4 minute read
Forest Floors and the Great Outdoors
Creekside Park
When cabin fever’s got you down, the best cure is fresh air. With numerous parks and gardens in Gahanna, there’s plenty to do and see in the great outdoors that will leave you refreshed and reinvigorated.
If a Tree Falls
You may have heard about Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve, but did you know it is home to the only known population of cypress-knee sedge in Ohio? The park is also host to countless spring wildflowers, towering trees, buttonbrush swamps and vernal pools. With 99 acres and miles of hiking trails, Gahanna Woods is great for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Man’s Best Friend
Dogs love playing in parks just as much as their human companions. For families with furry friends, Pizzuro Park’s Pooch Playground is the place to be. Inside four fenced-in acres of space for off-leash romping, the park includes a smaller area for pups under 25 pounds plus an agility course for dogs of all sizes.
Up a Creek
the city’s parks and recreation department provides a fun experience for everyone in the family. Paddleboats can be ridden by families of five or fewer, and the kayak options include single, double and triple riders – although the third rider must be under the age of 11. Creekside Park also offers visitors the opportunity to wade and fish in the shallow water or stroll alongside the creek on one of the multiple walking paths.
Woodside Park
Off the Walls
The adrenaline seeking adventurers and athletes know Shull Park is where it’s at. Open from sunrise to sundown, there’s no lack of things to do: from soccer fields to the in-line hockey rink,
acres of fields to the B.A.S.E., the skate park stacked with obstacles, there’s an activity for everyone.
Accessible Adventures
Stop by Sunpoint Park for an afternoon every child can enjoy. The accessible playground is designed for all ages and abilities and includes shady seating areas, basketball courts and restroom facilities.
Herbal Escape
Green thumbs and garden lovers know there’s no place like Geroux Herb Garden. Between the six luscious gardens within, it’s no wonder the garden’s namesake, “Bunnie” Geroux was the impetus for Gahanna’s title as Herb Capital of Ohio. A stroll through the gardens at the Ohio Herb Center is also a must.
All Together Now
Academy Park brings home the gold for largest park in Gahanna. With more than 100 acres, creek fishing and miles of nature trails, this location is perfect for the whole family. The playground is great for kids of all ages, and multiple baseball diamonds and basketball courts make it a favorite for teens.
Picture Perfect
The stunning scenery of Hannah Park along with the large stone shelter house makes it a go-to spot for gatherings like family reunions, school dance photo shoots, sports events and more. It’s easy to get active at the park, too, with tennis and basketball courts available, a playground and walking trails.
Parks in Gahanna
For full details and activities at each park in Gahanna, pick up a copy of the Gahanna Parks and Trail Guide from Visit Gahanna/ Ohio Herb Center. • Academy Park • Creekside Park • Friendship Park • Gahanna Woods • Geroux Herb Gardens • Hannah Park • Headley Park • McCorkle Park • Pizzurro Park • Shull Park • Sunpoint Park • Veterans Memorial Park • Woodside Green Park myuniquegahannastory
Jodi Brown-Spivey, Expressions Floral Design
Why did you select Gahanna to open your business? I grew up in Westerville, and was living in Pataskala at the time of opening and I wanted my business to be in a Columbus suburb located between. What is one thing about Gahanna that people might not realize? In the spirit of inclusion and humanity awareness – It is/was interesting to learn that Gahanna was the home of Big Walnut Country Club – one of the first African American Country Clubs in the United States. What would people be surprised to know about you? Not only do I design flowers for our local customers, I have designed flowers for the Rose Bowl Parade for over 15 years. What is your favorite thing to do in Gahanna? Nice dinner and dessert at Creekside and finish with a drink and walk around the plaza and park area. What is your favorite place to visit in Gahanna? Creekside Park. Taking in all the beauty of nature along the creek, the waterfall and the woodland/arboretum pathways. Great for relaxation or exercise. Why do you like living in Gahanna? Friendly, great neighborhoods, home of Blues & Jazz Fest, farmers market and other local events. Creekside restaurants, shopping and park area.