 in the first year alone.

Since then, the organization has grown in numbers – roughly 280 members are connected via Facebook – and offerings, as the contents of the bags have transformed over the years.

In recent years, Sykes says they have added homemade items such as knitted or crocheted baby blankets, hats and socks.

To personalize the bags even more, she has also added tags on items in the bags – such as handmade items and the totes themselves – with the first names of the people who helped put the bag together.

“When someone’s opening this bag, you can actually see how many people helped put your bag together,” Sykes says.

The letters have also changed over time – sometimes including a story from a member of the group or simply encouraging words to the recipient – but that is one thing Sykes says leaves an impact.

Helping Where You Can

Lorena’s Dream is always welcoming to volunteers, even if they can’t purchase a bag or craft items.

“If they can’t buy anything but they want to come help pack the bags or if they want to write cards. I’ll give you cards,” she says. “If you have something to say, I don’t care, I have plenty of cards for you.”

Every spring she has packing parties with a large group of volunteers, and Sykes says newcomers are always welcome. After they are completed, a group will then go with Sykes to the hospital to help her drop off the bags at the hospital.

“It’s about our community and my circle, which has gotten infinitely bigger, being able to help people when they need help,” Sykes says.

And that help has taken on different forms. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Sykes made roughly 300 bags for nurses, teachers and residents at Brookdale Lakeview Crossing. She hopes to one day offer those bags again.

With all the love and time Sykes and others pour into Lorena’s Dream bags, she knows they may not have the power to change a situation, but they can sure make it brighter.

“Our bag is not going to help that baby come home and our bag is not going to heal whatever problems you have,” Sykes says, “it’s more about just a connection with another person so you’re not alone.”

Rachel Karas is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

If you would like updates on Lorena’s Dream, you can join the Facebook group LorenasDreamNICUBags.

Christy Sykes and volunteers deliver NICU bags.

Nurses hold their care bags made by Christy Sykes.

Sharrett is Caring

Jay and Lynda Sharrett reflect on more than 20 years with Pickerington Central football

By Tyler Kirkendall

When Jay Sharrett took his first job as an educator teaching driver’s ed in Whitehall, he could never have imagined he would end up leading of one of the most successful high school football programs in Ohio over the last two decades.

He is now headed into retirement after a legendary career and he and his wife, Lynda – though they will certainly miss Tiger football – are looking forward to the opportunity to relax.

“It’s time,” both Jay and Lynda say.

Getting Started

Jay attributes his success to relationships and loyalty, and it is no wonder why, as personal connections helped guide him through his early years in education.

Jay played on both sides of the ball at Capital University, where he – the youngest of seven kids – became the first member of his family to earn a college degree. It was also where he met his wife, Lynda.

Thirty-five years ago, while teaching at Whitehall, Jay ran into an old coach from Circleville Middle School and found out that Pickerington needed a driver’s ed teacher, and he worked his way into the position.

“I didn’t even know what Pickerington was back then. I didn’t even know where it was,” he says.

Jay became defensive coordinator at Pickerington High School, and when the schools split into North and Central, he was chosen to be Central’s first head coach in the 2003 season.

He became a history and government teacher at the school, which he

jokes is stereotypical of football-coaching teachers.

As Jay settled in to the community, he discovered he already had connections here. One of his longtime friends grew up in Pickerington and some of his teammates from Capital had moved here as well.

“Some of the guys called me and they’re like, ‘Jay, can we help out on Friday nights on the sidelines?’ And they’ve been with me 20 years since,” Jay says.

The 20 Years Since

The Sharretts poured everything they had into Pickerington Central in the

hopes that they would have no regrets when the time to step away finally came. And they succeeded.

Jay and Lynda share an unparalleled commitment to getting everything right and giving Pickerington the best possible gridiron experience.

“We spent almost every weekend over at the field cutting it, measuring it, spraying it. He’d spray his own lines,” Lynda says. “We poured everything into it. … We’d pick up trash every weekend, always made it clean, clean the locker room on the weekends. All kinds of stuff.”

Tiger football is a family affair for the Sharretts.

Photos by Jeff Hall

Lynda has been making the football programs for almost 20 years and served as program director of the Tigers’ booster club.

For a few years, the Sharretts’ lives were a whirlwind. In 2017, the Tigers won the OHSAA Division I State Championship. Then, Lynda was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and battled it throughout the year. As she battled, Lynda had to miss every game – and the game missed her. After a playoff win late in the season, the entire team diverted their route to stop at the Sharrett household to give the game ball to Lynda. The Tigers fell just short of the championship in 2018, but made it up the very next year and won their second state title in 2019, with Lynda healthy in the bleachers to see the Tigers’ successful run.

“She is no doubt the first lady of Tiger football,” Jay says.

Their faces are among the most recognizable in town, to the point that Lynda must do the grocery shopping while Jay waits in the car.

“I’ve gone in with her a few times, and don’t get me wrong, we love running into people, but you’ll be in the grocery store three hours,” Jay says.

Central football is practically in the Sharretts’ blood now, and every minute

has been a family affair for Jay, Lynda and their two daughters, Megan and Emily, who are both Central graduates.

Jay and Lynda agree it was a very special time when their daughters were at Central. Both of their daughters were very involved at the school. Emily was a cheerleader on the sidelines for Tiger football games and both she and Megan were cross-country runners.

Meets were always scheduled during Jay’s weekly scouting reports. When he had the opportunity, however, he didn’t miss the chance to see his girls run.

“I would go to all the away meets and we had one at Central,” Lynda says, “and there would be Jay on the Gator at a certain spot to cheer them on.”

An Impressive Resume

If you ask Jay how he has been so successful, he can put it into one word: “loyalty.”

“I mean, it’s two words,” Jay says. “Loyalty and loyalty.”

That takes sacrifice, he says, but it’s a sacrifice he’s made for Pickerington for 20 years.

“Loyalty is something that’s uncomfortable in our society today. Loyalty and

Lynda’s battle with cancer, which started in 2018, was difficult for the family. Jay says that without the support of his friends, coworkers and the families of Pickerington, it would have been impossible for him to pull through.

“Lynda was ill in ’18 with cancer. And we were both sideways, like how the hell do you handle that, right?” Jay says. “And if it wasn’t for our Tiger football family, our coaches, parents of players that had already graduated, getting through the radiation, the chemo, I was probably one pickup truck drive away from resigning because it was just too much. Jeff Lomonico, he’s our new head coach, but he was our defensive coordinator for over 25 years. Ryan Daugherty and Dave Bristle, these guys rallied and their wives rallied and former players’ families got us through. And now, she just had a screening and she’s four and a half years cancer-free.”

integrity. But loyalty means you have to surrender yourself and that’s very difficult in our society, but fortunately, our coaching staff has done that,” he says.

He was the first coach to reach 200 wins in less than 20 seasons as a head coach in Ohio and never lost to a team with a losing record.

He says that while he takes the job very seriously, he has not lost the joy that athletics brings. He and Lynda also very much enjoy the pageantry and appreciate how much the community rallies behind the football teams.

“We get tremendous home crowds,” Jay says, “We get bigger home crowds now than we did when we were one school. And then our kids. Every week is like a pep rally.”

It may be impossible to quantify the home crowd’s impact, but the stats are illuminating. Dave Bristle, a longtime member of Central staff who “knows all things Central” according to Jay, found that the school has won 106 home games in the last 20 years, and lost just six.

Maintaining success puts a lot of pressure on young athletes, but Jay says that he tells his players not to shy away from pressure, but to absorb it and use it as motivation.

That advice is most important during the week that Central athletes’ and fans’ attention is, like a compass, pointed north.

Central posted a 106-6 home record under Coach Sharrett.

The Sharretts’ final home game was a playoff win against the rival Panthers, making for a poetic conclusion to a storied career. They’ve maintained an appreciation of relationships with players, coaches, families and the school.

When Jay went to see the field before his final home game, he said that Lynda was sitting alone in the stands well before kickoff, emotionally soaking in her last bout with pregame butterflies. She took pictures of everything that final game and shared them with their daughters.

“That’s what really made that game special, and we were fortunate enough to win that game, and getting Pickerington North made it an even bigger game,” Jay says. “But, walking up that hill, I just remember thinking this was what it was supposed to feel like.”

Jay says he is looking forward to getting off the grid and being able to relax for a weekend, finally getting to watch football games that he hasn’t had to prepare for all week for.

“This is what I like: I like when moms that come up to me after the end of the season, and they’ve got tears in their eyes because they know that Tiger football is over for them,” Jay says. “And I like it because once they know their son’s played their last game, it hurts and it’s supposed to. But they’ve had a great experience. They’ve played a lot of football. They’ve enjoyed really high moments, you know, they’ve picked themselves up when things haven’t gone right.”

Tyler Kirkendall is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at tkirkendall@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

©2023 Ace Handyman Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Locally owned and independently operated Franchise.

Central Athletics Program designed by Lynda Sharrett

Diana’s MOST TRUSTED

Orthopedic Practice

“I went to do an overhead press, and my left arm gave out. I walked away with a torn labrum. I didn’t want to let my volleyball teammates down, or stop my training. At Orthopedic ONE it wasn’t just let’s get better today, but let’s get better today and tomorrow. I’m now full go. Orthopedic ONE gave me my life back.”

This

– Diana Brown, Orthopedic ONE Patient and Division I College Athlete

is where you go to get better.

Diana Brown, Orthopedic ONE Patient and Division I College Athlete

By Claire Miller

Life is a Highway

Major highway construction: past, present and future

The Violet Township and Pickerington region is constantly growing and evolving. One of the main drivers of growth has been highway construction and expansion, which continues to this day.

While the benefits of this expansion are endless, when population growth outpaces infrastructure change, congestion can become a problem. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) plans to address this issue at the signalized intersection at U.S. Route 33 and Pickerington Road with an interchange facility. The intersection has experienced significant delays and congestion during peak travel times.

“The a.m. and p.m. peak periods experience significant delays and congestion during these time periods,” Morgan Overbey, ODOT public information officer, says in an email. “As a result of the congested conditions, the crashes experienced at the intersection have also increased.”

According to Overbey, the U.S. Route 33 corridor has experienced significant traffic volume growth in the past 15-20 years.The preliminary design will be complete in December 2023. Then, ODOT will begin right-of-way acquisition in January 2024 to be complete between winter 2024 and spring 2025. The final design is slated for completion in spring or summer 2025. Construction will begin in summer 2025 and end in fall 2027, according to the ODOT timeline.

The construction will affect the residents of Violet Township and Pickerington, yet this is far from the first time major roadwork and highways have had an impact on daily life in our region.

Past

Gary Taylor, a fourth-generation citizen of Pickerington, has watched the growing highway system change the Violet Township and Pickerington landscape. He’s lived in Pickerington his whole life except for the four years

the 1959 grad attended The Ohio State University.

Before Interstate 70 was completed in 1968, state Route 256 was the main road from Olde Pickerington Village into downtown Columbus. The commute wasn’t smooth and influenced at least one newcomer’s decision to live in Pickerington, according to Taylor.

Taylor’s grandfather and uncle were the two general practice doctors in the area. When they recruited the first doctor outside of the family to Pickering -

Interchange construction will reduce traffic-related headaches and congestion.

Courtesy of ODOT

ton, the roads were a major factor in the decision to move.

“He made the statement he wasn’t sure that he wanted to really move here because the main road to get into Pickerington was very crooked and very much up and down,” he says. “But he did take to it real well and he spent the rest of his medical life living in Pickerington.”

The completion of Interstate 70 led to a boom in the area. In 1970, the population was just under 1,000. By 1980, the village grew to 3,917 people and on April 20, 1991, it became a city after surpassing 5,000 residents.

“The biggest change from a street standpoint that hit Violet Township and Pickerington was Interstate 70 coming through,” Taylor says. “When that happened that really made a change in the area because we could go anywhere in central Ohio much quicker.”

Now the growing population of the city and township requires more help to keep the roads running smoothly.

“Us as older people that lived here, as we watched more and more coming to the area, we always had typical saying, ‘when somebody new comes in the area, they want to close the door behind them so that it won’t get more crowded,’” Taylor says.

Present

In addition to Interstate 70, other highway projects that have been impactful to the community include expanding U.S. Route 33, Hill Road North and Diley Road, as well as making U.S. Route 33 limited access, according to PickeringtonViolet Township Historical Society president Peggy Portier.

According to Overbey, past projects and current efforts are intended to convert the U.S. Route 33 corridor between I-270 and the Lancaster Bypass to a facility without at-grade intersections. This means that an elevation change must be constructed so motorists’ perpendicular paths don’t cross.

New projects help with the speed of traffic to accommodate the increasing population. Other improvements to sidewalks, multi-use paths and utility upgrades are often made at the same time, says Portier. But there are, of course, downsides.

“People are never happy about having to deal with the construction as it is happening,” Portier says. “No one likes the orange barrels, detours and one-lane traffic.”

Tensions in the area rise further when property is claimed through eminent domain. Though residents are paid market price for the claimed property and it’s neces-

sary to get certain projects done, no property owner is overjoyed when it happens.

Road expansion may increase traffic in areas where residents don’t want it, says Portier.

Future

Expanding infrastructure is necessary to accommodate the growing population and keep roads as safe as possible; it has its benefits and drawbacks for Pickerington’s future, says Portier.

“I think that there will be some residents who will be hurt and some that will benefit,” she says. “If they are well planned, I think they can be a net benefit and improve the community for residents

by providing better access for cars and active transportation options for everyone.”

Portier emphasizes the need for better active transportation options, for pedestrians and bicycles, in the city.

“We may have sidewalks inside a subdivision, but you can’t get to the grocery store because there is no sidewalk or bike path on the main road,” she says. “I used to ride my bike on shopping errands north of I-70, but you really can’t do that safely now.”

Claire Miller is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at cmiller@cityscenemediagroup.com.

A PROJECT OF:

ON VIEW UNTIL JUNE 30

ColumbusMakesArt.com/ArtSpot

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM:

Climate Conversations is a series of temporary public art installations featuring 14 artists at 13 storefront window locations in and around downtown Columbus. The artwork, viewable 24/7, explores issues of climate change, conservation and the role of art in science communication.

Photo: Ian Crumpler | Design: Formation Studio

DAN GERDEMAN & ROB W. JONES 47 E. Gay Street 3 Degrees Celsius

Co-directors Amy Leibrand and Stephanie Rond

By Aaron Gilliam

Hooked on Robotics

Pickerington Central students create a bustling community around passion for robotics

For over a century, organized sports in schools have given kids an avenue to learn to make sacrifices and collaborate to reach a common goal. These programs are built to help students create meaningful connections, and the Pickerington Central robotics team is no exception.

Though not a typical team sport, students and faculty are seeing firsthand the opportunities offered by one of the school’s more unique extracurricular additions.

Mustafa Kalash was one of the first members of Pickerington Central’s robotics club when it began in 2013. Tiger Tech was a small organization aimed at providing opportunities for students like Kalash to utilize their technical skills in a team environment.

The group began participating in engineering events such as the All-American

Soapbox Derby, which they still participate in. By 2014, the team was competing in scrimmages with VEX, a robotics program for elementary- through universityage students.

After a year of competing with VEX, Kalash says the club really hit its stride and has since refocused primarily on robotics. Though Kalash graduated in 2015, he wanted to remain a part of the club in some way, and returned after graduation as a mentor.

Since taking the helm as head coach, Kalash has tried to lead and not just direct. He helps advise students working through challenges but remains hands-off when it comes to the programming itself.

“What I focus on as a coach is how they’re doing as people, building relationships and working together as a team. I want them to learn emotional strength and emotional control,” Kalash says. “It’s been incredibly fulfilling watching them grow and mature, especially as leaders.”

One of these leaders is Morgan Davis, a senior at Pickerington Central who has been on the robotics team since her freshman year. Kalash often helps run big events and conducts inspections for programs. As the current president of the club, Davis steps up and keeps the program operating smoothly.

In middle school, Davis had a passing interest in robotics, but blossomed when

Top row: Zak Brown, Anuummaa Yeheyis, Austin Robinson, Eli Chom, Ahmed Bah, Coleman Donahue. Middle row: Logan Mueller, Landen Carrico, Thomas Hurst, Isaiah Ford, Ahmad Timbo, Dylan Decker, Adler Warmbier, Morgan Davis. Bottom row: Samer Idris, Chris Hart, Hamid Mohammed, Lucas Osterlink, Kasey Robinson, Maddie Wurzel, Anthony Durosko, Jack Robson

Photo by Clint Matlack Photography

she found the club. After a former coach convinced her to swing by after school, she was hooked.

Maddie Wurzel, a junior, stepped into the secretary role of the robotics team

this year. She was introduced to the club through a cross-country teammate, and for the aspiring engineer, it was a clear fit.

Through the robotics club, Wurzel and other members have grown their

skills as problem solvers. Robotics teaches students that no obstacle is impassible and no problem is unsolvable.

The team put those skills to the test at the state championships in February to

Wurzel and Davis watch as their robot scores during a match at the Southwest Oaks Qualifier.

Maddie Wurzel, Morgan Davis, Kasey Robinson and Jack Robson compete together in a match at the Southwest Oaks Qualifier.

Photos courtesy of Mustafa Kalash

qualify for an appearance in the world championships, a goal the team has had since its inception. All four Pickerington Central teams qualified for state and received several awards throughout the season. The most senior team, Arcturus, has taken home six awards this season and earned the ranks of 190th in the world and 15th in the state.

As the year winds down, Davis relishes in her last moments as a student member of the club.

“It’s the people. These people are seriously all my best friends,” Davis says. “It’s going to be so much harder when I’m not around them for hours a week. The robots are fun, all of that’s great, but I’m going to miss all these people so much.”

Wurzel reiterated that through the club, Davis has become one of her best friends. And thanks to the robotics club, Wurzel has gotten more engaged with the broader student body outside the club, too.

“We’ve really tried this year to drag in more people into our program and just kind of highlight what makes us a really solid program,” Wurzel says. “It’s a really inclusive community that’s going to teach you the entire process and just help you through everything.”

The club and its leadership are looking to create a bigger and more diverse program through outreach with students at elementary and middle schools. Kalash has helped implement programs with other schools in the district and hopes one day to have incoming freshmen with six years of robotics club experience.

Aaron Gilliam is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Austin Robinson, Coleman Donahue and Samer Idris celebrate the end of a good match at the 2023 Kalahari Classic.

Photo by Clint Matlack Photography

Photos courtesy of Mustafa Kalash

Upcoming Community Events

Pickerington Public Library: Main Library

Saturday, February 25th • 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Kiddie Academy of Pickerington Pre-Enrollment Center Opens

Wednesday, March 1st • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Monday-Friday and by appointment  Kiddie Academy of Pickerington Hard Hat Tour - (Facebook Live) March 31st • 1:00 p.m.

Meet Kiddie Academy of Pickerington at Scramblers for Pancakes with the Bunny

Friday, April 7th • 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Muffins with Mom - at TrePlus

Students will complete a craft and make a special gift for mom

Saturday, April 29th • 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

(Enrolled Families need a separate flyer, as they should arrive at 9:30 a.m.)

Meet Kiddie Academy of Pickerington at Get Air

Friday, May 19th • 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Family Fun Day at Victory Park with Kiddie Academy of Pickerington

Saturday, June 3rd • 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Pizza Cottage - Pizza for Dads with Kiddie Academy of Pickerington

Saturday, June 17th • 12:00 - 2 p.m.

Kiddie Academy of Pickerington • kiddieacademy.com/pickerington

DIRECT FROM SCOTLAND

By Lucy Lawler

Serving with Purpose

Diley Middle School head cook keeps students healthy and happy

Growing children’s bodies and minds should be nourished in equal measure. Chris Peterson, the head cook at Diley Middle School in Pickerington, has acted on this belief for more than 20 years.

When Peterson’s kids were little, she volunteered in their school lunchroom and developed a passion for food service. It would set her on a journey, testing out various food service jobs over two decades, but Peterson realized her home is in the school lunchroom. After two years at Diley, Peterson has no inclination to leave.

“It clicked with me, and I think everybody has their thing,” Peterson says. “I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be.”

Peterson’s responsibilities extend beyond Diley Middle School, however. Upon arriving at Diley around 6 a.m. on weekdays, she completes paperwork and communicates with a driver to provide lunch items for four neighboring schools.

By the time 8:25 a.m. rolls around, a grab-and-go breakfast is already prepared; afterward, lunch is readied for the first line of students at 10:40 a.m.

RECIPE

Apple Pie Smoothie

Yield: 6 9-oz. smoothies

Ingredients:

2 cups unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg

2 tbsp. honey (or brown sugar)

3 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt

1 cup unsweetened apple juice 100%

Directions:

Blend applesauce, spices and honey (or brown sugar). Add yogurt and apple juice and blend thoroughly. Pour 9 oz. of smoothie mixture into 10-oz. cups. Cover and chill until ready for service.

“We have seven lines, and they’re every 20 minutes without a break in between,” Peterson says.

Continuously cooking can become hectic at times, but Peterson places her full trust in her staff of four or five, depending on the day, to serve Dileys 565 students.

“It’s very rare that you go into a workplace where you just get along with everyone,” Peterson says. “I can say, look, we’re gonna do this, we’re gonna change this. There’s never a complaint.”

Though food shortages spurred on by COVID-19 are no longer a pressing issue for Peterson, adaptability remains an

Chris Peterson (left to right), Tracy Flemmons, Kelly Baldinelli and Danette Jones are all part of Diley Middle School’s lunchroom staff.

Photo by Lucy Lawler

Photo by Lucy Lawler

important facet of her job. Ensuring the availability of well-rounded, hot meals will always be Peterson’s driving goal.

“People don’t think about the fact that these kids need fed every single day,” Peterson says. “A lot of them, this might be their main meal, it might be their most nutritious meal, you don’t know.”

Since menus rotate every five weeks, plates are routinely colorful. In fact, Peter-

son enjoys snapping pictures whenever a spread looks particularly vivid.

“We take pride in the fact that our lines look great, that we have a variety of food,” Peterson says. “I want the kids to appreciate, and I want them to see that we’re trying really hard to make sure they have a variety.”

Lunch servers are often overlooked despite playing a crucial role in the school

ecosystem. Even so, one “thank you” from a child means the world to Peterson.

“That just warms my heart because you don’t get that very often,” Peterson says.

Lucy Lawler is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Photo courtesy of Chris Peterson

Top homes sold in Pickerington

The price of Pickerington homes was down 4.4% in January 2023 in comparison to last year, with the median price being $346K. On average, homes in Pickerington sold after 72 days of being on the market compared to 43 last year. A total of 35 homes were sold in January this year, up from 32 last year.

All information is collected from the Fairfield and Franklin County auditors’ offices.

“The only reason we would give Sam 5 stars would be because we can’t give him more.”

bookmarks

Submitted by Colleen Bauman, Executive Manager-Community Engagement at the Pickerington Public Library

Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon

by Ying Chang Compestine, illustrated by Joy Ang

A fresh retelling of an old favorite. This Little Red Riding Hood wears a vibrant red silk hood and practices kung fu. As she travels along the path to visit her sick grandmother, she encounters a ferocious dragon who lures her off her path. But in a fun twist, she proves that this girl doesn’t need rescuing – with her sword in hand, she is the hero!

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese

by Glenda Armand, illustrated by Steffi Walthall

A sweet story inspired by the author’s childhood. Young Frances is visiting her grandma in Louisiana. As they prepare the New Year’s Day meal, grandma shares stories dating back to the Atlantic Slave Trade, about the ingredients for their feast, their ancestors and history. Includes the family recipe for pralines!

The Big Book of W.O.W.

by Kelly Hargrave and Andrea Silen

National Geographic Kids presents the Wonders of Our World! With breathtaking photos, kids of all ages will enjoy turning the pages, learning fun facts about the truth, history and science of all that is wow-worthy in our spectacular universe.

Wednesday and Woof #3 – The Runaway Robot

by Sherri Winston

Another “first chapter” installment in the Wednesday and Woof mystery series. Anita B’s DIY robot and the class hamster disappear the day before the science fair. Can Wednesday and Woof follow the clues to solve both mysteries?

Ghosts Come Rising by

Adam Perry

In the mid-19th century, a religious movement called Spiritualism spread across America. Spiritualists believe that the living could communicate with the dead. Complete with ghostly black-andwhite photographs, this suspenseful book tells the story of 12-yearold Liza Carroll and her little brother as they try to find answers and hide a secret while staying at a spooky Spiritualist commune. -publisher

Trex

by Christyne Morrell

This middle-grade mystery follows the adventures of a boy with an experimental brain implant, and a reclusive girl training to be a spy, as they’re pitted against school bullies, their own parents and an evil, brain-hacking corporation. Perfect for fans of Stranger Things. - publisher

Library hours:

| pickeringtonlibrary.org

9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

For more information, visit pickeringtonlibrary.org or contact Communications@pickeringtonlibrary.org

COMMUNITY POOL

Season Passes on Sale starting April 1

Family members include one set of parents or legal guardians, and their immediate children (26 years of age and under) residing in the same household. If more than one family resides in the same household, each family must puchase separate Season Passes.

Grandparents, extended family members and others are not included in the Season Pass. Babysitter passes are available for Family of 2 or more. Babysitters must be at least 16 years old and be with child on the Season Pass. There is a limit of one babysitter pass per family, although you can list multiple babysitters if necessary.

Children 11 years old and under MUST be accompanied by an adult (18 years and above) at all times.

Pool Hours - Open Daily

12:00-8:00pm

First Day: Saturday, May 27

Last Day: Monday, September 4

Closed Days: August 15-18, 21-25, and August 28-September 1

*Pool Operations subject to change

**Pool closed on weekdays when Pickerington Locals Schools are in session

2023 Pool Season Pass Registration Forms available online at www.pickerington.net.

*as of May 27, 2023

Stay up to date on pool updates and weather closures. Text @pickpool to 81010 or download the remind APP

Want to join our Summer 2023 Team? Don't wait around and get certified now!

Pickerington Community Pool Benefits

Flexible Hours

Competitive Pay (starting at $13/hour)

Certification Reimbursement Uniforms Provided

Fun/Family Oriented Work Environment

Advancement Opportunities

Must be 16 years of age by May 27, 2023

Certification Requirements Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid

Questions? Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 614-833-2211

Registration Information

SWIM LESSONS

Three separate 2-week swim sessions will be held beginning June 5. All swim classes meet Monday-Friday for 30 minutes. The second Friday of a 2-week class will be used in case of inclement weather and a make-up class must be held. This is a progressive swim program. Child must prove competency from previous level they attended. The pool administration reserves the right to test the swimming ability of all individuals for proper class placement. Because of the structure of the program, all classes and schedules are subject to change and/ or cancellation by the swim lesson coordinator as required by demand or weather. All children must be 3 years old by May 27, and potty trained.

Registration Dates and Fees

Registration begins

2 Weeks

1 Week (Jelly Fish and Frog only)

Monday, May 2 Season pass holder $50 $35

Monday, May 9 City resident without a seson pass $70 $50

Wednesday, May 11 Non-residents without a season pass $85 $60

Wednesday, May 11 Online registration begins

This is a progressive swim program. Child must prove competency from previous level they attended.

Pre-requisite: Child must be potty trained and willing to get into shallow water without a parent or any floatation device.

Introduction to Swim Lessons (Recommended 3-5 years) 1 week only*

*Jelly Fish - Level 1 Class Maximum 6

Skills to pass: 2 foot depth

•Blow bubbles

•Kick on marshmallow with assistance

•Submerge face under water

•Kick on steps with straight legs and pointed toes

•Submerge whole body under water

•Bobbing motion by putting eyes, chin, ears and nose under water each time

•Optional - go down slide with assistance

*Frog - Level 2 Class Maximum 6

Skills to pass: 2 foot depth

•Kick on mashmallow

•Front and back float with assistance

•Front crawl arms with assistance

•Optional - go down slide with assistance

Manatee - Level 3 Class Maximum 8

Skills to pass: 2-5 foot depth

•10 bobs in chest deep water

•Front and back float

•Front and back crawl arms with assistance

•Front and back kick with assistance

•Front and back glide with assistance

•Retrieve object in chest deep water

•Jump in chest deep water and recover

•Go down slide with assistance

Penguin - Level 4 Class Maximum 8 Skills to pass: 2-5 foot depth

•Front and back crawl arms

•Front and back kick

•Front and back glide

•Jump in water over head and recover

•Float in water over head while wearing lifejacket

•Jump off diving board with assistance

Alligator - Level 5 Class Maximum 8 Skills to pass: 3-5 foot depth

•10 bobs in water over head

•Front and back crawl for 12.5 meters

•Elementary backstroke for 12.5 meters with assistance

•Retrieve object in water over head

•Tread water for 30 seconds

•Kneeling and standing front dive with assistance

•Go down slide

•Jump off diving board

Flying Fish - Level 6 Class Maximum 8

Skills to pass: 5 foot depth

•Front and back crawl for 25 meters

•Elementary backstroke for 25 meters

•Breaststroke kick for 12.5 meters with assistance

•Sidestroke for 12.5 meters with assistance

•Tread water for 1 minute

•Standing front dive

Dolphin - Level 7 Class Maximum 8

Skills to pass: 5 foot depth

•Front and back crawl for 50 meters

•Elementary backstroke for 50 meters

•Breaststroke for 25 meters

•Sidestroke for 25 meters

•Tread water for 2 minutes

•Front dive off diving board

Private Swim Lessons

Private Swim Lessons can be arranged by turning in a Private Swim Lesson Request Form found on our website or available for pickup at the pool during operating hours.

Private swim lessons are 30 minutes in length and will be available starting Monday, June 5 and must be completed by July 28.

FEE: $25 per person, per 30 minute lesson

Mini Kickers Soccer Camp

Former collegiate soccer player and coach, Eric Mialky, will direct the camp which is designed to teach 3-5 year olds the basic fundamentals of soccer. Through exciting soccer related games and activities, campers will learn to love the game of soccer in a fun and positive environment. Each participant will receive a camp shirt.

MK-01

3-5 Year olds

Jun 26-29 Mo-Th 4 Days 10:00-10:30am

Fee: $52 City Resident Discount Fee: $41

MK-02

3-5 Year olds

Jul 24-27 Mo-Th 4 Days 10:00-10:30am

Fee: $52 City Resident Discount Fee: $41

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Lane

Little Sluggers T-Ball

Bally Sports Group’s Little Sluggers is a great introduction to the game of baseball for young children. Using age appropriate activities, players will be introduced to fundamentals of baseball in an atmosphere that is supportive, fun and prevents children from feeling pressured. Each week, the program will include an instructional portion that will introduce players to batting, base running, fielding, throwing and catching. A modified game will also be played each week. Parent participation is strongly encouraged to allow the program to run smoothly. The Little Sluggers T-Ball program will provide your child with a fun and positive t-ball experience, encouraging future participation. Each player receives a team shirt and hat. Glove is required. Optional: cleats and bat

LS-01

3-4 Year olds

Apr 26-May 24 We 5 Weeks 4:30-5:30pm

Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

LS-02

3-4 Year olds

Apr 26-May 24 We 5 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm

Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Softball Field 1 & 2 500 Hereford Drive

Mini Soccer Stars

Bally Sports Group leads an age appropriate program that utilizes fun games and activities to teach the fundamentals to beginning soccer players. Coaches focus on teaching the basics of dribbling, passing, scoring and the concept of game play. Proper sportsmanship is emphasized in a positive and encouraging atmosphere enabling children to enjoy learning soccer while also having fun being physically active. Each week will include both developmentally appropriate instruction as well as recreational, non-competitive game play. Each player receives a team shirt. Shin guards required. Optional: cleats and soccer ball (size 3)

MS-01

3-4 Year olds

Apr 6-May11 Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm

Fee: $100 City Resident Discount Fee: $80

MS-02

5-6 Year olds

Apr 6-May 11 Th 6 Weeks 6:30-7:30pm

Fee: $100 City Resident Discount Fee: $80

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 1 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Lil Kik

Directed by Grandmaster Stephens of Free Spirit Karate Clubs. Tae Kwon Do skills help build strength, agility and coordination. Students will learn at their own pace, and most importantly, will have fun, fun, fun! Social skills and coordination drills are wrapped together with our unique self-defense techniques.

LK-02

Feb

Fee:

Fee: $104 City Resident Discount Fee: $83 LK-04

Soccer Shots

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. We positively impact children’s lives on and off the field through our best-inclass coaching, communication and curriculum. Each session focuses on basic soccer skills and incorporates those skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. All equipment is provided.

Fee:

Location: American Free Spirit Karate 5953 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43232

1 Tu 8 Weeks 5:30-6:00pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-04 2-3 Year olds

Jun 17-Aug 5 Sa 8 Weeks 3:00-3:30pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-05 4-5 Year olds

Apr 1-May 20 Sa 8 Weeks 3:30-4:00pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-06 4-5 Year olds

Apr 4-May 23 Tu 8 Weeks 6:00-6:30pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-07 4-5 Year olds

Jun 13-Aug 1 Tu 8 Weeks 6:00-6:30pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-08 4-5 Year olds

Jun 17-Aug 5 Sa 8 Weeks 3:30-4:00pm

Fee: $130 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 1 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Pickerington Safety City

Special thanks to our partners in putting on this wonderful program for the community:

• Pickerington Police Department

• Violet Township Fire Department

• Petermann School Buses

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources

• South Central Power Company

The City of Pickerington is excited to bring back a popular program for incoming kindergarteners. Learn about various safety topics from police, fire and other local organizations to learn what it takes to be safe in your city! Children will learn about important safety information in a fun format covering topics from how to ride a school bus, playground safety, water safety, what to do in case of a fire and poison prevention. Of course, children will get to pedal around on a small-scale safety city to learn about traffic and pedestrian safety as well. The last day of the program will be a graduation ceremony. All participants will receive a t-shirt, bag and bike helmet with registration.

This program is limited to 60 children. Please register early to guarantee your spot in the program. Registration for this program is open now through April 27 for all households in the Pickerington Local School District. Registration is not available online during this early enrollment period. Online registration will open to everyone on April 28.

PSC-01 Entering Kindergarten (Fall 2023)

July 24-28 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00-11:00am

Fee: $38 Pickerington Local School District Fee: $30

Location: Victory Park, Terry O’Brien Shelter 75 Lockville Road

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Kidz Home Alone

Would your child know what to do if they have forgotten their house key? What if they are home alone and they are choking? Our Kidz Home Alone class will give you and your child peace of mind when home alone. As creators of this class, we thought of every home alone scenario possible, and provide solutions for all of those “what-if’s”. This course is designed to teach your child about being home alone safely. An information parent guide is included in the student manual and provides an avenue for discussion between parent and child. This engaging and interactive class is fun and includes guest speakers from the local Police and fire departments (when available). It is appropriate for boys and girls ages 9-12 years old. Students will learn reasons to call 911, answering the door and phone, why it’s necessary to have house rules, first aid, self-Heimlich maneuver, fire escape and severe weather planning.

KHA-01

4th-6th grade

May 30 & Jun 2 Tu & Fr 2 Days 12:00-2:00pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

Location: Pickerington Library, Sycamore Plaza 7861 Refugee Road

Better Babysitters

Would your child know what to do if the child they were babysitting were choking? Does your child babysit their younger siblings? Your child will learn the skills needed to be a Better Baby Sitter. This class includes guest speakers from the local police and fire departments (when available). All students will receive their own first aid kit to take home. This class is appropriate for boys and girls 10+ and is interactive and fun with role play and hands on instruciton. Students will learn: first aid and safety; infant and child CPR with mannequin instruction; Care of the choking child and infant; How to handle emergencies; creative problem solving; job professionalism and how to create a marketing flyer; hands on practice with diapering, bottle feeding, infant care and creative age appropriate activities.

BBS-01

5th-8th grade

Jun 5 & 7 Mo & We 2 Days 12:00-4:00pm

Fee: $138 City Resident Discount Fee: $110

Location: Pickerington Library, Sycamore Plaza 7861 Refugee Road

Kids Tennis Camp

Keep the kids moving while they learn the great game of tennis. Boys and girls will be taught the basic strokes of tennis in the Beginner’s class and we will improve their strokes and game in the Intermediate class. Must be able to rally in the Intermediate class. Fun games and prizes every day. Bring your own racquet.

KT-01 Beginner 5-18 Year olds

May 30-Jun 1 Tu-Th 3 Days 8:30-9:45am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KT-02 Beginner 5-18 Year olds

Jun 6-8 Tu-Th 3 Days 8:30-9:45am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KT-03 Beginner 5-18 Year olds

Jun 13-15 Tu-Th 3 Days 8:30-9:45am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-04 Intermediate 5-18 Year olds

May 30-Jun 1 Tu-Th 3 Days 9:45-11:00am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-05 Intermediate 5-18 Year olds

Jun 6-8 Tu-Th 3 Days 9:45-11:00am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-06 Intermediate 5-18 Year olds

Jun 13-15 Tu-Th 3 Days 9:45-11:00am

Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

Location: Pickerington High School Central, Tennis Courts

300 Opportunity Way

Skyhawks Basketball

This fun, skill-intensive program is designed for beginning to intermediate players. Using our progressional curriculum, we focus on the whole player - teaching sportsmanship and teamwork. Boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of passing, shooting, ball handling, rebounding and defense through skill-based instruction and smallsided scrimmages.

SB-01 6-12 Year olds

Apr 3-24 Mo 4 Weeks 5:00-6:30pm

Fee: $74 City Resident Discount Fee: $59

SB-02

6-12 Year olds

May 8-29 Mo 4 Weeks 5:00-6:30pm

Fee: $74 City Resident Discount Fee: $59

Location: Victory Park, Basketball Court 1

75 Lockville Road

Skyhawks Beginning Golf

Skyhawks Beginning Golf is powered by Payne Stewart Golf Experiences, the recommended entry-level golf program for PGA Junior Golf Camps. The unique, games-based play program and modified learning equipment make it easier for kids to hit the ball and experience early success. Putting, chipping, pitching and full swing, are all taught through games, simple repetitive motions and learning rhymes that make it easy for young kids to remember and repeat. Specially designed, age appropriate golf equipment is provided.

SBG-01

6-10 Year olds

Apr 5-26 We 4 Weeks 5:00-6:30pm

Fee: $82 City Resident Discount Fee: $65

SBG-02 6-10 Year olds

May 10-31 We 4 Weeks 5:00-6:30pm

Fee: $82 City Resident Discount Fee: $65

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 1 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Skyhawks Basketball Camp

This fun, skill-intensive program is designed for beginning to intermediate players. Using our progressional curriculum, we focus on the whole player - teaching sportsmanship and teamwork. Boys and girls will learn the fundamentals of passing, shooting, ball handling, rebounding and defense through skillbased instruction and small-sided scrimmages.

SBC-01 6-12 Year olds

Jun 5-9 Mo-Fr 5 Days 1:00-4:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Victory Park, Basketball Court 1 75 Lockville Road

SBC-02

6-12 Year olds

Jul 24-28 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Basketball Court 500 Hereford Drive

Skyhawks Phys Ed Camp

Skyhawks is proud to present an engaging, game-based physical education program. This class will offer children a wide variety of activities that involve locomotor, non-locomotor, manipulative skills and fitness development exercises. Our goal is to build self-confidence, create body awareness and inspire each participant with a passion for an active lifestyle. Participants should bring a water bottle, two snacks and wear appropriate athletic attire and tennis shoes. Every child receives an award certificate and Skyhawks t-shirt.

SPE-01 6-12 Year olds

Jun 12-16 Mo-Fr 5 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Victory Park, Basketball Court 1 75 Lockville Road

Skyhawks Multi Sport Camp

Multi-Sport programs are designed to introduce young athletes to a variety of different sports in one setting. Athletes will learn the rules and essential skills of each sport, along with vital life lessons such as sportsmanship and teamwork.

SMC-01 8-12 Year olds

Jun 20-23 Tu-Fr 4 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $124 City Resident Discount Fee: $99

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Skyhawks Mini Hawk Camp

This multi-sport program was developed to give children a positive first step into athletics. Sports are taught in a safe, structured environment filled with encouragement and fun. Through exciting games and activities, campers explore balance, hand/eye coordination and skill development at their own pace.

SMH-01 5-8 Year olds

Jun 26-30 Mo-Fr 5 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 2 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Skyhawks Cheerleading Camp

This class teaches young athletes the essential skills to lead the crowd and support the home team! Each participant will learn cheers, proper hand/body movements and jumping techniques. There is no stunting, just a big focus on fun while each cheerleader learns important life skills such as teamwork and leadership. The program concludes with a final cheer performance.

SCL-01

6-12 Year olds

Jul 10-14 Mo-Fr 5 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 2

300 Covered Bridge Lane

Skyhawks Flag Football Camp

Experience the excitement of football with Skyhawks Flag Football Fueled by USA Football. Using a curriculum developed by the experts from USA Football, coaches will teach skills like passing, receiving, kicking and flag pulling. Participants will gain confidence and learn important life lessons in a fun, positive environment.

SFF-01

6-12 Year olds

Jul 10-14 Mo-Fr 5 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Lane

Skyhawks Beginning Golf Camp

Skyhawks Beginning Golf is powered by Payne Stewart Golf Experiences, the recommended entry-level golf program for PGA Junior Golf Camps. The unique, games-based play program and modified learning equipment make it easier for kids to hit the ball and experience early success. Putting, chipping, pitching and full swing, are all taught through games, simple repetitive motions and learning rhymes that make it easy for young kids to remember and repeat. Specially designed, age appropriate golf equipment is provided.

SGC-01

5-8 Year olds

Jul 17-21 Mo-Fr 5 days 9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

SGC-02

9-12 Year olds

Jul 17-21 Mo-Fr 5 days 1:00-4:00pm

Fee: $157 City Resident Discount Fee: $125

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Lane

Cardinal Soccer Camp

The City of Pickerington’s longest running soccer camp is back for its 22nd year. Former collegiate soccer player and coach, Eric Mialky, will direct this popular camp, which is designed for all levels of players. Campers will work on footskills, passing, shooting and defending in a positive environment. Innovative games, drills and training will be accomplished in a fun manner. Sportsmanship and teamwork are emphasized. All participants will receive a camp shirt.

CSC-01

5-12 Year olds

Jun 26-29 Mo-Th 4 Days 10:30am-12:00pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

CSC-02

5-12 Year olds

Jul 24-27 Mo-Th 4 Days 10:30am-12:00pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Lane

Kids in Karate- Adults too!

Directed by Grandmaster Stephens of Free Spirit Karate Clubs.

Tae Kwon Do skills help build strength, agility and coordination. The mental aspects builds self-confidence, self-control and mental-discipline. From kids to adults, it is great for the whole family. Everyone can benefit from this class.

KIK-02

6 years and up

Mar 2-Apr 20 Th 8 Weeks 6:00-7:30pm

Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

KIK-03

6 years and up

Apr 27-Jun 15 Th 8 Weeks 6:00-7:30pm

Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

KIK-04

6 years and up

Jun 22-Aug 10 Th 8 Weeks 6:00-7:30pm

Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

KIK-05

6 years and up

Aug 17-Oct 5 Th 8 Weeks 6:00-7:30pm

Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

Location: American Free Spirit Karate 5953 E. Main Street, Columbus, OH 43232

Summer Math Fun

Eric Mialky, certified math teacher, will instruct the class aimed at keeping math skills sharp over the summer. Individualized instruction and focus will be offered to increase math skills. Whether your child is seeking enrichment opportunities or a review of last year’s material, this math camp will benefit students of all abilities. Through a nurturing and positive environment, students will enjoy a wide range of math games which will make summer learning fun. Students will be grouped by ability and age. Each session will focus on new skills, games and content, so sign up for all 3 sessions.

SMF-01

7-12 Year olds

Jun 26-29 Mo-Th 4 Days 1:30-2:45pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

SMF-02

7-12 Year olds

Jul 24-27 Mo-Th 4 Days 1:30-2:45pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

SMF-03

7-12 Year olds

Jul 31-Aug 3 Mo-Th 4 Days 9:30-10:45am

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Hilltop Shelter 280 Hilltop Drive

Speed and Agility

Pickerington Youth Speed and Agility is a program designed for the young athlete to improve speed, quickness, coordination and reaction time. The workouts in this class will focus on using speed ladders, mini-hurdles, jump ropes and more. All athletes will benefit from improved balance, flexibility and quicker feet in a positive and nurturing enviornment. This camp will provide a fun way for kids to exercise over the summer while also becoming more physically fit. Campers of all abilities and sports backgrounds are encouraged to register.

SA-01

7-14 Year olds

Jul 31-Aug 3 Mo-Th 4 Days 11:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $58 City Resident Discount Fee: $46

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Basketball Court 500 Hereford Drive

Bally Sports Camp

Join Bally Sports Group this summer for an active and fun summer camp experience! Campers will be introduced to a different sport each week, where instruction will be delivered in a positive and encouraging way. Instruction will be tailored to each child’s skill level based on their experience in the sport. Camp will also feature traditional games and activities, including camp games, nature walks, trivia and more. Bally Sports will put an emphasis on a certain life virtue relating to sports each week. Bally Sports employs coaches with strong educational background, experience in a wide variety of sports and a passion for working with children. All day camps are staffed at an appropriate counselor to camper ratio. Join in on the fun this summer!

BSG-01 6-12 Year olds

Lacrosse and Volleyball

Jun 5-9 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-02 6-12 Year olds

Ninja Training Camp

Jun 12-16 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-03 6-12 Year olds

Shooting Stars Basketball

Jun 19-23 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-04 6-12 Year olds

Sticks and Flips- Hockey and Gymnastics

Jun 26-30 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-05 6-12 Year olds

Five Tool- Baseball and Softball

Jul 10-14 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-06 6-12 Year olds

Foot Skills Soccer

Jul 17-21 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-07 6-12 Year olds

First and Ten Football and Cheer

Jul 24-28 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

BSG-08 6-12 Year olds

Olympics

Jul 31-Aug 4 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9:00am-3:00pm

Fee: $194 City Resident Discount Fee: $155

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Pickering Shelter 300 Covered Bridge Lane

Coach Pitch Baseball

Bally Sports Minor League Baseball is a great introduction to coachpitch baseball for beginning baseball players. The program utilizes instruction including batting, fielding, throwing and catching. The program will also include a modified, non-competitive game each week. Bally Sports staff will lead each team’s instruction, although parent participation is syrongly encouraged. Bally Sports strives to emphasize the importance of great sportsmanship by creating an encouraging atmosphere that helps players build self-esteem and encourage future participation. Each player receives a team shirt and hat. Glove is required. Optional: cleats and bat

CPB-01 5-7 Year olds

Apr 26-May 24 We 5 Weeks 6:30-7:45pm

Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Softball Fields 1 & 2 500 Hereford Drive

Zumba Fitness

Zumba® is a latin based dance fitness program. We “visit” cultures all around the world through the magic of dance. This is a judgement free zone, and no dance experience is needed. Bring water along with you, and be prepared to work, laugh and have fun; all while making those calories cry (sweat). Tammy is a licensed Zumba® instructor and current ZIN™ member. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/ZumbaWithTammyTyler.

ZF-02

18 years and up

Mar 27-Jun 12* Mo 11 Weeks 6:00-7:00pm

*No class May 29

Fee: $80 City Resident Discount Fee: $64

ZF-03 18 years and up

Jun 19-Sep 11* Mo 11 Weeks 6:00-7:00pm

*No class Aug 14 & Sep 4

Fee: $80 City Resident Discount Fee: $64

Location: Pickerington Senior Center 150 Hereford Drive

ADULT PROGRAMS

Community Gardens

Doubles Tennis League

SOLD OUT

The Parks and Recreation Department has 71 garden plots that may be reserved for the growing season in addition to 6 raised beds. Garden plots are tilled around April 1 and are open through October. Families are able to register for up to two plots. Register now while plots are still available. Online registration opens February 22 or stop by City Hall to pick a garden plot out.

Registration begins:

• Returning Gardeners

• Returning Gardeners wanting a new plot

Feb 1-10

Feb 13-17 (register in person to pick new garden plot)

• New Gardeners and Online

Come one, come all! You don’t need a partner for this doubles league. You will be on the court with players at your level having a ball while getting a great workout and meeting some great people too.

DT-01

18 years and older

May 25-Jul 6 Th 7 Weeks 6:30-8:30pm

Fee: $102 City Resident Discount Fee: $81

Location: Pickerington Central High School

300 Opportunity Way

Pickleball League: Doubles

Come compete this upcoming season in the first ever Pickerington Pickleball Doubles League. The league will be self-officiated and self-scored with 8 teams max. Each team is guaranteed 7 games with the top 4 teams advancing to a season finale tournament. Teams can consist of 2 males or females or co-ed. Sign up one person per team; price is per team, not per person. Participants will need to bring their own equipment except a net.

Registration Starts: April 1 – Deadline: May 8

Location: Shawnee Crossing Park

18 years and older

May 10 6pm-8pm

7 Weeks + 1 finale tournament

$60 per team

Location: Taylor Tennis Courts

281 Hilltop Dr Pickerington, OH

Adult Softball Leagues

The Parks and Recreation Department offers Spring/Summer Softball Leagues. One Nation Slowpitch sanctioned leagues include an 8 game regular season and a tournament for the top 4 teams. Each league will have a minimum of five teams. Team applications are available online at www.pickerington.net.

League Fee: $350

Registration Deadline: March 31 Games Begin: May 1

Free Agents accepted for all Adult Sports Leagues!

The department maintains a free agent list for individuals who would like to join a team. If there are enough free agents, a new team will be formed. If not, free agent’s contact information will be distributed to team managers, however, placement on a team is not guaranteed. To be added as a free agent, call 614-833-2211 or sign-up online at www.pickerington.net.

REGISTRATION OPTIONS ONLINE

Register for select Parks and Recreation activities 24/7 with online registration at www.pickerington.net or on your smart phone by scanning the code.

EMAIL

Email

found at www.pickerington.net to recreation@pickerington.net

IN PERSON

Register in person from 8:00am-5:00pm MondayFriday at the Parks and Recreation Department located at City Hall, 100 Lockville Road across from Victory Park.

DROP BOX

Drop off your registration form and full payment after normal operating hours in the secure drop box located at City Hall and your registration will be processed the next business day.

BY MAIL

Send completed registration form and full payment to: City of Pickerington, 100 Lockville Road, Pickerington, OH 43147

Registration is complete with full payment. Accepted methods of payment include: Cash, Checks made payable to City of Pickerington, and VISA and MasterCard. City of Pickerington charges a $35 returned check fee.

2022 Men’s Church League Champions, Sycamore Creek Church

Friday Night Flicks

MOVIES START AT

DUSK

SYCAMORE CREEK PARK 500 HEREFORD DRIVE

JUNE 2

MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU

JULY 7

TOP GUN: MAVERICK

AUGUST 4

PUSS AND BOOTS: THE LAST WISH

Touch-A-Truck

4TH OF JULY

INDEPENDENCE DAY celebration

FIREWORKS | 10PM |

JULY 3RD

Summer Concert Series

6:30-8:00PM | BRING A BLANKET

SYCAMORE CREEK PARK AMPHITHEATER

JUNE 2 | TURN TO STONE

JULY 7 | LEE GANTT BAND

AUGUST 4 |

Youth Adventure Challenge

Bring your kids to enjoy a variety of big trucks, construction equipment, emergency response vehicles and more! This year’s Touch-A-Truck may have a slightly different setup from prior years, but kids’ eyes will still light up when they see and hear their favorite trucks. Please check the website for additional information as the event approaches.

Saturday, May 6 from 10:00am-12:00pm

Location: Pickerington Community Pool

11330 Stonecreek Drive South

Youth Fishing Derby

Come out to the 17th Annual City of Pickerington Youth Fishing Derby. Enjoy a morning fishing on the pond with your friends and family. Prizes in all age groups for most fish and biggest fish caught. Bring your own fishing pole, secret bail and pail. Everything is free, although preregistration is required by Thursday, July 27.

Saturday, July 29, 9:30-11am

Fee: Free YFD-01 6 years and under YFD-02 7-8 years

YFD-03 9-10 years

YFD-04 11-14 years

* Age as of July 29, 2023

Sycamore Creek Park Pond 481 Hereford Dr

Do you think you are up to the challenge? Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department is excited to challenge youth in a variety of fitness obstacles. This is not a mud run. This untimed “race” will have obstacles of varying difficulty so many ages can participate and can skip obstacles if they don’t wish to complete without penalty. This approximately 3/4 mile course will end by climbing a warped wall! Pre-register by August 12.

YAC-01 Age: 3-12 years

Saturday, August 19

Heats Starting at 9:00am-12:00pm

*Heat times will be emailed week of August 14

Fee: $5

Sycamore Creek Park

300 Covered Bridge Lane

4

PARK MAP

Trails and Open Space Pickerington, Ohio

Park Rules

1. Park open from dawn to dusk.

2. Damaging or removing park property, natural features and wildlife is prohibited.

Pictures Wanted

3. No littering or dumping.

Park Rules

1. Park open from dawn to dusk.

2. Damaging or removing park property, natural features and wildlife is prohibited.

3. No littering or dumping.

4. Loud and disruptive behavior is prohibited.

5. Advertising or commercial enterprise requires permission from the City Manager.

6. No camping without a written permit from the City Manager.

7. No fires except in designated areas.

8. Hunting and trapping is prohibited.

4. Loud and disruptive behavior prohibited.

5. Advertising or commercial enterprise requires permission from the City Manager.

6. No camping without a written permit from the City Manager.

Send scenic or pictures out enjoying one of the parks or programs to pics@pickerington.net. Pictures may be posted on the City’s Facebook page or be used in future Program Guides.

7. No fires except in designated areas.

Park Watch

8. Hunting and trapping is prohibited.

9. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and owners must pick up after their pets.

Please be alert to safety hazards, vandalism and other crimes in our parks. Report crimes to Pickerington Police Department at 614-575-6911.

10. No swimming, wading, or boating.

11. Catch and release fishing only.

12. No motorized vehicles except

13. Alcoholic beverages are

Violation of any park rule may lead to ejection from the park or prosecution under the laws of the City of Pickerington.

9. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and owners must pick up after their pets.

10. No swimming, wading, or boating.

11. Catch and release fishing only.

12. No motorized vehicles except in designated areas.

13. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Violation of any park rule may lead to ejection from the park or prosecution under the laws of the City of Pickerington.

PARK / FACILITY RESERVATIONS

Facility Reservations

Facilities may be reserved throughout the year from April 1 - October 31. accepted after March 1 of each year. Restroom facilities are not available 31.Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Additional www.pickerington.net.

Reservations accepted beginning March 1! Reserve space for your family reunion, birthday party, or graduation party beginning March 1 for April 1-October 31, 2023.

Full payment is required when submitting reservation applications. Any person or organization holding an approved application shall receive and Recreation Department is given proper notice to cancel prior to two (2) scheduled date of use. A Refund Request Form must be submitted, and fee to cancel a reservation.

Facility Reservations

1. Facilities may be reserved throughout the year from April 1 - October 31. Reservations will be accepted after March 1 of each year. Restroom facilities are not available from November 1 - March. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Additional information available at www. pickerington.net.

4. In the event of rain or extreme weather conditions, as determined by the Department, reservations will be rescheduled if possible.

The group or organization using the facilities shall assure that:

a.All park rules are followed.

2. Full payment is required when submitting reservation applications.

3. Any person or organization holding an approved application shall receive a refund only if the Parks and Recreation Department is given proper notice to cancel prior to two (2) weeks from the scheduled date of use. A Refund Request Form must be submitted, and there is a $15 processing fee to cancel a reservation.

b.Damages made to the facilities or equipment during their time of use responsibility. acilities shall be left clean and neat.

Facility amenities for all park spaces available reservation can be accessed online at www.pickerington.net

4. In the event of rain or extreme weather conditions, as determined by the Parks and Recreation Department, reservations will be rescheduled if possible.

Facility Reservation Fees

5. The group or organization using the facilities shall assure that:

$60 Fee

a. All park rules are followed.

b. Damages made to the facilities or equipment during their time of use shall be their financial responsibility.

c. Facilities shall be left clean and neat.

$30 City Resident/Non-Profit Discount Fee *Fees are charged per time slot for each reserved

Facility amenities for all park spaces available for reservation can be accessed online at www. pickerington.net

Facility

$80 Fee

$40 City Resident/Non-Profit Discount Fee *Fees are charged per time slot for each reserved space.

for