Pickerington February/March 2025 by CityScene Media Group

pickerington magazine

1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com

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Pickerington Magazine is published in February, April, June, August, October and December. Subscriptions are free for households within the city limits of Pickerington, Ohio. For advertising information or bulk purchases, call 614-572-1240.

pickerington community calendar february/march 2025

Sun., Feb. 2

Groundhog Day Hike

1 p.m.

Wahkeena Nature Preserve 2200 Pump Station Rd. SE, Sugar Grove www.fairfieldcountyparks.org

Thurs.-Fri., Feb. 6-7

No School – Pickerington Local Schools

Innovation Conference/Professional Development Day www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

Tues., Feb. 11 and March 11

Stitching in the Stacks

6:30-8 p.m.

Pickerington Main Library 201 Opportunity Way www.pickeringtonlibrary.org

Thurs., Feb. 13

Pickerington Village Shop Hop

4-8 p.m.

Pickerington Village www.pickeringtonvillage.com

Fri., Feb. 14

Valentine’s Day Luminary Walk

6:30 p.m.

Mambourg Park

5531 Cincinnati Zanesville Rd. NE, Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org

Sat., Feb. 15

Second Mambourg Winter Hike

10 a.m.

Mambourg Park

5531 Cincinnati Zanesville Rd. NE, Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org

Mon., Feb. 17

No School – Pickerington Local Schools

President’s Day www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

Fri., Feb. 21

Winter Foraging

2 p.m.

Mambourg Park

5531 Cincinnati Zanesville Rd. NE, Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org

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

Fri., Feb. 21 and March 28

Women’s Leadership Coalition

8-9:30 a.m.

Redbud Commons 602 Redbud Rd. www.pickeringtonchamber.com

Sat., Feb. 22

Pick Ohio Beer Festival 2025 12-6:30 p.m.

Combustion Brewery & Taproom 80 West Church St. www.visitfairfieldcountyoh.org

Fri., Feb. 28

Active Amphibians

11 a.m.

Mambourg Park

5531 Cincinnati Zanesville Rd. NE, Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org

Sat., March 1

PHSN Percussion Ensemble Concert

7-8:30 p.m.

Pickerington High School North 7800 Refugee Rd. www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

Fri., March 7

Ohio Game Birds

6 p.m.

Mambourg Park 5531 Cincinnati Zanesville Rd. NE, Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org

Fridays, March 7-April 11

Seton Parish Fish Fry

4:30-7 p.m.

Seton Parish Activity Center 600 Hill Rd. www.kofc11187.com

Mon., March 10

No School – Pickerington Local Schools

Records Day www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

Sat., March 15

First Flowers Hike

3 p.m.

Smeck Park

7395 Basil Rd., Baltimore www.fairfieldcountyparks.org

Sun., March 16

Wellness Hike

1 p.m.

Smeck Park

7395 Basil Rd., Baltimore www.fairfieldcountyparks.org

Sat., March 22

Leprechaun Hunt

11 a.m.

Mambourg Park

5531 Cincinnati Zanesville Rd. NE, Lancaster www.fairfieldcountyparks.org

PICKERINGTON

NEWS & INFORMATION FROM THE CITY OF PICKERINGTON

Crandell Receives STAR Award

Congratulations to Pickerington Police Department

Detective Dustin Crandell, who was recently awarded the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office STAR award.

The STAR award represents (S) Selflessness, (T) Teamwork, (A) Accountability and (R) Respect. The officer should be of high ethics, good character and goes above and beyond for the residents within their jurisdiction and Franklin County.

Detective Crandell was presented the award at the annual FCSO Law Enforcement Recognition Dinner.

City Council News

The Pickerington City Council held its annual re-organization meeting recently and Bob McCracken (L) was chosen as the new Council President and Kevin Kemper (R) as the Vice President. City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Agendas and minutes for all meetings are available online at www.pickerington.net.

Congratulations to Pickerington Police Detective Sgt. Shaun Mikicic on his graduation from the 292nd session of the FBI National Academy.

Held in Quantico, Virginia, the FBI National Academy course is internationally known for its academic excellence, offering 11 weeks of advanced communication, leadership and fitness training. Those candidates who are chosen to attend this highly selective course must have proven records as professionals within their agencies.

Sgt. Mikicic’s session consisted of people from 48 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. The class also included members of law enforcement agencies from 27 foreign countries, eight military organizations and five federal civilian organizations.

We are tremendously proud of Sgt. Mikicic and his accomplishments!

Job Opportunities England Honored

It’s not too early to start thinking about summer jobs and the best job in Pickerington is at the Pickerington Community Pool! The City will be hiring for all positions, including management, lifeguards and front desk clerks.

Lifeguard positions start at $14/hour and go up based on years of experience. Returning pool staff have an opportunity to progress into a managerial role through committed years of service.

Applicants for management positions must be at least 18 years old and for all other lifeguard positions the minimum age requirement is 16. A complete list of qualifications and job requirements can be found on the City’s website, www.pickerington.net. Upon hiring the City will reimburse those that get the required lifeguard training and certification.

A job with the City of Pickerington, even if seasonally, can earn retirement benefits with the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.

For more information call 614-833-2211 or to fill out an application, visit www.pickerington.net.

Congratulations to David England for the special recognition he received at the annual Tribute to Veterans concert, hosted by the Pickerington Community Chorus.

David is pictured with Mayor Lee Gray (L), his wife, Glenda, and Cherie Knapp (R), director of the Pickerington Community Chorus.

David has dedicated his life to serving his country and his community. He graduated from Pickerington High School, and then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-1964.

In the spring of 1962, he was sent to Christmas Island in the Pacific for a top-secret assignment. The assignment was called Project Dominic and it was to test the upper air atmosphere before and after a bomb drop. Everyone on site was told at the time of the drop to turn their backs and protect their eyes from the flash.

David eventually returned to Pickerington and has served the American Legion Post 283 for 43 years as Post Commander, Chaplain and he is currently Commander of the Post Honor Guard.

David received the Atomic Veterans Medal awarded for unique service in support of nuclear deterrence. He petitioned the State of Ohio to make July 16th National Atomic Veterans Day, which passed both the House and Senate. David also petitioned the state to make Refugee Road from 256 to Pickerington Road the Corporal David A. Johnston Memorial Highway.

David served the City of Pickerington as a council member for many years and was also very involved in youth athletics.

Congratulations Dave and thanks for all that you do!

Mitten Tree Donations

A big thank you to the Pickerington area Girl Scouts for collecting hundreds of items for our annual Mitten Tree(s) project. All items were donated to Fairfield County Job & Family Services and distributed to families in need.

The Mitten Tree was started in 1990 by Pickerington resident Dorothy Steiger. Dorothy passed away in 2005, but the City continues to collect mittens, hats and scarves every year to honor her memory.

News and Information From Violet Township

MedVet Grand Opening!

On Dec. 15, MedVet Diley Hill moved into its brand-new hospital, holding an open house and ribboncutting ceremony with the Trustees of Violet Township and other community members. The hospital’s team, phone and address remain the same at 9695 Basil Western Rd.

MedVet is the leading veterinarianowned and led network of specialty and emergency hospitals and urgent cares. It is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and a deeply supportive experience for pets and their loving families, referring veterinarians and for MedVet team members.

MedVet Diley Hill is VECCS Level II Certified and AAHA-accredited. These certifications recognize veterinary hospitals that meet or exceed the standards and guidelines for exceptional pet care, formulated by the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society (VECCS) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

MedVet Diley Hill serves more than 15,000 pets annually and is open 24/7 for emergency care, including all major holidays.

Notify Me/My Account

Violet Township Web Page Notifications

What is Notify Me?

The Notify Me feature allows you the opportunity to get up-to-date notices calendar events, news flash, emergency alerts and more. You can sign up and have notifications of these and other items by email, cell phone text message (SMS) or both.

Why do I care?

If you want to be kept up-to-date, without checking the website constantly, then Notify Me is for you.

What is the catch?

NONE! It is free. Violet Township will never sell or use your email address or phone number for any other purpose and you can leave any time you want!

How do I sign up?

Signing up for Violet Township’s Notify Me service is easy! You can go to the My Account signup page at www.violet. oh.us/MyAccount, and follow these easy steps:

If you already have an account, Click on Existing Account. If you wish to create an account, Click on Create an Account.

Once you create a user/login and password, complete the requested and required fields. If you would like mobile alerts then enter your full 10-digit mobile phone number.

When you find a Notify Me/application/item area that peaks your interests, you can subscribe by clicking the buttons next to the item:

• Email notification

• Text/SMS notification

You will be prompted to confirm your subscription. Just follow the instructions.

Questions

Do I have to give you my phone number?

No. If you do not want to use the mobile alerts feature then you do not provide your mobile number.

Is the text message free?

Yes, with most mobile plans. Violet Township does not charge, nor do we send ‘premium’ text messages. As long as your mobile carrier does not charge you for incoming messages, there is no fee.

Do I need to do anything else special?

Please remember to set your spam blocker to allow mail from listserv@civicplus.com.

Toy Drive a Big Success

From the Fire Department

Update from the Fire Chief

In March of 2024, the Violet Township Fire Department placed a 3.6 mill tax levy for additional funds on the ballot. This levy was passed by the voters and will provide $6.5 million additional dollars per year for the fire department starting in 2025.

First, I want to thank our community for your support. Adding additional tax dollars to already high tax bills is difficult at best. I fully appreciate the trust you, as a community, have placed on me and the department to utilize these funds in the most efficient and judicious ways possible.

Second, I want to take this opportunity to let you, the community, know what the department has done since March regarding use of these funds. If you recall, our levy documents stated the additional funds will be used for the following:

• Relocate and build a new Station 593 adding an Engine and nine personnel

• Plan for Station 594 in the southern portion of the township and add 15 additional personnel to meet growing demands of that emerging area

• Continue with state-of-the-art EMS programs, delivery and equipment

• Maintain current operations and service delivery

• Improve staffing models and expand staffing as needed

• Add an additional Community Paramedic

• Replacement of vehicles and apparatuses

I am happy to report to you we have made progress in a number of these areas already.

• We are adding a second Community Paramedic, as of Jan, 13. Since the start of this program, the need for this assistance has risen year after year. Currently, our Community Paramedic makes nearly 1,600 visits each year. Adding

this additional position will allow for a more balanced approach and division of labor. This person will also assist our Fire Safety Inspectors by providing coverage in this area for inspections and fire investigations one day each week.

• We are in the process of refurbishing two of our Medic vehicles. Medic 594 has received a new engine, updated suspension and will be retro-fitted with the patient box from one of our older medics. The patient box has been updated/renovated to today’s standards. This will allow us to extend the life of this vehicle by five to seven more years. The same is true for Medic 591 and again this will extend its life five to seven years.

• We have purchased a new Medic vehicle that will be delivered in April/May 2025. This will replace our oldest Medic. This vehicle will also be built on a Ford Chassis which is a $60,000 savings changing from a Navistar Chassis. Going forward, we will continue using the Ford Chassis for new or refurbishment medics.

• We have added six additional personnel (two/ shift). We now have 19 personnel assigned to each shift with a minimum staffing of 14 each day. All the above is exciting for us and the community. The biggest news is about Station 593. Relocating this station was a priority if this levy passed. I am happy to announce the land for this station has been purchased. The location is on Yarmouth Road between the entrance to RG Barry and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). The Township secured this two-acre lot from the AMA. Further, a criteria architect has been selected to design the new station. KZF Design was selected at the Dec. 4 Trustee meeting. KZF Design was also the architect of record for Station 591 in Olde Pickerington. More updates will be provided as the project progresses.

As you can see, we are moving forward with our plans. Our commitment to you is unwavering and our goal is to continue providing service at the highest level possible.

As always, if you have any questions, please call us at 614-837-4123. We are your “Friends for Life”.

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

News

Pickerington High School North Senior Earns Full Scholarship to Yale University Through QuestBridge

By Jacqueline Bryant

Pickerington High School North (PHSN) Senior Bethel Mulat has been admitted to Yale University with a prestigious QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship. This full, four-year scholarship recognizes Mulat’s extraordinary academic achievements and dedication.

“This achievement is a lifelong dream come true!” Mulat says, reflecting on the milestone. “I have learned that success is not predetermined by certain circumstances but by hard work and unwavering diligence. I hope my achievement serves as proof that everyone can define their future as long as they always unapologetically shoot their shot!”

At Yale, Mulat plans to major in Biomedical Engineering.

“Biology and chemistry have always been my favorite subjects,” says Mulat. “My interest in oncology grew, especially after completing Stanford University’s Summer Explore program in 2023 and furthering my interest in oncology and biomedical engineering through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s MITES Summer 2024 program where I carried out genomics research at MIT.”

Mulat’s achievement is remarkable in the context of this year’s competitive QuestBridge application cycle.

Of more than 25,500 applicants, only 7,288 were named finalists, with 2,627 ultimately earning the Match Scholarship – marking a record high for QuestBridge.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Bethel for earning the QuestBridge Scholarship and a full ride to Yale!” says Pickerington High School North Principal Jim Campbell. “This amazing achievement highlights the hard work of our teachers and the positive experiences we strive to create here at Pickerington High School North. Bethel is a true example of striving for excellence and reaching incredible heights!”

Ana Rowena Mallari, co-founder and CEO of QuestBridge, shared her enthusiasm.

“We are delighted to welcome this record-breaking number of QuestBridge Scholars,” she says. “These scholars bring rich diversity, unique perspectives and incredible talent to our college partners, enhancing the vibrancy of their campus communities.”

QuestBridge Match Scholarship recipients gain early admission to partner colleges and universities with comprehensive four-year scholarships. These scholarships fully cover the cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, meals, books, supplies and travel expenses – without loans or parental contributions – ensuring access to transformative educational opportunities.

PHSN Principal Jim Campbell and Senior Bethel Mulat

By Maisie Fitzmaurice

Pickerington to Paris, and beyond

Olympian Annette Echikunwoke hammers away at the competition

Annette Echikunwoke discovered her remarkable talent in junior high during a track and field day. Attempting the traditional throwing events – shot put and discus – she outshined everyone, throwing the weighted objects farther than many of her peers.

From then on, Echikunwoke knew throwing was a sport she wanted to continue doing.

She never expected to be the first woman in U.S.A. Olympic team history to win a medal in hammer throwing, less than two decades later.

Nigerian-American

Echikunwoke was born to Nigerian immigrant parents, Godwin and Christina, in Canal Winchester, later moving to Pickerington when she was 10 years old.

Her family’s Nigerian culture significantly influenced her childhood experience. She has fond memories of making soup and jollof rice with her mother and attending frequent get-togethers with other Nigerians and family living in the area.

Echikunwoke holds the University of Cincinnati’s record for women’s outdoor hammer throw and shot put. For indoor events, she holds the university record for shot put and weight throwing as well as the American Athletic Conference record in weight throw.

While she learned about her Nigerian culture at home, she attended Pickerington Local Schools and experienced a melting pot of American culture.

“I didn’t realize it then, but (Pickerington) had great diversity within the school district, so I met all different types of people because I was never the type of person to just be in like one group or another,” she says.

Strong scholar

After graduating from Pickerington North High School in 2014, Echikunwoke attended the University of Cincinnati and was introduced to hammer throwing by her coach, Susan Seaton.

As a freshman, she performed very well but didn’t see herself continuing the sport after college graduation. However, after winning several national titles, breaking the University’s record in hammer throwing four times and taking first place at the American Athletic Conference during her sophomore year, she started to think she might have a shot at competing professionally.

She credits Seaton, who is still her coach to this day, for her improvement and successes.

“I’m going on 11 years now (with Seaton), so we’ve been working together for a while…I trust her the most when it comes to my career,” Echikunwoke says.

“She looks after all of her athletes and holds us accountable of our goals and things that we strive for…I don’t see myself having another coach.”

Echikunwoke continued to break records and make herself known in the track and field world over the next few years before graduating in 2018. After much deliberation, Echikunwoke decided to continue competing post-collegiately.

“Hesitancies had come from seeing other people try to strive for this, and they might have done well, but then, they’re still struggling within track and field,” she says. “It was like, ‘Do I want to be in this realm? Is it really worth it for me to do this?’ And with little reward, honestly? And I just felt like the Lord kept telling me, ‘But you need to, you need to do this,’ and affirming it in so many different ways.”

On the world stage

Echikunwoke was preparing to represent Nigeria in the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo when her plans suddenly fell apart. Her entire team was barred from competing due to missing mandatory doping tests ahead of the Games. She found out she wouldn’t be competing on her 25th birthday.

She was crushed by the news and disappointed by the team officials’ negligence. However, she didn’t give up on her Olympic dreams, deciding to try out for the U.S.A. Track & Field team ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason, … there’s always

Annette Echikunwoke’s Personal Bests, as of August 2024

• 20 lbs. indoor weighted throw: 24.78m

• Discus throw: 49.11m

• Hammer throw: 75.49m

• Shot put indoor: 16.72m

U.S.A. Women’s Records, as of February 2024

• 20 lbs. indoor weighted throw: 26.2m (DeAnna Price)

• Discus throw: 70.01m (Valarie Allman)

• Hammer throw: 80.31m (DeAnna Price)

Fashion Icon

While Echikunwoke’s physical strength can be seen through heavy lifting workouts and impressive athleticism, she feels the most confident and powerful when she expresses her unique style.

Her fashion advice?

• Pick pieces that bring you the most joy at that moment, and craft an outfit around it

• Black garments are cute and easy to wear, but if you’re adding some color, make sure all the colors in the outfit fit the same tone (cool, warm, pastel, etc.)

“I enjoy fashion. It brings me joy,” she says. “That’s not where my confidence is, but that’s where it can show up a lot of the time for me.”

• Shot put indoor: 19.87m (Jill Camarena-Williams & Chase Ealey) (according to U.S.A Track & Field records)

something for it,” Echikunwoke says. “When I wasn’t able to compete, I was very distraught...I didn’t want to keep going if I’m being honest, but there was this line of like, ‘I should keep going.’ No matter how depressed I was, no matter how sad I was, I needed to keep going.”

At first, Echikunwoke doubted her ability to make the U.S.A. team, but she soon realized that anything could happen in the sport of track and field. She shocked the throwing world, taking home first place in the hammer throw at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials and solidifying her place on the team.

She eventually was able to picture herself taking home a medal at the games.

“I was talking with a coach, and he was saying how he talked with a lot of Olympians, and a lot of medalists, and was saying how every single one of them, even if they were counted out by major-media or whatever, all of them had this idea and belief that they could do it,” she says.

In Paris, she placed second, earning a silver medal in hammer throwing, the first women’s hammer-throwing Olympic medal Team USA has ever earned.

On to the next one

After returning to Pickerington, Echikunwoke received a key to the city and was honored in the Labor Day parade. She also recently attended her 10-year high

school reunion and was overjoyed to see her peers again.

“It’s just the sense of like, ‘Okay, these are my people,’” she says.

Echikunwoke is training to compete in future championship meets, the earliest being the World Championships in Tokyo in 2025. Ultimately, she hopes to qualify for the Team USA ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“I think this Olympics was a redemption, but then going back to Tokyo will be another redemption,” she says.

Her schedule is hectic, to say the least. Not only does she train, sometimes for several hours, every day to compete at the highest level, she also has a full-time job in marketing.

Though she faces many challenges, Echikunwoke’s Christian faith and intrinsic motivation keep her focused and inspired.

“Some days I’ll just lay on the floor and be like, ‘Why am I doing this? This is so much,” she says. “(I take things) one day at a time, appreciate the moments, because there are a lot of good moments in all the hard ones.”

She hopes to acquire sponsorships or brand deals that would allow her to be a full-time athlete. Whether she does or not, she is eager to see what the future has in store.

“All good things take time for it to be worth it,” Echikunwoke says. “And so holding to that idea, then whatever posttrack holds for me, whatever time in track holds for me, I’m ready for it.”

Maisie Fitzmaurice is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mfitzmaurice@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Photo courtesy of Annette Echikunwoke

By Ella Jay

Rooted in Wellness

Health benefits of gardening and growing your own food

Gardening is much more than just a hobby. Sowing horticultural seeds reaps benefits beyond fresh produce –it’s also beneficial for physical health, mental well-being, nutrition and the environment.

Physical and mental benefits

Gardening is a great form of moderate, low-impact exercise that helps improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility and balance. These tasks provide a full-body workout, helping burn some serious calories.

Additionally, spending time out in the garden and under the sun boosts vitamin D production, which is an essential nutrient for bone and immune system health.

For many, gardening also helps facilitate mental well-being, not just physical health. For resident and Farmers’ Market Manager Kate Hinterschied, gardening is a great form of relaxation.

“I think just being out in the garden and the sunshine on a nice day, and just getting your hands dirty can be very therapeutic,” says Hinterschied. “Spending time out there is very calming and relieves stress.”

Gardening can also relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression through mindfulness. The repetitive tasks associated with gardening help foster mindfulness, which is the practice of being aware and accepting the present moment without judgement.

For Michelle Hill, resident and founder of the local Pro Pollinator Initiative, knowing that gardening allows her to have a positive impact on wildlife and the environment is the biggest mental health boost of them all.

“Watching the interactions between the insects and birds and knowing that I had a hand in facilitating the blooms – the life – that comes from that, and knowing the choices I’m making are having those positive impacts… that’s the most rewarding thing,” says Hill. “Knowing I’m doing the right thing.”

Community connection

Gardening can be a great way to connect with those in your family and community as well.

Hinterschied says one of the best parts about growing her own produce and managing the Farmers’ Market is connecting with the vendors and watching the community come together. The market serves as a great space for residents to connect with both each other and their local produce growers.

“It’s nice to catch up (with people), and it’s fun to sit back and watch different groups of people come and meet up,” says Hinterschied. “It strengthens the community.”

Connecting with local vendors also allows residents to educate themselves about the food.

“There’s a lot about our food that we don’t really know about or don’t realize,” says Hinterschied. “Going to the Farmers’ Market and talking to the farmers … you can learn a lot about things you didn’t even know you should be asking questions about.”

Nutrition education

There are plenty of nutritional benefits to gardening and growing your own food. By growing food at home or buying from local producers, it is easier to ensure the produce will be fresh, organic and usually free of large amounts of pesticides.

More than half of all food samples tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration contain the residues of at least one pesticide.

Having a home garden can be especially helpful in encouraging children to create healthy eating habits early on. As both Hill and Hinterschied pointed out, growing their own produce made their kids more eager to try new fruits and veggies.

“My daughter would never try certain foods from the grocery store (when she was little), but if we grew them in the garden and I brought them in, she’d want to try them all,” says Hinterschied.

Photo courtesy of Colleen Bauman

Grow Local

Native plants vary depending on where you live, but some that can be found in the Pickerington area include:

• Goldenrod

• Sunflower

• Strawberry

• Boneset

• Violet

• Geranium

• Aster

• Red Columbine

• Blue Wild Indigo

• Purple Cornflower

• Wild Bergamot

Native plants can be trees and shrubs too including oak, willow, birch, aspen, cottonwood, poplar, maple, boxelder, crabapple, apple and hickory.

Similarly, Hill highlighted the sense of ownership her kids got from helping in the garden. “It makes the food more fun,” she says.

Growing your own produce can also help combat food insecurity, and buying from and supporting local vendors can combat the development of food deserts and bolster the local economy.

Environmental benefits

Home and locally grown food helps reduce carbon emissions from transportation and packaging, improves air quality, reduces water consumption, improves soil health and protects biodiversity. It can be a great way to preserve ecosystem health and attract pollinators, if done tactically.

The best way to get the most out of a garden is to cultivate it in an eco-friendly manner.

A good place to start is to remove all invasive plants and replace them with native, keystone species.

“If you’re looking to fill some nutritional gaps, supplement because of the cost of produce, or you’re concerned about pesticide exposure… that’s wonderful,” says Hill, “But anything you’re going to grow should incorporate native plants.”

Other actions that can make a garden more sustainable include avoiding fertilizer and spray herbicides, composting, collecting and reusing rainwater and turning off outside lights at night.

Adding features such as birdhouses, birdbaths and other amenities for wildlife is also recommended.

Ella Jay is an assistant editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at ejay@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Starting Your Own Garden

Considering the local ecosystem and which plants are native to the area are very important when looking to start gardening or growing your own food, however, there are a few other factors to consider as well.

Both Hill and Hinterschied advise planning everything out before planting, including being realistic about how much time and space you’ll have available.

Among the basics is considering the environment the plants will be growing in. It’s best to be aware of how much light and shade will be available, what kind of soil you’ll be working with as well as what kinds of animals and pests the plants might need to be protected from. Some easier veggies to start with include tomatoes, zucchinis, carrots, green beans, peas and peppers.

Hill and Hinterschied also advise to be prepared to have an abundance of food. Whether that means freezing, canning or giving away extra fruits and veggies, it’s important to have a plan to avoid waste.

Courtresy of Michelle Hill

by Megan Brokamp

LOut of This World

National science program sends local student projects to space

Testing a new hypothesis

ast year, two Pickerington High School North students made headlines when they were selected to help NASA with an experiment.

This historic achievement is the third time a Pickerington student project has been accepted in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) which in turn has helped reignite the love of science for countless students.

Over the past few years, Pickerington North High School science teacher Carla Foltz noticed a lack of motivation in her students. She needed to pull students out of the haze of distracted online learning and teach them to engage again.

In 2020, space missions significantly increased, particularly due to a large number of launches by SpaceX.

“I started noticing a major uptick in news cycles about the space project, Elon Musk and all of the future plans they had,” Foltz says. “It really reminded me of when I was younger… the space exploration

and Neil Armstrong and John Glenn and all those kinds of things were such a huge part of school life and interesting to students and children.”

Foltz began to research, and she found the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP), a program created by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education.

The program was launched in 2010 to empower future scientists and engineers with hands-on scientific research experiences and is available for students from middle school through college.

Pickerington Local School students Alina Senchuri (left) and Everett Martinson

Courtesy of Anna Meyer

In 2021, Pickerington North became the second school in the state to join the program. That same year, the school completed its first project which was chosen to go to space.

Foltz and Anna Meyer, another science teacher at the school who was involved with the project, helped bring the programming to the district and make it available to students in grades 6-12.

Although crafting a project viable enough to go to space seems daunting, Meyer says it all comes down to how she proposes the project to her middle school students. She prompts her students to come up with an experiment to be tested both in the classroom and in space that would improve the lives of those functioning in microgravity.

“I often pretend I’m going through my day, and I think about all of the things that I use and do,” Meyer says. “What would happen if I’m now in microgravity – do all of these things work the same way?”

Not just any project goes to space. Each school sends three projects to the SSEP group, which in turn chooses a finalist from each school to go to space.

The Liquid I.V. project

In 2023, Dorian Hamilton and Mary Erickson’s study on the drink known as Liquid I.V. was chosen to go to space and preparations got underway.

When Hamilton and Erickson were presented with the project, known as Mission 18, their teacher gave the example of testing how Kool-Aid reacts in space. This example was a source of inspiration for the two student-athletes, who both frequently drink Liquid I.V. to stay hydrated.

Hamilton and Erickson wanted to test if Liquid I.V. would work in the same way for astronauts as they have limited access to water in space.

Together they crafted a proposal with research and a relevant and practical ex-

perimental design that could be followed in the classroom and on the space station. The combination of a strong presentation and unique proposal made the project a perfect fit for the SSEP.

“I just think the Liquid I.V. hydration was so powerful because it was totally relevant to these students, and they worked very diligently on their project,” Foltz says. When their experiment was chosen,

Hamilton and Erickson worked at least once a week with Foltz to perfect it. One barrier they ran into was choosing a type of cell to be used in the experiment. Initially, the students wanted to test Liquid I.V.’s effectiveness on skin cells, however, they were told that was not an option so they opted to complete their research on plant cells instead.

Artwork created by a student for the Mission 18 project.

Anna Meyer (left) working with Alina Senchuri and Everett Martinson on an upcoming project for the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program.

Courtesy of Anna Meyer

Courtesy of Pickerington Local Schools

Hamilton and Erickson spent weeks in the lab at school and while they dove into their research, they also deepened their scientific expertise and were able to grow on a personal level.

Although this project wasn’t a requirement for them to graduate later that semester, they remained dedicated to success throughout the entire process.

“I would say that I gained a more in-depth knowledge of plant cells and the different aspects of them,” Erickson says. “But I also feel like I learned more about myself and what drives me.”

Into space

A unique factor students face each year is the viability of their project for use in space. The students create two identical experiments – one to be tested in the classroom, and one to be shipped to the International Space Station.

Once the mission is ready, the mini-labs are shipped to Texas, where roughly 40 experiments are gathered from across the country. Then, it is driven to Cape Canaveral, its final destination before entering the stratosphere.

MUSIC IS LIVE IN COLUMBUS!

When the experiments finally reach the space station, students conduct their ground truth experiment in the classroom. Once the data comes back from space, students conduct a comparative analysis to test their hypothesis.

Mission 18 was set to launch last spring, however due to time and budget constraints, the project didn’t officially launch until November.

Since Hamilton and Erickson had graduated months prior in May, they could not assess the results of the mission. However, a group of sixth-grade students at Harmon Middle School are carrying on the project, giving them a chance to make their mark on the experiment.

Although the project is exclusive to middle and high school students, the Pickerington Schools have increased involvement through the SSEP Art Patch Competition.

For each space mission, astronauts wear a patch to commemorate their flight. The Art Patch Competition is a chance for students in grades 3-12 to design the official patch for the mission.

From the lab to the art room, the SSEP has created a way for students of all grade levels to engage in science.

“It’s a huge number of students that have the opportunity to be connected and learn a little bit or a lot, actually, with some of these projects,” Foltz says. “Something about our space program, and, more importantly, just scientific research in general.”

Megan Brokamp is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mbrokamp@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Carla Foltz (center) stands with Macy Erickson and Dorian Hamilton.

Courtesy of Pickerington

Schools

By Maisie Fitzmaurice

Sacred Roots

Pickerington’s historical tabernacle holds memories of camping and faith

Every summer between 1889 and 1911, religious figures, their families and religious followers gathered in the beautiful forested area surrounding the United Brethren Association’s tabernacle for a two-weeklong camping retreat to discuss evangelical affairs.

This annual convention was born after the United Brethren Association signed a lease on the forested land in 1889 and hired a local carpenter to build a tabernacle for religious gatherings.

Churchgoers would sit on the tabernacle’s wooden benches with their feet planted on a sawdust floor. A cottage, where the minister would reside, was built nearby. Both structures were constructed using wood harvested from clearing some of the beech, oak, maple, hickory and walnut trees on the property.

The congregation used the wooden structure with white-painted siding for religious services, mostly held in the daytime because there was no electricity to keep the space lit. On some occasions, there were musical performances and a children’s program that was held during each retreat.

Campers arrived on horseback or in horse-drawn carriages, buggies and wagons. They rented tents and stayed on the property, attending daily meetings hosted by prominent reverends and religiopolitical figures.

A well on the property offered fresh water, and the only light source was kerosene lamps. One tent was used as a restaurant where visitors could grab sandwiches and ice cream during the week and a chicken dinner on Sundays.

On one occasion Jacob Coxey and the Coxey Army made a stop at the camp to make a speech on their way to Washington, D.C. where they would protest.

The grounds were also used by The Salvation Army during their two-week-long convention which included music as well as United Brethren services and sessions.

More than 100 years later, the tabernacle can still be found on the property. The land is now owned by partners David Hauge and Tammy Miller and it is one of the very few original tabernacles in Ohio still standing on its original campground.

In 2021, the couple successfully designated 230 acres of the land surrounding the tabernacle as a nature preserve, Coyote Run. The preserve’s biodiversity is immense with both forest and wetland features. While the privately-owned land has restricted access, Fairfield County Parks holds events open to the public so that everyone can appreciate what it has to offer.

Maisie Fitzmaurice is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mfitzmaurice@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Courtesy of Lynne Bonenberger

Courtesy of Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society

By Maisie Fitzmaurice

Endless Opportunity

Healthcare career pathway program for Pickerington students expands its offerings

If your child dreams of becoming a doctor, nurse or medical professional, Pickerington Local School District (PLSD) has the perfect program to kickstart their career journey.

Each year, Pickerington’s eighth-grade students are invited to join the district’s biomedical science program ahead of their freshman year at Pickerington North High School or Pickerington High School Central.

While not all students who start in the biomedical program will stay until graduation, those who do can take an innovative job shadowing capstone course at OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital as upperclassmen. Through the course, students work hands-on with a variety of medical disciplines, departments and laboratories – all in a real healthcare setting with real patients.

Over the years, the number of upperclassmen who take the course has grown exponentially, from less than 40 in 2016 to more than 80 in 2025.

“I always remind people, to get 80-some students rotate through is pretty much unheard of,” Andy Harris, STEM biomedical science coordinator at PLSD, says. “I engage with a lot of other schools and different types of programs around the state and other places, they’ll have, like, 12 kids. We have a success problem where it’s some 82 kids.”

PLSD’s biomedical science program has been offered since 2012, but, with the opening of Pickerington Methodist in December 2023, students can shadow, learn and assist in even more medical specialties and departments than before. From freshman to senior year of high school, participants in the program learn about more than 360 types of careers in the medical field.

Sasha Williams, an athletic trainer at Pickerington Methodist who is the STEM clinical coordinator, says the program allows them to consider their potential career path in healthcare before attending college or another higher learning institution.

Photos by Maisie Fitzmaurice

“I wish I had something like this when I was in college,” Williams says. “I think a lot of healthcare workers, they say the exact same thing, these kids are at an advantage to have this during their high school years. It’s so important.”

The program is valuable for guiding students to new potential career paths, but it also helps them identify what they’re not interested in pursuing. “The best thing that we do sometimes is teach kids they don’t want to do this,” Harris says. “Like when we get the (cadaver) pigs out, somebody says they want to be a surgeon but they can’t be in the room, you might want to rethink stuff. Or, they don’t realize that anesthesiology is sitting around sometimes. If you want a chill day for the next 30 years, that’s good for you. If you want some action, you might want to think of something else.”

Setting a strong foundation

Before biomedical students can start job shadowing in the hospital, they must take a handful of prerequisite courses. They must be at least 16 to shadow in most departments and 18 to observe surgery. The prerequisite courses teach students the basics, make them comfortable within the medical field and help them practice problem-solving.

Pickerington student, Brayden Blake, committed to the biomedical program in eighth grade and is now a senior learning and shadowing at Pickerington Methodist.

“I was always interested in being active and seeing how the human body worked and all that, so, when I found out there was a program for biomedical science, I knew that was a pretty good route,” Blake says. “My goal is to be in exercise science or be a physical therapist.”

Blake says his underclassmen years in the program not only taught him about biology and health, but also set him up for academic success.

“There’s a second-year class called human body systems, and for me personally, that kind of taught me how to study, and taught me I didn’t have the best studying habits,” he says. “It was a difficult class for me, a lot of memorization. So, I think going to this class and then the next three years really helped me understand how to study properly and learn those habits.”

Maisie Fitzmaurice is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mfitzmaurice@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Bringing

Top homes sold in Pickerington

In Pickerington, house prices rose roughly 4.4 percent compared to last November with a median price of $440,000. A total of 158 homes were sold in November, down from 180 last year, spending a median of 42 days on the market. (Data from Redfin) All information is collected from the Fairfield and Franklin County Auditors.

13640 Violet Meadows Ave. NW

5 beds, 4.5 baths

$725,000

Sold 11/15/24

8020 Garden Dr.

5 beds, 4.5 baths

$675,000

Sold 11/12/24

12181 Taylors Way

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$644,900

Sold 12/9/24

8657 Springflower Rd.

4 beds, 3 baths

$637,500

Sold 11/26/24

13922 Sunladen Ct. NW

5 beds, 4 baths

$635,000

Sold 11/19/24

226 Pickerington Ponds Dr.

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$630,124

Sold 11/25/24

8670 Oakshire Dr.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$614,900

Sold 11/13/24

286 Blue Jacket Cir.

4 beds, 3 baths

$610,000

Sold 11/4/24

12273 Pleasant View Dr.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$600,000

Sold 11/14/24

723 Bretforton St.

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$585,000

Sold 11/18/24

195 Pickerington Ponds Dr.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$582,939

Sold 11/25/24

11595 Caldwell Way

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$579,900

Sold 11/19/24

what’s your style?

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201

samcooper@howardhanna.com

12224 Splashtail Ct | $459,900 Highest-selling Lake Forest patio home in 2024! Features include a 3-car garage, wooded preserve lot, covered patio, open floor plan, 1st-floor primary suite, custom shelving, modern fixtures, and a 2024 AeroTherm heat pump. Professionally landscaped and close to parks, schools, and Pickerington Village.

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201

samcooper@howardhanna.com

8657 Springflower Rd. | $637,500 Exceptional Duffy-built home in Winding Creek on a private lot with mature trees. Features include a brick façade, new roof (2023), paver driveway, 3-car garage, open family room with fireplace, 1st-floor office, updated kitchen, vaulted primary suite, finished lower level with wet bar, and neighborhood park. Pickerington North Schools.

SAM COOPER – HOWARD HANNA

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201

samcooper@howardhanna.com

462 Flat River St | $409,900 Cozy up this winter in this spacious home featuring birch and bamboo floors, a gas fireplace, and a large eat-in kitchen with Silestone countertops and a huge pantry. Enjoy a serene backyard oasis with a pergola, koi pond, waterfall, and paver patio. Basement ready for finishing. Newer AC included!

SAM COOPER – HOWARD HANNA

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201

samcooper@howardhanna.com

13105 Coventry Ave | $425,000 Exceptional 2-story home on an oversized lot near schools and Pickerington Pool! Features include hardwood floors, granite kitchen with stainless appliances, soaring great room with gas fireplace, 1st-floor laundry, vaulted primary suite, newer windows, new roof (2019), and a spacious basement ready to finish. Beautifully landscaped with mature trees!

SAM COOPER – HOWARD HANNA

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201

samcooper@howardhanna.com

3243 Long Cove Ct. | $350,000 Two story home on oversized lot! Large family room with fireplace is open to the kitchen and eating area, with wood floors. New refrigerator in island kitchen with pantry. Window seat in eat-in area overlooks backyard. Vaulted owner suite has walk-in closet with custom storage and separate vanity area. Bathrooms are beautifully tiled. Finished basement has full bath and a separate room with closet. Pergola, brick patio, and deck. Wall of shelving in garage and shed out back for storage.

SAM COOPER – HOWARD HANNA

Sam Cooper (614) 561-3201

samcooper@howardhanna.com

7566 Welshire Dr. | $208,000 Remarkable 2-story townhome

dining, schools, and parks.

SAM COOPER – HOWARD HANNA

SAM COOPER – HOWARD HANNA

Grossology: The Science of Really Gross Things!: Commemorative Edition: Celebrating Over 30 Years of Grossology!

By Sylvia Branzei, Jack Keely (Illustrator)

Discover the science behind the sickeningly cool stuff that comes out of our bodies!

Complete with hilariously disgusting illustrations and fun activities, this guide to all things gross covers everything from barf to farts to scabs.

What Does It Feel Like?

By Sophie Kinsella

Eve is a successful novelist who wakes up one day in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Her husband, never far from her side, explains that she has had an operation to remove the large, malignant tumor growing in her brain.

As Eve learns to walk, talk and write

again – and as she wrestles with her diagnosis, and how and when to explain it to her beloved children – she begins to recall what’s most important to her: long walks with her husband’s hand clasped firmly around her own, family game nights and always buying that dress when she sees it.

Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World

By Lauren Fleshman

dent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults.

Haidt shows how the play-based childhood began to decline in the 1980s, and how it was finally wiped out by the arrival of the phone-based childhood in the early 2010s.

He presents more than a dozen mechanisms by which this “great rewiring of childhood” has interfered with children’s social and neurological development, covering everything from sleep deprivation to attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, social comparison and perfectionism.

Lauren Fleshman has grown up in the world of running. One of the most decorated collegiate athletes of all time and a national champion as a pro, early in her career she was a major face of women’s running for Nike. She went on to shake up the industry as a rep for feminist running brand Oiselle and now coaches elite young female runners.

Although she witnessed how empowering sports can be, she also saw every step of the way how those very sports systems – originally designed by men, for men and boys – fail young women and girls.

Statistics have shown that girls drop out of sports at alarming rates once they hit puberty, and female collegiate athletes routinely fall victim to injury, eating disorders or mental health struggles when they don’t get the support they need.

The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness

By Jonathan Haidt

He explains why social media damages girls more than boys and why boys have been withdrawing from the real world into the virtual world, with disastrous consequences for themselves, their families and their societies.

Take All of Us

By Natalie Leif

Five years ago, a parasite poisoned the water of Ian’s West Virginia hometown, turning dozens of locals into dark-eyed, oildripping shells of their former selves. With chronic migraines and seizures limiting his physical abilities, Ian relies on his best friend and secret crush Eric to mercy-kill any infected people they come across.

Until a new health report about the contamination triggers a mandatory government evacuation, and Ian cracks his head in the rush. Used to hospitals and health scares, Ian always thought he’d die young... but he wasn’t planning on coming back. Much less facing the slow, painful realization that Eric left him behind to die.

In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that simultaneously struck many countries. He investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and indepen-

1-5 p.m.

Monday-Thursday 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 18 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.

• Individuals purchasing Day Passes MUST MEET ONE of the following criteria:

1. Accompanied by a Season Pass Holder

• Season Pass Holder may purchase up to 2 Day Passes

2. Must be at least 21 years or older and show proof of residency within PLSD

• 21 years and older guest may purchase up to 2 additional Day Passes

Any additional guests must remain with a Season Pass Holder or 21 years and older guest at all times.

Pool Hours - Open Daily Open Swim: 12:00-5:00pm Swim Lessons: 5:00-6:00pm*

* Pool closed for group and/or private swim lessons

Family Swim: 6:00-8:00pm

First Day: Saturday, May 24

Last Day: Monday, September 1

Closed Days: August 11-15, 18-22, 25-29*

*Pool closed on weekdays when PLSD is in session

*Pool Operations subject to change

2025 Pool Season Pass Registration Forms available online at www.pickerington.net. *as of May 24, 2025

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

SWIM LESSONS

Registration Information

Three separate 2-week swim sessions will be held beginning June 2. 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. One week classes will meet Monday-Friday and will not have a make-up day. 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 Pool Manager as required by demand or weather. All children must be at least 3 years old by May 24, and potty trained.

and Fees

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

• Submerge face under water

• Kick on marshmallow with assistance

• Kick on steps with straight legs and pointed toes

• Submerge whole body under water

• Enter and exit water safely

• 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 marshmallow

• Front and back float with assistance

• Front crawl arms with assistance

• Optional - go down slide with assistance

Session 1 June 2-13

*Jelly Fish 6/2-6/6 1 SW-01

9:159:45am

10:0010:30am

10:4511:15am

4:50-

Fish 6/2-6/6 1 SW-06

6/9-6/13 2 SW-07

4 SW-08

5 SW-09

Fish 6 SW-10

3 SW-11

4 SW-12

5 SW-13

7 SW-14

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

Session 2 June 16-27

9:159:45am

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 2 and must be completed by July 25.

FEE: $25 per person, per 30 minute lesson Maximum 4 private swim lessons per participant

Session 3 July 7-18

5:255:55pm *Jelly Fish 6/2-6/6 1 SW-20

*Frog 6/9-6/13 2 SW-21 Penguin 4 SW-22

Alligator 5 SW-23

Dolphin 7 SW-24

JumpBunch Sports, Fitness, & Fun

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Soccer Shots

Mini Kickers Soccer Camp

Your little one needs to get out moving and you need a program just right for their size. Search no more. Weekly JumpBunch classes begin with kid-friendly warm-ups and exercises. The class “Coach” will then introduce participants to individual skills, equipment and simple rules of a different sports/fitness activity each week. Coaches praise and encourage children while helping them develop coordination, teamwork and confidence. Each session concludes with games, obstacle courses and cool downs to keep kids engaged and moving throughout the session. Participants should dress to be very active. Adult/parent participation is required for all children under 3. For more information, go to JumpBunch.com

SFF-01 18-36 Months

Apr 14 - May 19 Mo 6 Weeks 6-6:30pm Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

SFF-02 18-36 Months

Jun 9 - Jul 14 Mo 6 Weeks 6-6:30pm Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

SFF-03

3-5 Years

Apr 14 - May 19 Mo 6 Weeks 6:30-7pm Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

SFF-04 3-5 Years

Jun 9 - Jul 14 Mo 6 Weeks 6:30-7pm Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

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

Bally 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 Years

Apr 30 - May 28 We 5 Weeks 4:30-5:30pm Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

LS-02

3-4 Years

Apr 30 - May 28 We 5 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

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

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-in-class 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.

SHOT-01

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

2-3 Years

Apr 2 - May 21 We 8 Weeks 5:30-6pm Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-02

2-3 Years

Apr 5 - May 31 Sa 8 Weeks 3-3:30pm Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

*No class May 24

SHOT-03

2-3 Years

Jun 11 - Jul 30 We 8 Weeks 5:30-6pm Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-04

2-3 Years

Jun 14 - Aug 9 Sa 8 Weeks 3-3:30pm Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

*No class Jul 5

SHOT-05 4-6 Years

Apr 2 - May 21 We 8 Weeks 6:15-6:45pm Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-06 4-6 Years

Apr 5 - May 31 Sa 8 Weeks 3:45-4:15pm

Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

*No class May 24

SHOT-07 4-6 Years

Jun 11 - Jul 30 We 8 Weeks 6:15-6:45pm Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SHOT-08 4-6 Years

Jun 14 - Aug 9 Sa 8 Weeks 3:45-4:15pm Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

*No class Jul 5

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

Pickerington Safety City

3-5 Years

Jun 16 - 19 Mo-Th 4 Days 9:15-9:45am

Fee: $58 City Resident Discount Fee: $46

MK-02 3-5 Years

Jul 28 - Jul 31 Mo-Th 4 Days 9:15-9:45am

Fee: $58 City Resident Discount Fee: $46

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

Cold Stone Creamery Tour

Join us for a fun and interactive preschool ice cream shop tour. Kids will get to see how their favorite frozen treats are made, then unleash their creativity by making their own custom ice cream creation to enjoy at the end.

Location: Cold Stone Creamery 1718 Hill Rd

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 70 children. Please register early to guarantee your spot in the program. Registration for this program is open now through April 25 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 2025) Jul 28 - Aug 1 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-11am Fee: $38 PLSD Fee: $30

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

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

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Bally Mini Soccer Stars

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Self Defense/Kung Fu

Better Babysitter

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)

MSS-01

3-4 Years

Apr 3 - May 8 Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

MSS-02

5-6 Years

Apr 3 - May 8 Th 6 Weeks 6:30-7:30pm Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

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

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-01

3-7 Years

Apr 3 - May 15 Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6pm Fee: $104 City Resident Discount Fee: $83 *No class Apr 17

LK-02

3-7 Years

May 22 - Jun 26 Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6pm Fee: $104 City Resident Discount Fee: $83

LK-03

3-7 Years

Jul 10 - Aug 14 Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6pm Fee: $104 City Resident Discount Fee: $83

LK-04

3-7 Years

Aug 21 - Sep 25 Th 6 Weeks 5:30-6pm Fee: $104 City Resident Discount Fee: $83

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

Music & Movement

Music and Movement is a fun and engaging music class led by our instructor Chloe Bennett. Each class will explore a different instrument such as the flute and guitar. We will explore the history of famous composers and introduce basic music concepts through singing and games. Students will have the opportunity to explore each instrument of the day. Guardians will be required to participate with students who are 3-4 years old.

MAM-01

3-4 Years

Jun 2 - 23 Mo 4 Weeks 5:30-6pm Fee: $58 City Resident Discount Fee: $46

MAM-02

5-6 Years

Jun 2 - 23 Mo 4 Weeks 6:15-6:45pm Fee: $58 City Resident Discount Fee: $46

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Hilltop Shelter 280 Hilltop Dr

Led by Don Prozy, a 7th level blackbelt in Poekoelan Kung Fu with 30 years experience, you will learn the foundations of basic self-defense including self-defense holds, strikes, and kicks. Strength training, balance, and flexibility conditioning will also be a key factor in this exciting class. Come learn self defense and bring the whole family.

SDK-01

7 Years and Up

Mar 6 - Apr 10 Th 6 Weeks 6-7:30pm Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

SDK-02

7 Years and Up Apr 17 - Jun 5 Th 6 Weeks 6-7:30pm Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

*No class Apr 24 & May 29

SDK-03

7 Years and Up

Jul 17 - Aug 28 Th 6 Weeks 6-7:30pm Fee: $129 City Resident Discount Fee: $104

*No class Jul 31

Location: Violet Baptist Church 8345 Blacklick Eastern Rd NW

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. It is appropriate for boys and girls entering 4th-6th grade. 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

Jun 3 & 5 Tu, Th 2 Days 12-2pm

Fee: $102 City Resident Discount Fee: $81

KHA-02

4th-6th Grade

Jun 9 & 11 Mo, We 2 Days 5:30-7:30pm Fee: $102 City Resident Discount Fee: $81

Location: Pickerington Public Library 201 Opportunity Way

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. All students will receive their own first aid kit to take home. This class is appropriate for boys and girls entering 5th-8th grade 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 24 & 26 Tu, Th 2 Days 12-4pm Fee: $140 City Resident Discount Fee: $115

Location: Pickerington Public Library 201 Opportunity Way

Science Sleuths Camp

Embark on an exciting journey as a junior detective in the world of science. Kids will tackle fun, hands-on experiments and solve intriguing mysteries using scientific principles. From chemistry tricks to physics challenges, this program is packed with activities that will spark curiosity and enhance problem-solving skills.

SSC-01 6-12 Years

Jun 23 - 26 Mo-Th 4 Days 9am-3pm Fee: $240 City Resident Discount Fee: $215

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Hilltop Shelter 280 Hilltop Dr

Cosmic Curiosity Camp

Blast off into the wonders of space with this out-of-thisworld program. Kids will explore the universe through hands-on activities, from building model rockets to learning about planets and stars. With plenty of space-themed projects and experiments, this program is perfect for young astronomers and space enthusiasts.

CCC-01 6-12 Years

Jul 14 - 17 Mo-Th 4 Days 9am-3pm Fee: $240 City Resident Discount Fee: $215

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Hilltop Shelter 280 Hilltop Dr

Slime Camp

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Skyhawks Basketball

Skyhawks Cheerleading Camp

Dive into a gooey, slimy adventure with a variety of slime-making activities. Kids will experiment with different slime recipes, including monster slime and bubble gum slime, creating colorful and stretchy creations. This program is all about hands-on fun and creativity in a mess-free environment.

SLC-01

Jul 21 - 24

6-12 Years

Mo-Th 4 Days 9am-3pm

Fee: $240 City Resident Discount Fee: $215

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Hilltop Shelter 280 Hilltop Dr

Kids Tennis Camp

Welcome to our tennis camp, where young players can start their tennis journey in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment. Designed for kids ages 5-18, this camp introduces the basics of tennis while promoting teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship. Whether your child is picking up a racquet for the first time or has some experience, our tennis camp is the perfect way to start developing their love for the game. Get ready for a week full of fun, fitness, and tennis. Participants will need to bring their own racquet. Intermediate players must be able to rally.

KTC-01 Beginner 5-18 Years

May 27 - 29 Tu-Th 3 Days 8:30-9:45am Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-02 Beginner 5-18 Years

Jun 3 - 5 Tu-Th 3 Days 8:30-9:45am Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-03 Beginner 5-18 Years

Jun 10 - 12 Tu-Th 3 Days 8:30-9:45am Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-05 Intermediate 5-18 Years

May 27 - 29 Tu-Th 3 Days 9:45-11am Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-06 Intermediate 5-18 Years

Jun 3 - 5 Tu-Th 3 Days 9:45-11am Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

KTC-07 Intermediate 5-18 Years

Jun 10 - 12 Tu-Th 3 Days 9:45-11am Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

Location: Pickerington High School Central Tennis Courts, 300 Opportunity Way

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

6-10 Years

May 1 - 29 Th 5 Weeks 5-6pm Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Basketball Court, 500 Hereford Dr

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

6-7 Years

Apr 22 - May 20 Tu 5 Weeks 5-6pm Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

SBG-02

8-10 Years

Apr 22 - May 20 Tu 5 Weeks 6:15-7:15pm Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

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

Skyhawks Basketball Camp

SBC-01

6-12 Years

Jun 2 - 6 Mo-Fr 5 Days 1-4pm Fee: $170 City Resident Discount Fee: $145

SBC-02

6-12 Years

Jul 21 - 25 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-12pm Fee: $170 City Resident Discount Fee: $145

Location: Victory Park, Basketball Court 1 75 Lockville Rd

Skyhawks Pickleball Camp

Get in the game with Skyhawks Pickleball, gateway to the fastest-growing paddle sport. This program develops and sharpens pickleball skills like groundstrokes, volleys, and serves in a fun environment while focusing on teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect.

SPC-01

6-10 Years

Jun 23 - 27 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-12pm Fee: $170 City Resident Discount Fee: $145

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Taylor Tennis Courts 300 Covered Bridge Ln

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 Years

Jul 7 - 11 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-12pm

Fee: $170 City Resident Discount Fee: $145

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Ln

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 Years

Jun 9 - 13 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-12pm

Fee: $170 City Resident Discount Fee: $145

SFF-02

6-12 Years

Jul 7 - 11 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-12pm Fee: $170 City Resident Discount Fee: $145

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Ln

Skyhawks Beginning Golf Camp

SGC-01

6-10 Years

Jul 14 - 18 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-12pm

Fee: $170 City Resident Discount Fee: $145

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Soccer Field 3

300 Covered Bridge Ln

Skyhawks Pickleball

SPB-01

7-10 Years

May 1 - 29 Th 5 Weeks 6:15-7:15pm

Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Taylor Tennis Courts

280 Hilltop Dr

Cardinal Soccer Camp

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Cooking Caravan

Bally Sports 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 Years

Jun 16 - 19 Mo-Th 4 Days 10-11:30am Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

CSC-02

5-12 Years

Jul 28 - Jul 31 Mo-Th 4 Days 10-11:30am Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

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

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 both sessions.

SMF-01

7-12 Years

Jun 16 - 19 Mo-Th 4 Days 1-2:15pm Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

SMF-02

7-12 Years

Jul 28 - Jul 31 Mo-Th 4 Days 1-2:15pm Fee: $94 City Resident Discount Fee: $75

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Hilltop Shelter 280 Hilltop Dr

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 Years

Jun 16 - 19 Mo-Th 4 Days 2:30-3:20pm Fee: $58 City Resident Discount Fee: $46

SA-02 7-14 Years

Jul 28 - Jul 31 Mo-Th 4 Days 2:30-3:20pm Fee: $58 City Resident Discount Fee: $46

SA-03 7-14 Years

Aug 4 -7 Mo-Th 4 Days 12:50-1:40pm Fee: $58 City Resident Discount Fee: $46

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Basketball Court 500 Hereford Dr

Cooking Caravan will lead young Chefs in a step-by-step presentation on how to cook new recipes they can make at home for their family and friends. These hands-on classes are high energy, engaging, informative, and delicious. All supplies are included. For more on the chefs, visit: wearethecaravan.com.

CCL-01 Homemade Tortillas 6 Years and Up Apr 2 We 1 Day 6-7pm Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

CCL-02 Fruit Pizza 6 Years and Up May 7 We 1 Day 6-7pm Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

CCL-03 FunNachos 13 Years and Up May 14 We 1 Day 6-7pm Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

Location: Pickerington Public Library, Sycamore Plaza Branch, 7861 Refugee Rd

Summer Science and Math Fun Camp

Summer Science and Math Fun is taught by certified math and science teacher, Eric Mialky, who brings 26 years of educational experience to the Pickerington community. Each daily class will include 2 portions: math and science. The math segment of each class will combine instruction, games, and math challenges in a fun and innovative way. Students seeking remedial or enrichment opportunities will benefit from this class. The science component of this camp will allow students hands on activities and learning such as: architectural design, STEM challenges, experiments, environmental science discovery, and much more. Each day will feature fun, interactive lessons where campers can conduct cool experiments, create unique projects, and solve science-themed challenges. All supplies are included in the camp fee. Students are encouraged to bring a snack/small lunch and water bottle to each class.

SSM-01

7-12 Years

Jun 9 - 12 Mo-Th 4 Days 9:30am-12:30pm Fee: $170 City Resident Discount Fee: $145

SSM-02

7-12 Years

Aug 4 -7 Mo-Th 4 Days 9:30am-12:30pm Fee: $170 City Resident Discount Fee: $145

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Hilltop Shelter 280 Hilltop Dr

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 Pickleball, Lacrosse & Volleyball 6-12 Years

Jun 2 - 6 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-3pm Fee: $185 City Resident Discount Fee: $160

Jun 23 - 27 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-3pm

BSG-05 Five Tool- Baseball and

Resident Discount Fee: $160

BSG-07 First and Ten Football and Cheer 6-12 Years

Jul 21 - 25 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-3pm Fee: $185 City Resident Discount Fee: $160

BSG-08 Olympics 6-12 Years

Jul 28 - Aug 1 Mo-Fr 5 Days 9am-3pm Fee: $185 City Resident Discount Fee: $160

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

Bally Minor League Baseball

Bally Sports Minor League Baseball is a great introduction to coach-pitch 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 strongly 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 Years

Apr 30 - May 28 We 5 Weeks 6:30-7:45pm

Fee: $107 City Resident Discount Fee: $85

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

YOUTH PROGRAMS ADAPTIVE & INCLUSIVE

Kids in Karate- Adults too

Coyote Run Nature Series

Cooking Caravan

Directed by Grandmaster Stephens of Free Spirit Karate Clubs. Tae Kwon Do skills help build strength, agility and coordination. The mental aspects builds selfconfidence, self-control and mental-discipline. From kids to adults, it is great for the whole family. Everyone can benefit from this class.

KIK-01

6 Years and Up

May 8 - Jun 26 Th 8 Weeks 6-7:30pm Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

KIK-02

6 Years and Up

Jul 10 - Aug 28 Th 8 Weeks 6-7:30pm Fee: $87 City Resident Discount Fee: $69

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

Disc Golf Clinic

Vernal Pools

16 Years and Up

Late winter/early spring is a special time of year as that is when vernal pools spring to life. Join us at Coyote Run to check out salamanders, frogs, and other local wildlife we find. Be prepared for a colder/wetter hike. Please wear proper weather attire.

CRNS-01 Mar 8 Sa 9-10:30am

Fee: Free

Location: Coyote Run State Nature Preserve 9270 Pickerington Rd

Come join the Columbus Flyers Disc Golf Club this Summer with their beginner disc golf clinics. This clinic is designed for individuals who have never played the sport before and are eager to learn. Participants will learn the basics of rules, sport objectives, and much more. Each participant will recieve a disc on the first day.

DGCY-01 Beginners 10-17 Years

Jun 18 & 19 W-Th 2 Days 5:30-7pm Fee: $25 City Resident Discount Fee: $20

DGCY-02 Throwing 10-17 Years

Jun 25 & 26 W-Th 2 Days 5:30-7pm Fee: $25 City Resident Discount Fee: $20

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

St. Patrick’s Cookie Baking

Let your creativity shine in our St. Patrick’s cookie decorating class, perfect for kids ages 8-14. Learn fun techniques to design beautiful holiday cookies in a lively and festive atmosphere. Class hosted by Cold Stone Creamery and Spectrum of Sweets.

SPA-01 8-14 Years

Mar 15 Sa 1 Day 10-11am Fee: $37 City Resident Discount Fee: $29

Location: Cold Stone Creamery 1718 Hill Rd

Ice Cream Sandwich Creation

Spring Wildflowers

8 Years and Up

Join us and Fairfield County Park District as we explore nature’s display of flowers at Coyote Run. We’re likely to see every color of the rainbow as it carpets the ground, from trillium to pawpaw and everything between!

CRNS-02 Apr 26 Sa 3-4:30pm Fee: Free

Location: Coyote Run State Nature Preserve 9270 Pickerington Rd

Spring Bird Migration

8 Years and Up

You’ve heard the rumors that birds are coming. In fact, they’re here right now!

Take your favorite ice cream flavor and create your own custom chocolate chip ice cream sandwich. Roll it in your favorite toppings and dip in chocolate for the ultimate dream ice cream sandwich. Make 4 of them and take home for everyone to enjoy. Perfect Father’s Day gift for Dad.

ICE-01 8-14 Years

Jun 14 Sa 1 Day 10-11am Fee: $37 City Resident Discount Fee: $29

Location: Cold Stone Creamery 1718 Hill Rd

On this hike with Fairfield County Park District we’ll see what bright but weary travelers can find resting in the budding trees. Beginners are welcome, and a limited supply of binoculars will be available to borrow for the hike on a first come first serve basis.

CRNS-03 May 3 Sa 6-7:30pm Fee: Free

Location: Coyote Run State Nature Preserve 9270 Pickerington Rd

CCA-01 Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

6 Years and Up Apr 16 We 1 Day 6-7pm Fee: $65 City Resident Discount Fee: $52

Location: Pickerington Public Library, Sycamore Plaza Branch, 7861 Refugee Rd

Cold Stone Creamery Tour

Bring your little ones for a special behind-the-scenes tours of our ice cream shop, tailored for children with disabilities. They’ll explore how ice cream is made and get hands-on as they create their very own ice cream treat, all in a supportive, sensory-friendly environment.

CST-01

5-10 Years

Apr 26 Sa 1 Day 9-10am Fee: $29 City Resident Discount Fee: $23

CST-02

Years Aug 2 Sa 1 Day 9-10am

$29 City Resident Discount Fee: $23

Location: Cold Stone Creamery 1718 Hill Rd

St. Patrick’s Cookie Baking

Join us for a fun and inclusive cookie decorating class designed for young people with disabilities. We’ll provide step-by-step guidance in a supportive environment to create festive holiday cookies while celebrating creativity and individuality. Class hosted by Cold Stone Creamery and Spectrum of Sweets.

SPC-01 10-17 Years

Mar 15 Sa 1 Day 9-10am

Fee: $37 City Resident Discount Fee: $29

Location: Cold Stone Creamery 1718 Hill Rd

Ice Cream Sandwich Creation

ICC-01

10-17 Years

Jun 14 Sa 1 Day 9-10am

Fee: $37 City Resident Discount Fee: $29

Location: Cold Stone Creamery 1718 Hill Rd

Pickleball Clinic

Come join the Pickleball fun as instructor Anthony D’Andrea provides the skills to become a pickleballer. Beginners will learn how to score, serve, and understand the basic fundamentals of the game. Advanced participants will dive deeper into game strategy, returning, and third shots. Bring your paddle and come join in on the fun.

PBC-01 Beginner 16 Years and Up

Jul 10 - 31 Th 4 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm Fee: $73 City Resident Discount Fee: $58

PBC-02 Beginner 16 Years and Up

Aug 7 - 28 Th 4 Weeks 5:30-6:30pm Fee: $73 City Resident Discount Fee: $58

PBC-03 Advanced 16 Years and Up Jul 10 - 31 Th 4 Weeks 6:45-7:45pm Fee: $73 City Resident Discount Fee: $58

PBC-04 Advanced 16 Years and Up

Aug 7 - 28 Th 4 Weeks 6:45-7:45pm Fee: $73 City Resident Discount Fee: $58

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Pickleball Courts 280 Hilltop Dr

Women’s Self Defense

Join Don Prozy, a 7th level blackbelt in Poekoelan Kung Fu, for this class focusing on the fundamentals of self defense for women. Class will comprise of basic self defense strikes, kicks, and holds but will also emphasize basic safety tips and precautions.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Zumba Fitness

Pickleball League: Doubles

WSD-01 18 Years and Up

Jun 1 - 22 Su 4 Weeks 6-6:45pm Fee: $109 City Resident Discount Fee: $87

WSD-02

18 Years and Up

Jun 29 - Jul 20 Su 4 Weeks 6-6:45pm Fee: $109 City Resident Discount Fee: $87

WSD-03 18 Years and Up

Aug 3 - 24 Su 4 Weeks 6-6:45pm Fee: $109 City Resident Discount Fee: $87

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Basketball Court 500 Hereford Dr

Men’s Self Defense

Come learn basic and advance striking skills used for personal self-defense or competing in MMA. You will learn and practice fundamentals in striking using punches, kicks, knees, and elbows to include foot work and some defenses. Your instructor, Don Prozy, is a 7th level blackbelt and has been training, teaching, and competing for decades in a rare, combat art. This class is for beginners through advanced martial artists.

MSD-01

18 Years and Up

Jun 1 - 22 Su 4 Weeks 7-7:45pm Fee: $109 City Resident Discount Fee: $87

MSD-02

18 Years and Up

Jun 29 - Jul 20 Su 4 Weeks 7-7:45pm Fee: $109 City Resident Discount Fee: $87

MSD-03

18 Years and Up

Aug 3 - 24 Su 4 Weeks 7-7:45pm

Fee: $109 City Resident Discount Fee: $87

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Basketball Court 500 Hereford Dr

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-01

18 Years and Up

Apr 7 - Jun 23 Mo 11 Weeks 6-7pm

Fee: $80 City Resident Discount Fee: $64

*No class May 26

ZF-02

18 Years and Up

Jul 7 - Sep 22 Mo 11 Weeks 6-7pm Fee: $80 City Resident Discount Fee: $64

*No class Sep 1

Location: Pickerington Senior Center 150 Hereford Dr

ZF-03

18 Years and Up

Apr 24 - Jul 17 Th 11 Weeks 6-7pm

Fee: $80 City Resident Discount Fee: $64

*No class Jul 3 & 10

ZF-04

18 Years and Up

Aug 7 - Oct 23 Th 11 Weeks 6-7pm

Fee: $80 City Resident Discount Fee: $64

*No class Aug 14

Location: Violet Baptist Church 8345 Blacklick Eastern Rd NW

Doubles Tennis League

Come compete this upcoming season in the Pickerington Pickleball Doubles League. The league will be self-officiated and self-scored with 8 teams max. Each team is guaranteed 14 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 paddles and ball.

The 2.5 and Below League is not a league intended for players to learn the sport for the first time. Players in this league must understand the rules and game settings.

The 3.0 & Above League is designed for intermediate and advanced pickleball players.

Please register to the correct league according to your skill level.

18 years and older

Spring Leagues

Registration Deadline: Mar 28

2.5 & Below Division-Doubles

Games begin: Wednesday, Apr 9

8 Weeks 6 and 7pm

Fee: $60 per team

3.0 & Above Division-Doubles

Games begin: Tuesday, Apr 8

8 Weeks 6 and 7pm

Fee: $60 per team

Summer Leagues

Registration Deadline: Jun 17

2.5 & Below Division-Doubles

Join our Adult Doubles League for a fun and competitive way to stay active while enjoying the sport of tennis. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this league offers a great opportunity to team up, sharpen your skills, and engage with a vibrant community of players. Players will need their own racquet.

DT-01

18 Years and Up

May 22 - Jun 26 Th 6 Weeks 6:30-8:30pm

Fee: $109 City Resident Discount Fee: $87

Location: Pickerington High School Central, Tennis Courts, 300 Opportunity Way

Disc Golf Clinics

Games begin: Wednesday, Jun 25

8 Weeks 6 and 7pm

Fee: $60 per team

3.0 & Above Division-Doubles

Games begin: Tuesday, Jun 24

8 Weeks 6 and 7pm

Fee: $60 per team

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Taylor Tennis Courts 281 Hilltop Dr

Community Gardens

DGCA-01 Beginners 18 Years and Up Jun 18 & 19 W-Th 2 Days 7:15-8:15pm

Fee: $25 City Resident Discount Fee: $20

DGCA-02 Throwing 18 Years and Up Jun 25 & 26 W-Th 2 Days 7:15-8:15pm

Fee: $25 City Resident Discount Fee: $20

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

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 18 or stop by City Hall to pick a garden plot out.

Registration begins:

Feb 3-5

Returning Gardeners

Feb 10-14 Returning Gardeners wanting a new plot (register in person to pick new garden plot)

Feb 18 New Gardeners and Online Registration

Resident

Location: Shawnee Crossing Park 860 E. Columbus Street

Breakfast with the Bunny

Saturday, April 12

8:00AM, 9:30AM, or 11:00AM Pickerington Senior Center 150 Hereford Dr

$10/person (children 1 year old & under are free but must have a ticket)

Tickets available March 3 online.

Tickets will not be sold at the event

Pickerington Parks and Recreation 614-833-2211 www.pickerington.net

Monday, April 14 6 PM Sycamore Creek Park

Join the Parks and Recreation Board as we receive the Tree City USA Award. A tree will be planted to honor this recognition and Arbor Day.

Earth Day Celebration

May 10

Fireworks

Youth Adventure Challenge

Saturday, August 9 | 9:00-11:00am

Pre-Register Online by August 1

YAC-01 3-12 Years

*Heat times will be emailed week of August 4

Location: Sycamore Creek Park, Pickering Shelter

300 Covered Bridge Ln

Pickerington Parks & Recreation

614-833-2211 www pickerington net

COMING SOON

Sycamore Creek Park Improvements

Covered Bridge Beautification Begins Spring 2025

Sycamore Pond Restoration Begins Spring 2025

New Programs

Parks and Recreation is looking for new programs and instructors for our upcoming seasons. If you have any special interests or hobbies please contact us today!

Randy Hughes Skate Park New Features Begins Spring 2025

Pickerington Parks and Recreation

614-833-2211 | www.pickerington.net

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

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.

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.

EMAIL

Email a copy of the Registration form found at www.pickerington.net to recreation@pickerington.net.

BY MAIL

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

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.

Trails and Open Space Pickerington, Ohio

Pictures Wanted

Send scenic pictures 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.

Park Watch

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

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.

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.

7. No fires except in designated areas.

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

Reservations accepted!

Reserve space for your family reunion, birthday party, or graduation party beginning March 1 for April 1-October 31, 2025.

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 - April. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Additional information available at www. pickerington.net.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Time Slots

9:00am-1:00pm 1:00pm-5:00pm 5:00pm-9:00pm

2025 Facility Reservation Fees

$80 Fee

$40 City Resident/Non-Profit Discount Fee

*Fees are charged per time slot for each reserved space.

Diley Road Softball Fields Shelter 2 8995 Diley Road (Seats approx. 30)

Sycamore Creek Park Pickering Shelter 300 Covered Bridge Lane (Seats approx. 80)

Sycamore Creek Park Hilltop Shelter 280 Hilltop Drive (Seats approx. 50)

Willow Pond Park Shelter 209 Pruden Drive (Seats approx. 50)

Victory Park Terry O’Brien Shelter 75 Lockville Road (Seats approx. 95)

Simsbury Disc Golf Course Shelter 625 East Columbus Street (Seats approx. 50)

Sycamore Creek Park Moorhead Shelter 481 Hereford Drive (Seats approx. 50) (no electricity available)