CityReporter

News & Information from the City of Westerville

Party at the Creek to Showcase Green Westerville

Explorations of nature, tours of scenic green spaces and waterways, and family-friendly fun are the featured themes of the last-day-in-May “Party at the Creek.”

In follow-up to last August’s “Party on the Bridge,” which marked the end of the 14-month West Main Street bridge reconstruction project, this event celebrates the environmental features of the Alum Creek Park North area, which also underwent improvements and a lengthy closure related to the bridge project. Party at the Creek is scheduled for Thursday, May 31 from 6-8 p.m.

“The ‘Party on the Bridge’ ended up being the community party of the year,” said Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi. “We’re using a similar model to showcase the improvements and expansions made underneath the bridge and through the park. This will be an opportunity to get back to nature and explore a bit more now that we have access back into the park and under the bridge.”

The party will be set throughout Alum Creek Park North, lined with vendors providing environmentally-friendly demonstrations and exhibits. Regional wildlife – including turtles, birds and snakes – will capture the attention and imagination of kids and adults alike, and educational opportunities ranging from arts and crafts to local safety programs will be featured. Free hot dogs, drinks and popcorn will be available for everyone throughout the event. In addition to the shelter house, a large family area will be reserved for picnicking on the lawn.

Two events produced each year by the City – WessieFest and the Plan-It Green Exposition – will take place as part of Party at the Creek rather than independently this year. WessieFest traditionally brings groups to Otterbein Lake to ex-

What to bring:

1. Blanket, chairs and food if you wish to use the lawn for picnicking

2. Clothes and shoes that can get dirty or muddy

3. Socks … if kids plan to jump in the bounce house

4. A bag to carry things home

Don’t mIss: plore how nature and wildlife interact in our community. The Plan-It Green Expo is designed to increase awareness of Westerville initiatives, programs and activities that encourage conservation, recycling and eco-friendly practices.

The Westerville Parks and Recreation Department is organizing games and activities, including Frisbee golf, sand volleyball, basketball and canoeing. Kids will also love minicheerleading clinics provided by AmeriCheer cheerleaders and music from Matt Ryan Mobile DJ Entertainment. A special appearance by Ronald McDonald is also planned.

Hands-on activities will be everywhere, including creative art projects using recyclable products. Drop-off containers for recycling eyeglasses and cell phones will be on site, as will a bin to place retired American flags. Tours will be offered of the Westerville Water Treatment Plant at 312 W. Main St., leading visitors through the facility that treats 7.5 million gallon a day. The tour will explain the water treatment process, including filtration, fluoridation, disinfection, softening and distribution, to more than 15,000 homes and businesses in the City.

The inaugural “Party at the Creek” Run/Walk 5K will be held in conjunction with the event, beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, or to register online, visit www.columbusrunningcompany.com and click “Events.” The cost is $25 to participate.

Water Treatment Plant Tours: 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tour groups will gather by Shelter House in Alum Creek Park North 10 minutes in advance of each tour (6:20 p.m.; 7:20 p.m.). Look for the sign.

Boater Safety Demonstrations and Canoeing: Certified Parks & Recreation staff members will demonstrate boater safety techniques and provide canoe rides down a portion of the creek. Food and Fun. Get there early enough to grab a hot dog, snow cone and other free snacks.

“Come rediscover and reconnect with nature in a great party setting,” said Mayor Cocuzzi. “Our community partners have been so generous with the time and energy they have devoted to bring together all of Westerville’s programs focused on a healthy, sustainable and environmentally-friendly community, so it is really going to be a fun learning experience for all ages.”