CityScene Media Group also publishes: CityScene Magazine, Dublin Life Magazine, Westerville Magazine, Tri-Village Magazine, Healthy New Albany Magazine, Pickerington Magazine, Uniquely Gahanna
The appearance of advertising in Discover Grove City does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or service by the City of Grove City.
July 4th is always a special time for communities across America as families and friends gather to celebrate our nation’s independence. This year’s observance is especially meaningful as the country continues its year-long commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Throughout the summer, communities nationwide are honoring this historic milestone through patriotic celebrations, festivals, concerts and fireworks displays. Here in Grove City, many of our own summer traditions reflect that same spirit of community and national pride. Events that bring residents together – from Independence Day festivities and veterans’ tributes to outdoor concerts and family-friendly gatherings – remind us of the shared values and freedoms that unite us.
That sense of connection and community is perhaps best reflected during Grove City’s annual Homecoming Celebration in Town Center Park, held this year on Fri., July 24. Each year, residents return to reconnect with neighbors, former classmates, friends and family members in what feels like one large community reunion. Generations come together to share memories, celebrate local traditions and enjoy time together in the heart of our community. Homecoming serves as a reminder that while Grove City has continued to grow and evolve, the relationships and shared experiences that bring people together remain at the heart of our community.
Those same ideals – connection, community and working together for future generations – also are central to our nation’s history. While history books often focus on famous leaders and defining moments, America’s story also belongs to
everyday citizens – neighbors helping neighbors, families building strong communities and generations working together to create a better future.
That spirit is reflected here in Grove City every day. From long-time residents who have watched our community grow over the decades to younger generations now creating memories of their own, each of us contributes to the character and strength of our city. Whether through volunteering, supporting local businesses, participating in community events or simply being a good neighbor, the sense of pride in our community continues to make Grove City a special place to call home.
Grove City joins the nationwide celebration highlighting America’s 250th anniversary during a multitude of events throughout the year. The Historic Bus Tour and the Little Theatre Off Broadway’s oneact performance of The Women of Grove City were so popular, plans are in the works for encores. Still to come are special America 250-themed movies, concerts, pop-up parks and a very special new event – the Olde Time Fair at Century Village on Sat., Aug. 22, noon-4 p.m.
Milestone anniversaries offer more than a chance to reflect on the past. They remind us of the responsibility we share to preserve the values, traditions and sense
of community that define us. As you enjoy summer events and time with family and friends, I encourage you to take pride in both our nation’s history and Grove City’s continuing story.
Thank you for helping make Grove City a welcoming, vibrant and compassionate community for generations to come.
Richard L. “Ike” Stage Mayor
Residents enjoy fireworks at Grove City’s Independence Day Celebration.
THE PLACE TO BE IN GROVE CIT Y
THE PLACE TO BE IN GROVE CIT Y
COUNCIL CORNER
By Ted Berry, Council President, Ward 1
Helping Residents Bridge the Gap CARES pilot program assists with health insurance premium costs
With the support of my fellow Council Members, Grove City has launched what is believed to be the nation’s first municipal healthcare assistance initiative specifically focused on supporting workforce growth and helping residents move toward greater financial stability.
The Grove City CARES Pilot Program was created to assist low-income residents struggling with the rising cost of health insurance while also helping local businesses facing ongoing workforce shortages. The program provides reimbursement assistance to qualifying residents for health insurance premiums purchased through healthcare. gov. Assistance is available to individuals earning up to $35,000 annually and couples earning up to $50,000.
This program is not intended to be a permanent solution for participants.
Instead, it is designed to serve as a bridge – helping residents move from difficult financial circumstances toward a more stable and sustainable situation. From those transitioning between jobs or just entering the workforce from college, to workers balancing multiple part-time positions, healthcare costs can be one of the biggest barriers to getting ahead.
Too many hardworking people are caught in a difficult position where they are doing everything they can to support themselves and their families, but still struggling to afford healthcare coverage. By helping offset some of those costs through a reimbursement-based approach, the City hopes to provide short-term support that can make a meaningful difference.
At the same time, the program recognizes the very real workforce challenges facing businesses throughout Grove City and
across the region. Restaurants, retailers and other local employers continue to struggle with staffing shortages and employee retention. Supporting residents with healthcare costs can help create greater workforce stability while also strengthening the local economy.
As a pilot program, the initiative also gives the City an opportunity to evaluate whether innovative, community-based approaches like this can help attract and retain workers while supporting residents during shifting times.
Residents interested in applying can visit grovecityohio.gov/CARESProgram to download program information and application materials.
Council meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month at City Hall, 4035 Broadway. Caucus begins at 6:30 p.m.
Hoover Road Bridge Project Underway Enhancing safety and connectivity on Hoover Road
By Cindi Fitzpatrick, Deputy City Administrator
courtesy of EMH&T
Construction began in June on the Hoover Road Bridge reconfiguration project, making Grove City the first community in the region to begin construction through the LinkUS Transit Supportive Infrastructure (TSI) program.
For many residents, the Hoover Road Bridge is more than just a roadway over I-71 – it’s an important connection between neighborhoods, schools, parks, businesses and other community destinations. The project is designed to improve that connection by creating a safer and more comfortable experience for pedestrians and cyclists while maintaining traffic flow through the corridor.
The project will transform the west side of the bridge with a wider shareduse path for walkers, runners and cyclists by repurposing the existing center turn lane. Improvements extend from Orders Road to the Holton Road/ North Meadows Drive intersection.
Additional upgrades include large barrier planters, enhanced protection fencing and other features intended to improve both safety and appearance along the corridor.
Funding for the project is being provided through the LinkUS TSI Capital Improvement Program, a regional initiative supporting sidewalks, bikeways, trails and other transportation improvements throughout central Ohio. As part of the broader LinkUS initiative, COTA included the Hoover Road project in its plans to help build the pedestrian and bicycle connections that link residents to transit services, ensuring expanded transit options are
supported by safer and more accessible non-motorized connections. The funding allows Grove City to continue investing in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure while balancing other critical community needs.
As construction progresses, vehicular traffic will be maintained southbound on Hoover Road, while northbound traffic will detour east onto Holton Road, north on Buckeye Parkway and west on White Road. Two-way traffic will be restored by the time school starts in the fall; however, the project isn’t expected to be complete until the end of 2026.
Pedestrians will have access to cross the bridge on one side or the other during the project and should watch for detour signage indicating which side is open to pedestrians and cyclists.
The Hoover Road Bridge project represents the beginning of broader opportunities made possible through the new LinkUS TSI program, which is helping unlock funding for pedestrian, bicycle and transit-supportive improvements throughout the region. In addition to the Hoover Road improvements, Grove City has several future projects in the LinkUS TSI pipeline, including the McDowell Road Diet Project, Camp Chase Trail Connection, Farmstead to Holton Road shared-use path and the Scioto Grove Metro Park to Great Southern Metro Park connection. Together, these projects will help create safer and more connected travel options while supporting accessibility, quality of life and future access to transit for residents across the community.
Photo
Rendering of Hoover Road overpass improvements
CALENDAR
Events subject to change. Consult websites for details and updates. For more events visit www.grovecityohio.gov/events
What’s Happening?
JULY
Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Theme Thursdays at The Big Splash Noon-4 p.m.
2831 Southwest Blvd. www.grovecityohio.gov
Thursdays, July 2, 16, 23, 30
Pop-Up Parks
July 2: 9-11 a.m., Henceroth Park, 2705 Mallow Ln.
July 16: 5-7 p.m., Indian Trails Park, 6190 Buckeye Pkwy.
July 23: 9-11 a.m., Westgrove Park, 3580 Magnolia St.
July 30: 6-8 p.m., Gantz Park, 2255 Home Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov
Thurs., July 2
American Red Cross Blood Drive
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Evans Center
4330 Dudley Ave. www.redcrossblood.org
Sat., July 4
Firecracker 5K
7 a.m., Packet pick up
7:40-8 a.m., Races start 1500 Pinnacle Club Dr. www.runsignup.com
Sat., July 4
Community Day at The Big SplashPops with Cops
11 a.m.-5 p.m. (walk-up entry $2)
3:30-4 p.m., Pops with Cops 2831 Southwest Blvd. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., July 4
Independence Day Celebration
6-9 p.m., Games, food trucks and fun 9:50 p.m., Fireworks (Simulcast on QFM96)
Grove City High School 4665 Hoover Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sun., July 5
Central Ohio Brass Band Concert and Reading of the Declaration of Independence
4-5:30 p.m.
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Mondays, July 6, 13, 20
SWPL Storytime in the Park 10:30-11 a.m.
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.swpl.org
Thurs., July 9
S.A.L.T. Meeting 10-11 a.m.
Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., July 11 and Thurs., July 23
Walk With a Doc Sat., 9 a.m.
Thurs., 6 p.m.
Grove City Welcome Center & Museum 3378 Park St. www.bit.ly/GCDocWalk
Fri., July 24
Homecoming Celebration with Lee Gantt
5-10 p.m.
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Pop-Up Parks Flags
Fri.-Sun., July 24-26
Grove City High School Alumni
Softball Tournament
Fryer Park 3899 Orders Rd. www.grovecityalumnitournament.com
Wed., July 29
Sunny95 Block Party and Movies in the Park
6 p.m., Party
8 p.m., Movie: The Santa Clause Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Fri.-Sat., July 31-Aug. 1
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Community Festival
5-11 p.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help 3730 Broadway www.ourladygc.org
AUGUST
Sat., Aug. 1
SWCS First Time Riders & Kindergarten Welcome
9 a.m.-noon
Central Crossing High School 4500 Big Run South Rd. www.swcsd.us
Sun., Aug. 2
Community Day at The Big Splash Movie at the Pool: Finding Nemo 4-7 p.m. (walk-up entry $2)
2831 Southwest Blvd. www.grovecityohio.gov
Tues., Aug. 4
National Night Out 6-8 p.m.
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Thursdays, Aug. 6, 13
Fri., Aug. 7
American Red Cross Blood Drive
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.redcrossblood.org
Sat., Aug. 8 and Thurs., Aug. 27
Walk With a Doc Sat., 9 a.m.
Thurs., 6 p.m.
Grove City Welcome Center & Museum 3378 Park St. www.bit.ly/GCDocWalk
Sat., Aug. 8
Grove City Town Center Bourbon &
Spirits Festival
1-10 p.m.
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecitytowncenter.org
Sun., Aug. 9
Community Movie at Brookpark
.
Theme Thursdays at The Big Splash Noon-4 p.m. 2831 Southwest Blvd. www.grovecityohio.gov
Aug. 7-23
LTOB presents The Wedding Singer Various days and times Little Theater Off Broadway 3981 Broadway www.ltob.org
Fri., Aug. 7
Purple Heart Day Honor Ceremony
10 a.m., Ceremony
Flags for Heroes displayed through Aug. 11 Purple Heart Memorial Walk, Henceroth Park 2075 Mallow Ln. www.grovecityohio.gov
www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
6 p.m., Activities
7 p.m., Movie
Between Brookpark and The Big Splash 2803 Southwest Blvd. www.grovecityohio.gov
Thurs., Aug. 13
S.A.L.T. Meeting
10-11 a.m.
Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., Aug. 15
Back to School Bash
9 a.m.-noon
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., Aug. 15
5K9 Rescue Dog Glow Walk/Run 8:30 p.m.
Start/Finish at the Beulah Park arch over Columbus St.
Behind the Grove City Library 3959 Broadway www.tedberryevents.com
Wed., Aug. 19
First Day for Students
South Western City Schools www.swcsd.us
Sat., Aug. 22
Olde Time Fair at Century Village Noon-4 p.m.
2 p.m., Ohio Village Muffins game
Century Village at Fryer Park 4185 Orders Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov
Aug. 27-Nov. 2
Visit Grove City Pizza Trail www.visitgrovecity.com
Movies in the Park Wednesdays
7 p.m., Activities 7:30 p.m., Movie
July 1: Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier (2014, PG-13)
July 15: Hook (1991, PG)
Aug. 12: Wicked for Good (2025, PG)
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Town Center Food Truck Festival & Shop Hop
Fridays, 4-9 p.m.
July 10, 24 and Aug. 7, 21 Town Center www.grovecitytowncenter.org
Summer Concert Series
Fridays, 7 p.m.
July 10: The Conspiracy Band
Aug. 7: The Usual Suspects
Aug. 21: Blues Therapy
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Grove City Chamber Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
Special events:
July 18: Coffee with a Cop
Aug. 1: Chief’s Challenge
Aug. 8: Kids’ Market Town Center www.gcchamber.org
Fitness in the Park
Thursdays, 6-7 p.m.
Aug. 6: Grove City YMCA (Zumba)
Aug. 13: Grove City Fit (Zumba)
Aug. 27: The Soul Sanctuary (Sound Bath)
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Do you have an event you would like to submit?
Send details and photos to comments@grovecityohio.gov.
By Taylor Woodhouse
Photo by Tim Landers
Keeping the Past Alive
Steve and Lisa Ball preserve American tradition through performance
On a quiet street in southeastern Grove City, a seemingly normal house contains a hidden surprise: a small museum’s worth of Civil War-era sheet music and music memorabilia. The impressive collection was curated by Grove City residents Steve and Lisa Ball.
An upright bass, piano and guitars immediately greet guests in the sitting room. On closer inspection, guests will notice framed sheet music, including a song called “Lorena,” and photos of Steve and Lisa Ball in full 1800s garb.
Steve and Lisa are accomplished musicians with a particular interest in Civil War-era music. Together, they play shows that combine performance with education, helping the listener understand the music through the lens of the time.
To complete the journey to the past, they dress in period-appropriate clothing –Steve in a Union Army uniform and Lisa in a cheerful day dress – as they tell the story behind a certain song, book or instrument.
“To me, (this music) has incredible history and it’s got a lot of value,” Steve says. “And people who have studied the Civil War for 40 years may have never heard the stories behind this music.”
Becoming Steve
Steve grew up on the east side of Columbus, where he attended Eastmoor High School. After high school, he began a career in automotive maintenance, working on heavy equipment, buses and heavy trucks. He later ran his own business restoring Ford Mustangs, doing high-performance work and drag racing a Mustang in the NHRA Pro Class before he retired in 2011 after 42 years in the field.
Music became a part of Steve’s life at a young age. He purchased his first guitar with money from his paper route and never stopped playing. In between his day job and other hobbies, he performed gigs at local bars and venues.
A family photo of an ancestor who fought for the Union piqued Steve’s initial interest in the time period. In the early 1990s, Steve began studying the music of the Civil War in earnest. He became a part of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War and jumped at the chance to play traditional music at a Civil War reenactment event, setting him on a path that would ultimately shape his life.
Becoming Lisa
A Grove City native, Lisa grew up on Louise Avenue and has lived in the area most of her life.
“I still feel a strong sense of community in Grove City,” she says. “The city is growing, but every day I witness kindness in the people I pass, generosity in the volunteer opportunities we have in Grove City and safety (thanks to) our police and firefighters. It’s a great place to call home.”
As a child, Lisa was drawn to the songs her mother and grandmother would play on an old upright piano in their garage. She tried her hand at it and made some progress but found real success when she was gifted a small Magnavox organ with numbered keys. As she learned through the organ’s numbered keys and sheet music, she began to understand the piano better and better. Steve later became the catalyst for her playing piano – and learning other instruments – more formally.
Now, outside of playing with Steve, Lisa works as a customer service and logistics supervisor for Tosoh USA. She started working at the company during
Steve and Lisa have lived together in Grove City for seven years. They adore the Grove City community, citing kind people and support for the arts as two reasons they’ll never want to live anywhere else.
the COVID-19 pandemic, valuing the long-term stability and positive team dynamic it offers.
Developing a shared passion
When Steve and Lisa met, history and music immediately became cornerstones of their relationship. Early on, they visited the grave of Martha Ellen Blocksom, the woman who inspired the 1856 hit “Lorena.” Unlike Blocksom, who ultimately rejected the lover who wrote so longingly of her, Steve and Lisa found in each other a duet partner for life.
Steve proposed at the site of the Battle of Antietam, and the two were married in 2015. The couple and their guests wore period attire, and Steve and Lisa sang the song that had become so special to them –“Lorena.” Lisa surprised Steve by writing a new final verse, giving the lovelorn song a happier ending befitting of the celebration.
As Steve’s Civil War music business began to take off, Lisa took interest in learning the upright bass to accompany Steve while he practiced.
While she initially only meant to play together in the comfort of their home, Lisa’s skills grew quickly, and before long, she was performing publicly alongside Steve. Now, they are a dynamic duo, performing upwards of 50 shows a year. They perform with several distinct themes, including the Music of Abraham Lincoln, the Music of Stephen Foster and even a participatory sing-along option.
“I never imagined I’d play on a stage in front of anyone,” Lisa says. “I’m grateful Steve invited me to share that space with him. Music brought us together, and playing music with him has genuinely made me a better person.”
Fusing performance and education
Steve is a walking encyclopedia of musical history, pulling dates and facts from thin air and bringing the story
Outside of performing, the couple has always had a shared affinity for the history that can be found in cemeteries. In addition to visiting historically significant sites such as the grave of Blocksom, they research unmarked graves of Civil War soldiers, working to ensure each individual gets the recognition they deserve. Most recently, they completed a project to identify 170 graves in Greenlawn Cemetery, including securing funding to give each soldier a new headstone. The final grave, now known to belong to Private John Duvall of the 22nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was dedicated in May 2026.
“Here’s the resting place of somebody that made a mark, that made a difference. And here, more than 160 years later, people still remember that difference. To me, it’s very powerful.” Steve says.
behind each song to life, while Lisa helps keep them organized. She keeps meticulous records of each show they play so that they can be sure to bring a fresh setlist when they revisit a gig.
One of those repeat gigs is in Gettysburg. The Balls will play their 13th show at Gettysburg National Battlefield in August.
“It’s so much fun,” Steve says. “The history, the music itself, playing for people, seeing their reaction to it, it’s just so much fun.”
Preserving and honoring our past
The Balls are preservationists, keeping history alive through musical performances and educational content.
Steve and Lisa are part of the tradition of oral history, keeping not only the songs of the era alive, but also the stories of the people who wrote them and inspired them.
“The American Civil War is probably the single most important event in American history,” Steve says. “It defined what the Constitution stood for, and it brought the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments into existence. With something that powerful, music played such an important part because the main form of entertainment at that time in a Civil War camp was sitting around the campfire, playing the guitar, the banjo and the fiddle, and everyone singing together.”
When asked how long they intend to continue playing and educating, Lisa says, “As long as people will come listen.”
Taylor Woodhouse is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Shutterbugs!
Our annual look at Grove City through the lenses of its residents
Jeremy Cox
Heather Caldwell
Sarah Graham
Alyssa Schneider
Kirk Adler
Jessica Baker
Cathie Hilton
Shutterbugs visit www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Sharon Manwarren
Janice Astolfi
Lisa Stunek
Run, Rally & Raise a Glass
Staple summer events bring fun and camaraderie to Grove City
By Jane Dimel
Whether you’re an athlete looking to support a cause close to home while getting in your steps, or a resident wanting to dive into local history while sampling local spirits, Grove City offers several summer events that highlight connection and community for all to enjoy.
Firecracker 5K
Start your Fourth of July weekend with the Grove City Firecracker 5K on July 4 at Pinnacle Golf Club.
Photos courtesy of Bev Babbert, Dr. Elizabeth Hewitt, Brent Miller and Eric Saxton
Created by local foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Hewitt with her husband, Joel Wichtman, the race was inspired by their love of running and supporting the community. What started as a virtual run in 2020 has become a widely attended event, with walking and running options for people of different ages and abilities. Kids ages 3 to 9 can get involved through the 100-meter Sparkler Sprint, and the 100-meter Independence Dash is a great space for athletes of any age with developmental and/or physical challenges. Proceeds from race signups and donations benefit Grove City Buddy Ball, supporting maintenance of its Field of Dreams, team uniforms, equipment and more. Hewitt and Wichtman chose the organization due to its dedication to fitness for all and its “inclusion revolution” community spirit, Hewitt shares. Since the race’s inception, the Firecracker 5K has donated more than $120,000 to Buddy Ball.
“It’s something where the whole family can do something healthy, whether you do the Sparkler Sprint, or you run the full 5K,” Hewitt says. “It’s turned into a little bit of a family tradition and a Grove City tradition.”
After the race, participants and supporters can stick around to learn about various health topics at the Ohio Health & Wellness Expo on the west terrace outside Cimi’s Bistro.
Alumni Tournament
The Grove City High School Alumni Softball Tournament returns the final weekend in July celebrating 44 years of competition and connection. The largest tournament of its kind in the world, the weekend draws more than 1,300 GCHS graduates from all around the country to compete for division trophies and a spot in the tournament Hall of Fame.
Following Thursday night’s bracket drawing party, tournament play kicks off at 6 p.m. on Fri., July 24, as the roughly
90 teams face off with familiar faces – and friendly foes – at Fryer Park.
Eric Saxton, class of 1987 graduate and commissioner for the Alumni Tournament, shares that the tournament builds class camaraderie and invites friendly competition, but the impact of the weekend goes far beyond the trophies. Throughout the weekend, alumni gather together for individual class reunions and the Friday night Grove City Homecoming Celebration with live music from Lee Gantt and food vendors in downtown Grove City. They also join
together to watch others compete and relive memories in their hometown.
“(The tournament)’s all about multiple generations coming together in their hometown to compete and challenge each other and then celebrate the results. It motivates graduates to stay in contact with each other… It gives grandparents and parents a reason to plan on getting together to go and watch games. It instills pride (in) classes,” says Saxton. “The weekend exposes all emotions. Players will laugh, cry, cheer, argue and give 100 percent to do whatever helps their teammates.”
Bourbon & Spirits Festival
Outside of the Friday night Food Truck Festival & Shop Hops throughout the summer, Grove City Town Center, Inc. is also bringing back its 11th annual Bourbon & Spirits Festival on Sat., Aug. 8, at Town Center Park.
The festival has evolved over the years – from its beginnings as the Bourbon Tasting to today’s larger festival where visitors can try products from numerous bourbon and spirit distilleries around central Ohio.
With a variety of food trucks, bourboninspired products such as chocolate bourbon balls and repurposed bourbon barrel furniture, and tables from Town Center businesses, the festival provides opportunities for bites and buys.
Attendees can also buy tickets for bourbon tastings, with tickets ranging from $30-35 for samples of eight kinds of bourbon, or $100 for a VIP ticket for higher-end samples and access to the VIP area and additional festival merchandise.
The event runs from 1-10 p.m., with ticket sales ending at 9 p.m. for festivities.
Director of Grove City Town Center, Inc. Brent Miller shares that the event serves as a chance for Grove City residents to connect, as well as a place to taste new drinks and mixes.
“We see a lot of locals who come down and they just want to reconnect, almost like a homecoming of sorts,” he says. “For the people who really appreciate bourbon, I think they are coming to look for something that they’ve wanted to try, but they’re not ready to buy a full bottle of it yet.”
Olde Time Fair
Following the America250-Ohio August theme, Ohio Goes To The Fair, the Southwest Franklin County Historical Society and Grove City Parks and Recreation come together to bring their own flashback fun fair to Grove City.
On Sat., Aug. 22, visitors can stop by Century Village for the Olde Time Fair, an event highlighting the 1850s through the turn of the 20th century with games and entertainment such as balloon darts, milk carton ring toss, wooden stilts and land skis.
Throughout the noon-4 p.m. event, booths from organizations such as the Lions and Rotary clubs provide activities and prizes. Then, at 2 p.m., the historic village buildings open their doors.
Food is another facet of bringing the time period to life, as corndogs and popcorn are two familiar carnival favorites, among other time-authentic treats.
At 2 p.m., the Ohio Village Muffins will also play against a team of Grove City locals in a 1860s-style “base ball” game, with old-school uniforms and rules which include no gloves.
As the event engages attendees with local history, Southwest Franklin County Historical Society Education Chair and Co-Secretary Bev Babbert shares that getting people involved and learning drives a lot of the planning – and her own enjoyment of the festivities.
“I always love and enjoy sharing history with people, so we try to make things as authentic (and) period-appropriate as possible,” says Babbert. “That’s why we do the research on the food and that sort of thing. It’ll be a very family-friendly event, enough to entertain all ages, and we have a beautiful spot out there, so I just think they’ll have a good time.”
Jane Dimel is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at jdimel@cityscenemediagroup.com.
A Fur-miliar Face
GCPD Therapy K9 Bo reporting for duty
By Maggie Valentine
Whether it’s a friendly cuddle or lending a paw during a time of need, the Grove City Police Department’s Therapy K9, Bo, is on the case.
The Great Pyrenees was an addition to the department after Officer Patrick Shaw saw a need for deescalation.
Shaw, a school resource officer at Central Crossing High School and Bo’s handler, emphasizes the benefits of a therapy dog program, such as creating more opportunities for human connection.
Police therapy dogs are a fairly new idea in the state. Franklin County Sheriff’s Sergeant Darrah Metz trained and implemented the first therapy canine, Mattis K. Nine, in 2017. Since the introduction of Mattis, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department has started up a Crisis K9 Training Class for dogs and their handlers throughout the state and beyond.
“It’s something new and it takes a while to see the value in it,” Shaw says. “We get stuck on the (law) enforcement part, but what about the service part?”
This past March, Bo and Shaw attended Franklin County’s joint Crisis K9 training at the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy. The day consisted of training Police K9s from across Ohio to refresh their certification skills. Bo was tested on distractions, such as squeaky toys and drones, and got the opportunity to show off his athleticism on the agility course.
Bo’s beginnings
Shaw adopted Bo from a farm in Marysville, where he was the only male pup in a litter of Pyrenees, and quickly knew he was meant for something more.
“I thought there was something wrong with him, because he didn’t chew,” Shaw says. “He didn’t play with toys. He was just chill. That’s when I knew that (Bo) should be a therapy dog.”
Work-Life Balance
Shaw and Bo are more than just coworkers, they’re family. They start and end each day together.
“He sits and waits for his training collar and his outfit to be on, and then we go to work,” Shaw says.
Over the years, Bo has come to love traveling with Shaw’s family. Since his adoption, Bo has traveled more than 25,000 miles in a motorhome as well as a trip to Hilton Head where Bo enjoyed long walks on the beach.
Bo spends time at home with his brother Archer, a Bernese Mountain dog, and they both equally love chasing each other outside of Shaw’s home.
Photos courtesy of Grove City Division of Police
With guidance and support from Metz, Shaw trained Bo and, after earning therapy dog certification, began volunteering his personal time to visit organizations throughout the community. Recognizing the positive impact the program could have locally, Shaw presented the idea of a Therapy K9 program to Department administrators.
Following approval and with the support of Police Chief Eric Scott, GCPD partnered with the South Western City School District, allowing Bo to accompany Shaw to Central Crossing. After completing the required certification process, Bo then officially joined the Division as the Department’s first Therapy K9.
“We’ve been rolling ever since,” Shaw says.
Trading Comets for collars
At Central Crossing, Bo has become an alternative mascot to the high school. Shaw has been the school’s resource officer for eight years and says that until Bo came along, student connections were a rare occasion.
“Kids that never would approach me just because I’m in a uniform now approach me. We have relationships with kids I never had before,” Shaw says.
Shaw’s office has become a popular spot for students in their free time, knowing Bo is available if they need a moment to pause. Shaw says Bo has a way of sensing
when someone is in distress and can provide a calming environment.
“When you’re stressed, a lot of kids don’t have the coping skills available from either lack of instruction at home or a bad environment at home, so they get their cortisol levels up and they don’t know how to control it,” Shaw says.
Students tend to stop in Shaw’s office during their study halls just to say hi or take a break from everyday tensions that high school can cause.
“They’ll just stay with (Bo) for 10 or 15 minutes and the cries turn into tears of joy and then laughter, and then they go back to class,” Shaw says.
Bo is a popular figure beyond the comfort of Shaw’s office. Bo can be seen frequenting the halls, stopping to roll on his back so each student can get a chance to rub his belly, and he has also attended prom, donning a black tux.
Beyond Bo
Outside of patrolling the halls of Central Crossing, GCPD and Grove City Library host a special reading time called Books with Bo, which offers young residents a calming space and an opportunity to meet Bo. Since starting the program, the library sees almost 75 to 100 people attend just for a chance to pet Bo.
Shaw is working on growing the event by inviting other pups to join, as a way to
Love Like Bo
GCPD’s Love Like Bo campaign consists of a list of morals that enforce the importance of public service and encourage the approachability of law enforcement.
Love your neighbors: Bo loves and spreads kindness to everyone.
Prioritize service over self: Help others!
Be your best: When you are your best, you will encourage those around you to be their best.
Change your world: Bo is making a difference, one sniff at a time!
ensure everyone can interact with a therapy dog and protect Bo from overstimulation. In March, they hosted a Goldilocks and the Three Bears event where two additional therapy dogs participated as bears.
Not only has Bo brought smiles, comfort and a calming presence to students, he has provided support to families during some of their most difficult moments. When requested and available, Bo has assisted during times of crisis, offering reassurance and a sense of peace to those facing emotional or traumatic situations.
Bo’s gentle presence has become a source of comfort for many throughout the community, from laying on the sidewalk at farmers markets letting people pet him, to riding around on the Community Connections Cart in the Arts in the Alley parade.
Shaw said Bo has made a lasting impact both personally and professionally through the comfort and calm he brings to people when they need it most.
“I get calls and when you get to make a difference in someone’s life, you kind of remember those things, and I think he does that better than anybody,” Shaw says.
Maggie Valentine is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
By Amanda Stevens
On the Rise
Grove City High School cheer program celebrates standout season and strong state finishes
The 2025-26 school year included many firsts and personal records for Grove City High School’s competitive cheer teams – Non-Tumble, NonBuild (NTNB) and Gameday competition squad, which competed in the building/ stunting division for the first time.
The teams competed at several competitions from November 2025 through February 2026, including the official cheerleading state championship hosted by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA), where the two squads earned third and second.
With the competition program only in its fifth year, the team shares pride in its accomplishments.
This Season’s Wins
H Ohio High School Cheerleading Coach’s Association (OHSCCA) Central District Championship: Gameday earned 2nd
H OHSCCA Best in the State: Gameday earned 3rd, NTNB achieved 2nd
H Ohio Athletic Committee State Championship: Gameday and NTNB won 1st place
H Hilliard Darby Spirit Championship: NTNB won 1st place
H OASSA Regionals: Both teams qualified H Ohio Capital Conference Championships: Gameday earned 4th, NTNB won 1st
H OASSA State Championship: Gameday earned 3rd, NTNB achieved 2nd
New heights
Prior to the 2025-2026 school year, the cheer team competed in the large nonbuilding gameday division and the small NTNB division with 9 athletes. Thanks to some new additions, the team made the jump to medium division this year with 13 athletes.
NTNB routines are set to music and characterized by sharp, synchronized
dances and jumps, typically lasting two to three minutes.
Gameday routines also run about three minutes but feature specific elements, including a band chant, sideline chant, cheer and fight song. Building adds an additional challenge, but it was one the coaches felt ready for.
Coach Melissa Kelly says the push for the school district’s approval to add building to the program had been advocated for by both coaches and parents.
She says a lot of the coaches already had stunting experience, though the Gameday squad started off with a mix of skill levels.
“In order to make sure that all of our athletes were safe (and) all of our athletes were understanding the proper form and how we wanted that execution to be, we took them from the very basics and moved them up,” Kelly says. “They’ve grown leaps and bounds in what they’ve been able to do stunting-wise on the sidelines.”
Built on teamwork
London Doles, a 2026 graduate, was on both Gameday and NTNB. She had some stunting experience beforehand and says trust and coordination are essential.
“You have to do things at the same time and you have to be on the same page,”
Photos courtesy of Melissa Kelly and Lockwood Media
The Gameday competition squad includes 25 members plus four to five alternates who can step in at any time.
Doles says. “The stunts won’t go up if you aren’t able to work together, so that’s a challenge at first, but I feel like we all overcame that pretty quick, and we’re all a super close team.”
Gwen Jividen, a rising senior and member of the Gameday team, started off with no stunting experience. Along with the other girls, she focused on communicating with her teammates and the coaches to consistently improve.
“If something wasn’t good, we would never get mad at each other and we never blamed one person,” Jividen says. “It’s always pretty good teamwork.”
She says the experience was even better than she’d expected and is looking forward to her final season.
Practice pays off
After moving up to new divisions, the Gameday and NTNB teams were pleasantly surprised with their placement in competition.
From August leading up to their first competition in November, the teams each practiced once a week for roughly two hours. With football season and busy sideline schedules, Kelly says the girls knew practice meant it was time to focus.
While the teams worked on maintaining high energy and synchronization, especially with 25 girls on the mat for Gameday, the most important thing was for them to give it their all.
“We’ve just always been taught (to) go out there and do your best and that’s all you can do. And if you went out and did your best, then the results are the results,” Doles says.
With both teams’ successes, Kelly says the coaches are looking to qualify for national competition this school year.
“We feel like this is that next step to continue to push our athletes and our program to the next level,” Kelly says. “That’s something that I think we as coaches are looking forward to, not just for that opportunity for our girls, but also to use that as a way to grow the program and continue to build on what we’ve already developed.”
Amanda Stevens is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at astevens@cityscenemediagroup.com.
By Amanda Stevens
Ready, Set, Grow
Local gardening experts share tips for maintaining a healthy garden
With warm soil and plenty of sun, summer can be a great time to start gardening.
Here’s some advice from gardeners from the Gardens at Gantz Farm that will help you keep your plants healthy and thriving through the summer heat so they are set for harvesting now through the fall.
Get growing
For those looking to put down roots this summer, Head Gardener Mary Jane LaLonde suggests starting out small with potted plants or using raised beds. Window boxes or hanging baskets are also a good alternative to in-ground gardening.
Checking for water and fertilizing regularly are important considerations for maintaining plant health. In general, LaLonde recommends gardeners feel the soil with a finger to determine if plants need watered, though some gardens may need more water depending on factors such as wind or sun.
Assistant Gardener Kristina “Kris” McCorry advises checking water at least twice a day in hot months, especially for raised beds or pots, which can lose water quickly.
To manage water, gardeners can try tricks such as using water storing crystals or even filling two-liter bottles and turning them upside down in pots to give plants a slow trickle of water.
For larger gardens, a drip irrigation system can be helpful.
The Gardens at Gantz Farm offers classes for all ages, including Garden Sprouts, a summer program providing children ages 3-5 and 6-9 with hands-on gardening experiences.
Photos courtesy of Mary Jane LaLonde and Kristina McCorry
“That’s usually considered one of the most efficient ways to water because you’re not losing any of the water through evaporation like with a standard sprinkler, and you’re getting it right to where the roots are,” McCorry says.
Pest management
To deal with unwanted visitors, such as aphids or white flies, LaLonde offers a few suggestions.
For instance, nasturtiums can be planted to draw aphids away from main crops. Other plants such as marigolds can be useful in deterring nematodes, which typically prefer tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables.
As opposed to using harsh chemicals or insecticides, she suggests spraying bugs off with a hose spray; using physical barriers, such as row covers, to keep harmful insects away; or even picking the insects off and putting them in soapy water.
“The more pesticides and insecticides that you spray in your garden, the fewer critters you’re going to have,” LaLonde says. “Mama birds need to feed their babies insects. And if you have killed all the
insects in your yard, then you’re not going to have birds. It’s a symbiotic relationship between insects and other animals.”
To keep four-legged critters away, LaLonde and McCorry say physical barriers and deterrents such as deer or rabbit spray can work well.
Gardening guidance
While starting a garden can seem daunting, LaLonde says these considerations can make things easier:
• Start small.
• Make sure store-bought plants are healthy. Inspect plants to make sure they don’t have bugs and ensure the roots are healthy.
• Prepare the soil before planting. Remove weeds and rocks. Ensure the soil isn’t waterlogged. Add compost to provide plants with a rich environment.
• Avoid over- or under-watering plants. Test the soil with your finger to ensure it’s neither too wet nor dry.
• Ensure there’s good drainage. Potted plants especially need good drainage to prevent the roots from rotting.
• Don’t forget to fertilize. While potting mix may have fertilizer at the beginning of the season, the fertilizer may run out by late summer.
Plant Picks
While the early growing season is optimal for crops such as peas, lettuce and spinach, heat-tolerant crops such as melons, cucumbers and beans can be perfect for midsummer planting.
LaLonde says she’s noticed increased interest in heritage vegetables in particular, which are plants that haven’t been hybridized or genetically modified. At Gantz, the Garden of Yesterday replicates an 1800s-era garden and grows herbs and heritage plants such as alpine strawberries.
“One tiny little alpine strawberry has as much flavor impact as one of those big, watery California strawberries,” LaLonde says. “But if you’ve never grown your own food, you may not be aware that some things just taste better when they come out of your own yard.”
For gardeners looking to attract pollinators, she says some options include native plants, such as milkweed and Queen Anne’s lace, and flowers such as zinnias, marigolds, calendulas, foxgloves, dianthus and sunflowers.
“If something dies or it isn’t doing well, throw it out and start over or plant something else,” LaLonde says. “Gardening is a constant experience and experiment.”
Amanda Stevens is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at astevens@cityscenemediagroup.com.
wide range of programs
Luxury Living
Candice Evans (614) 747-5211
This location offers excellent access and endless potential for retail, office, medical, or mixed-use development. $890,000. THE EVANS GROUP - COLDWELL BANKER - candice.evans@cbrealty.com
Mike Laemmle (614) 312-0844
203 Golden Gate Ave., Springfield - 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths, 1,440 sq. ft. Great investment opportunity! The property needs work but is priced accordingly. The property is being sold as is.
THE MIKE LAEMMLE TEAM REALTY - themikelaemmleteam.com
Ryan Laemmle (614) 361-8080
387-389 Markison Ave., Columbus - Duplex for sale! 3 bedrooms, 1 bath on each side. Needs work, priced to sell. The property is being sold as is.
- themikelaemmleteam.com
THE MIKE LAEMMLE TEAM REALTY
Top homes sold in Grove City
Grove City home prices were up 7.2 percent this March, compared to last year. Homes sold for a median price of $410,000 with an average of 53 days on the market, up from 43 days last year. There were 66 homes sold, up 10 from last year. (Data from Redfin)
All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.
3100 Kropp Rd. 5 beds, 3 baths
$770,000
Sold 3/4/26
1435 Fairway Dr. 4 beds, 3.5 baths
$730,000
Sold 3/11/26
4271 Jackson Pike 2 beds, 2 baths
$660,000
Sold 4/22/26
3647 Kassidy Dr. 4 beds, 3 baths
$629,000
Sold 4/9/26
1933 London Groveport Rd. 3 beds, 1.5 baths
$625,000
Sold 3/19/26
4852 McNulty St. 4 beds, 3.5 baths
$604,900
Sold 4/28/26
1426 Scotsman Dr. 4 beds, 2.5 baths
$585,000
Sold 4/10/26
3611 Kassidy Dr. 5 beds, 3.5 baths
$585,000
Sold 4/1/26
3025 Smartweed Ln. 3 beds, 2.5 baths
$575,000
Sold 4/24/26
3663 Glacial Ln. 5 beds, 3 baths
$570,000
Sold 4/28/26
1896 Sulton Ave. 3 beds, 2 baths
$575,000
Sold 4/1/26
1907 Timber Haven Ct. 4 beds, 3.5 baths
$565,000
Sold 4/21/26
BOOKMARKS
Recommendations from Southwest Public Libraries – Grove City Library
From mischievous mysteries to offbeat adventures, this collection of books brings together unforgettable characters who refuse to quietly fade into the background. These stories explore aging, identity and unexpected purpose with humor, suspense and a touch of the bizarre. Whether it is an unconventional sleuth, a reluctant villain or even a determined crow or bee, each book will offer a fresh perspective on what it means to take control of your story and find meaning in the most surprising places.
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good (Mystery) by Helene Tursten
Eighty-eight-year-old Maud enjoys her quiet, carefully curated life, complete with travel and modern comforts. But when that life is threatened, Maud proves she is willing to go to extreme lengths to protect it. Told through a series of darkly humorous stories, this collection follows her clever and chilling solutions to inconvenient problems.
The Story of Arthur Truluv (Fiction) by Elizabeth Berg
Arthur, a grieving widower, finds comfort in routine until his path crosses with Maddy, a struggling teenager, and Lucille, a kind but lonely neighbor. Together, these three form an unlikely friendship that grows into something deeper, offering one another support, healing and a renewed sense of belonging.
Starter Villain (Science Fiction) by John Scalzi
Charlie’s uneventful life is upended when he inherits his uncle’s secret supervillain empire. Suddenly thrust into a world of elaborate schemes, dangerous rivals and surprisingly intelligent animal allies, Charlie must decide whether he is ready to embrace his unexpected new role.
Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil (Fantasy) by Oliver Darkshire
Isabella Nagg’s life in a dreary town takes a strange turn when her husband brings home a stolen spell book. What begins as a small experiment with magic soon grows into something more transformative. With the help of an unusual companion, Isabella discovers new purpose, quiet power and the possibility of change.
Hollow Kingdom (Fiction) by Kira Jane Buxton
S.T., a sharp-tongued domesticated crow, lives a comfortable life alongside his human companion until a mysterious apocalypse begins to wipe out humanity. As the world changes, S.T. sets out on an unexpected journey, offering a darkly funny and surprisingly heartfelt look at survival, loyalty and what it means to be human.
The Bees (Fiction) by Laline Paull
Born into the lowest rank of her hive, Flora 717 is an unlikely heroine with abilities that set her apart. As she rises through the rigid social order, she uncovers dangerous truths about the world she serves. Faced with impossible choices, Flora must decide whether to follow the rules or risk everything for something greater.
Grove City Library hours:
For more information about hours and library services, please visit swpl.org
your source for details on Grove City Parks and Recreation programs, activities and amenities. Every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, but due to lead times and errors, please confirm program details online. The CivicRec registration system and website allows people to find information and register online where they can sort classes by age, type of program and day of the week.
Online viewing allows users to personalize options to fit their families’ schedules and interests while accessing up-to-date information.
Visit bit.ly/gcpReg or go to GroveCityOhio.gov and follow prompts from the Parks & Rec. page.
Questions? Staff are available to help!
For preschool, youth and adult programs, call or visit the Kingston Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For programs and activities for ages 55+, call or visit the Evans Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Walk-in registration and payment are available at both locations. Payment by phone is not available.
PARKS & RECREATION OFFICES
Kingston Center 614-277-3050
3226 Kingston Ave.
General information and preschool, youth and adult class registration
Evans Center 614-277-1060
4330 Dudley Ave.
55+ information, class registration, connections for senior services
Gantz Farmhouse 614-277-3058
2255 Home Road
Herb garden and Gardens at Gantz Farm Volunteer information
Gantz Preschool Center 614-871-6330
2259 Home Road
RecSchool and preschool programs
Brookpark
2803 Southwest Blvd.
Programming for all ages
Weather Hot Line .......... 614-277-3060
Status updates on team sports practices and games
Scores & Schedules
SOCIAL MEDIA
Grove City Parks and Recreation
E Q @GroveCityParks
City of Grove City
E Q @GroveCityOhio
Parks and Recreation Inclement Weather Policy
Classes and programs may be canceled due to adverse conditions (road and playing surface conditions, lack of utilities, etc.).
• For updates, call 614-277-3060, visit GroveCityOhio.gov or check Parks & Rec. Facebook and Instagram accounts.
• Later updates due to incoming weather/condition changes are made to the phone line.
• Participation is always at the discretion of a minor participant’s parent/ guardian or the adult participant.
Outdoor Sports/Activities
• Cancellations for evening activities are determined based on field conditions by 4 p.m. by Parks and Rec. personnel.
• Contests may be canceled later if incoming weather affects conditions. Call 614-277-3060 for updates.
• Do not use dirt or grass infields of closed fields as it may cause damage requiring repair and lead to further cancellations.
Indoor Sports/Activities
• Activities in school district building are canceled when South Western City Schools close for inclement weather.
• All other activities are canceled at the discretion of Parks and Rec. personnel. Evening classes may have a different status based on changing conditions as determined by department personnel by 4 p.m.
• Weekend cancellations are made by 7 a.m., Saturday and 11 a.m., Sunday.
GROVE CITY PARKS
" The Big Splash/Evans Brookpark 2831/2803 Southwest Blvd. # Blodwen 2352 Blodwen Circle
$ Breck Community 3005 Demorest Rd. % Concord Lakes
Lake Mead Dr.
Cread Lawless
Kingston Ave.
Creekside
Holton Rd.
Fryer 3899 Orders Rd.
Gantz 2255 Home Rd.
Henceroth 2075 Mallow Lane
Hennigans Grove 5804 Paul Talbott Circle
Holton Run 5301 Demorest Dr.
Hoover Crossing 2880 Wynridge Dr./ Murfin Trail
Haughn Rd.
Pkwy.
Scioto Grove Metro Park
Century Village 4185 Orders Rd.
Eagle Pavilion
Discovery Dr.
Evans Center
Dudley Ave.
Gantz Farmhouse/ Gardens & Preschool Center
& 2259 Home Rd. F George Edge Music
at Park St.
Grant-Sawyer Home 4126 Haughn Road
Grove City Gold Star
Memorial
Columbus St.
Kingston Ave.
Pinnacle Golf Club
The Big Splash
The Big Splash Family Aquatics Center, 2831 Southwest Blvd., is a city-owned water park serving the residents of Grove City and Jackson Township seasonally Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. It features a zero-depth entrance, climbing walls and two large body slides.
Swim Lessons
Swimming is a great life skill that opens a lifetime of health and leisure as well as an important way to stay safe. Lessons are held Monday-Thursday for two consecutive weeks. If a lesson is canceled by the department, a makeup is held that Friday.
Lessons are $96 for a season pass holder, $115 for non-pass holders.
Adaptive Swim Lessons
Swimmers of all levels receive extra support as they develop comfort in the water and basic swimming skills in an inclusive atmosphere.
Session 3 | Ages: 5-12
Big Splash Area 4
Mon.-Thu., 7/6 to 7/17
• 8:30-9 a.m.
• 9:50-10:20 a.m.
Big Splash Area 1
Mon.-Thu., 7/6 to 7/17
• 6:30-7 p.m.
Session 4 | Ages: 5-12
Big Splash Area 4
Mon.-Thu., 7/20 to 7/31
• 8:30-9 a.m.
• 9:50-10:20 a.m.
Big Splash Area 1
Mon.-Thu., 7/20 to 7/31
• 5:10-5:40 p.m.
Preschool Level 1 Swim Lessons
Parent & Child Swim Lessons Parents/guardians work one-on-one with young swimmers as they are introduced to the water in a safe, supportive,and engaging environment, gaining comfort in the pool while learning early water-safety habits.
Session 3 | Ages: 6 mo.-2 with Adult Big Splash Area 3
Mon.-Thu., 7/6 to 7/17
• 8:30-9 a.m.
• 9:10-9:40 a.m.
• 10:30-11 a.m.
• 5:10-5:40 p.m.
Session 4 | Ages: 6 mo.-2 with Adult
Big Splash Area 3
Mon.-Thu., 7/20 to 7/31
• 8:30-9 a.m.
• 9:10-9:40 a.m.
• 10:30-11 a.m.
• 5:10-5:40 p.m.
Children learn essential beginning swim skills. Ideally, participants can enter the water independently and are comfortable getting their faces wet.
• Sun., 8/2 (4-7 p.m.): Movie at the Pool: Finding Nemo
ZIP code does not determine residency. Search your home address at franklincountyauditor.com. Parcel IDs for resident addresses start with 040 or 160.
Youth Swim Lessons - Level 1
For beginners willing to get into the pool and put their face in the water, but who have little or no previous swim experience. Instruction is paced appropriately for older learners starting at the foundational level.
Session 3 | Ages: 6-12
Big Splash Area 1
Mon.-Thu., 7/6 to 7/17
• 9:10-9:40 a.m.
Session 4 | Ages: 6-12
Big Splash Area 1
Mon.-Thu., 7/20 to 7/31
• 9:10-9:40 a.m.
Youth Swim Lesson - Level 2
Develop foundational techniques for freestyle and backstroke. Build on the comfort and body positioning skills of Level 1 to perform skills independently while learning early stroke development and coordinated arm and leg movements. Should be able to hold front and back floats for 5 seconds, and roll from a front float to a back float without assistance.
Session 3 | Ages: 3-12
Big Splash Area 1
Mon.-Thu., 7/6 to 7/17
• 8:30-9 a.m.
• 9:10-9:40 a.m.
• 9:50-10:20 a.m.
• 5:10-5:40 p.m.
Session 4 | Ages: 3-12
Big Splash Area 1
Mon.-Thu., 7/20 to 7/31
• 8:30-9 a.m.
• 9:10-9:40 a.m.
• 9:50-10:20 a.m.
• 6:30-7 p.m.
The Big Splash has policies in place for the safety and security of all. Wearing proper swim attire made of approved fabrics with no metal accents keeps the water clear and reduces scratches in amenities. Being free from smoking, vaping and intoxicating substances keeps the air fresher and patrons more alert.
Youth Swim Lessons - Level 3
Increase proficiency, stamina and coordination in freestyle and backstroke. Begin to link skills smoothly and swim longer distances with improved technique, learning the foundations of breaststroke and more advanced stroke development. Should be able to perform front and back kicks, combine arm and leg movements, swim freestyle with a roll to the back for breathing, and swim short distances of backstroke.
Session 3 | Ages: 3-12
Big Splash Area 4
Mon.-Thu., 7/6 to 7/17
• 9:10-9:40 a.m.
• 9:50-10:20 a.m.
Big Splash Area 2
Mon.-Thu., 7/6 to 7/17
• 5:50-6:20 p.m.
Session 4 | Ages: 3-12
Big Splash Area 4
Mon.-Thu., 7/20 to 7/31
• 9:10-9:40 a.m.
• 9:50-10:20 a.m.
Big Splash Area 2
Mon.-Thu., 7/20 to 7/31
• 5:50-6:20 p.m.
Youth Swim Lessons - Level 4
Develop as a fully independent swimmer by strengthening technique, endurance and coordination across the core strokes: freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. Learn more advanced skills, including the basics of butterfly and sidestroke. Level 4 emphasizes strong body control, efficient movement, and greater confidence in deeper water. Should be able to roll to side to breathe during freestyle, use correct backstroke arm timing, perform a breaststroke kick, and understand breaststroke arm movements and proper breathing coordination.
Session 3 | Ages: 3-12
Big Splash Area 2
Mon.-Thu., 7/6 to 7/17
• 10:30-11 a.m.
• 5:50-6:20 p.m.
Session 4 | Ages: 3-12
Big Splash Area 2
Mon.-Thu., 7/20 to 7/31
• 10:30-11 a.m.
• 5:50-6:20 p.m.
Preschool & Out-of-school Programming
Children need spaces where they can feel free, safe and active while interacting with others. Grove City offers preschool programs that provide the foundations of group learning with a nature-based philosophy. Options vary from parent/adult-child activities to child-only classes.
PARK serves elementary school students by providing activities that keep them engaged, but without the structure of school. Each day includes arts and crafts as well as small- and large-muscle play.
Preschool
Preschool programs foster physical, mental and cultural development for children as young as 2. Participants build self-confidence, discover interests and develop age-appropriate skills while having fun in a brand new facility built with nature-based learning for young children in mind.
RecSchool
Located in the Gantz Preschool Center, ages 3-5 build academic, social, creative, physical and emotional skills in a child-centered group setting.
Children connect with the environment through nature-based classroom experiences and frequent outdoor adventures in Gantz Park.
Register now for the September-May 2026-2027 school year (limited availability). For info, visit bit.ly/GCRecSchool or call 614-871-6330.
PlayTots
Ages 2-3 with an adult explore a classroom setting filled with play-based learning opportunities including planned activities and circle time with reading and movement for an hour on Friday mornings, September-May.
Day
Camps for Preschoolers | Ages: 3-5
New for 2026, Parks and Rec. is offering theme camps for preschoolers, 9-11:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday select weeks, at the Gantz Preschool Center.
PARK | Grades K-4
Programmed After-school Recreation for Kids offers a safe place for children in grades K-4 to stay physically, mentally and socially active when South Western City Schools are in session. Limited spaces.
2026-2027 Registration opened to the public Mon., 4/13. Call 614-277-3050 for availability.
The program operates Monday-Friday, 2:30-6 p.m., in the SWCS elementary schools in Grove City:
• Buckeye Woods
• J.C. Sommer
• Highland Park
• Monterey
• Richard Avenue.
Themed Summer Day Camps | Grades: K-4
Grove City Parks and Recreation offers week-long camps in the summer based on different themes that include fun on-site activities and field trips to The Big Splash and other fun destinations. Camps run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended care 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. available for an added fee.
Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Camps | Ages: 5-7
Is your child interested in helping in the kitchen? Check out the Tuesday-Thursday morning Kids in the Kitchen classes held in the Gantz Farmhouse. Children learn cooking basics, including safety, as they prepare age-appropriate recipes.
Spaces are limited for our popular preschool and childcare program, so don't delay! Register at bit.ly/gcpReg
Family Fun
Family Craft Night
Kid’s Craft Night is now Family Craft Night. Bring the whole gang to create together at Brookpark. Register all participants.
• Black Light Art
Light up the night with a glow paint experience! Paint a glow rock for a garden, create a glow in the dark canvas, mix your own glowing drink, visit the Glow in the Dark Tattoo booth! Take home your own UV light key chain to enjoy your creations long after the lights turn on.
$10 (NR: $12) | Brookpark Room 5
• Tue., 7/7; 6-7:30 p.m.
• Up-cycled Art
Try your hand Recycling, Reducing & Reusing! Activities include making paper, upcycled collage, tin can crafting and glass jar lanterns. Please register all participants.
$5 (NR: $7) | Brookpark Room 5
• Tue., 8/4; 6-7:30 p.m.
Parents’ Night Out! | Ages: 5-10
Kick back and relax while the kids gear up for an evening of fun, enjoying themed crafts, active games. Includes pizza and drinks.
$20 (NR: $22) | Kingston Center
• Christmas in July Play winter themed games, make edible and holiday crafts, watch holiday shorts and prepare for a special visitor.
• Fri., 7/10; 6:30-9:30 p.m.
• Outdoor Exploration
Explore nature using kid-friendly tools. Create nature-based art and learn about creatures living among us!
• Fri., 8/28; 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Adaptive Programming
Grove City’s Adaptive and Inclusive Program provides opportunities for children and adults, including veterans with disabilities, through recreation and leisure activities with the belief that recreation should be accessible to every body and every ability, including individuals with developmental, physical and invisible disabilities, or those who need adaptive equipment.
Youth Tennis Lessons | Ages: 8-15
Learn tennis basics in a supportive, inclusive environment from an instructor assisted by volunteers. Focus is on adaptive techniques and strategies tailored to participants unique needs. Through engaging drills, games, and personalized instruction, players develop tennis abilities, improve coordination and build confidence.
$40 | Windsor Park Tennis Court 1
• Mon., Tue., Thu., 7/6 to 7/16; 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Pickleball Clinic | Ages: 8/up
The instructor guides players of all abilities through basic skills and drills with the goal of playing a fun, beginner-friendly game and keeping your own score. On-site volunteers provide additional instruction and assistance. Improve your game at your own pace in a supportive, inclusive environment.
$30 | Beulah Pickleball Courts
• Mon., Wed., Fri., 7/20 to 7/24; 7-6 p.m.
• Mon., Wed., Fri., 8/10 to 8/14; 6-7 p.m.
First Tee Intro to Golf | Ages: 7-13
Participants are introduced to the game of golf in a fun, safe and empowering environment where every child is encouraged to thrive, regardless of experience or ability through engaging activities as they build life skills, connect with peers and experience success.
$10 | Location TBD
• Thu., 8/6; 6-7:30 p.m.
Gardening Club | Ages: 18/up
Adults with developmental disabilities explore the joys of gardening while actively nurturing raised beds. Weekly interactive activities allow everyone to get their hands dirty planting, caring for, and harvesting a variety of crops, culminating in a capstone project when they showcase their hard work and creativity using produce they grew themselves.
$20 | Windsor Park Small Shelter
• Wed., 7/8 to 7/29; 10-11 a.m.
• Wed., 8/5 to 8/26; 10-11 a.m.
Bingo Night | Ages: 8/up
Individuals with special needs enjoy an exciting evening of classic bingo, where participants can win fun prizes in a supportive and friendly environment. $5 gets you a guaranteed 20 cards of bingo. Companions are welcome to assist those who need extra support.
$5 | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Mon., 8/31; 6-7 p.m.
Board Games | Ages: 12/up
Build teamwork and friendships while enjoying new or favorite board games, cards or interactive group challenges in an accessible, social atmosphere.
$5 | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Sat., 7/25; 5-7 p.m.
• Sat., 8/29; 5-7 p.m.
Summer Walking Club | Ages: All
Join a welcoming group where individuals of all abilities and fitness levels who come together to enjoy the outdoors while enhancing their fitness and exploring different scenic location around Grove City. Walk at your own pace, whether your goal is for higher personal fitness or a leisurely stroll with friends. Interested in a structured approach? Challenge yourself with a modified Couch to 5K program.
$15 | Location TBD
• Thu., 7/9 to 8/13; 10-11 a.m.
• Thu., 8/6 to 8/13; 10-11 a.m.
Walk With a Doc | Ages: All
Experience a free walking program led by a healthcare provider as you safely walk/roll, learn about current health topics, and meet new people.
Free | Museum & Welcome Center
• Sat., 7/11 to 7/11; 9-10 a.m.
• Thu., 7/23; 6-7 p.m.
• Sat., 8/8; 9-10 a.m.
• Thu., 8/27; 6-7 p.m.
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Registration opens: Mon., 6/22
Learn to Bike Clinics
Learn to ride a two-wheeler bike independently and safely using the All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Program step-by-step curriculum using purpose-built Strider 14x Bikes. In an easy, fun process, children develop balance before pedals are attached. Bike and helmet provided during class.
Learn to Bike | Ages: 4-6
For riders 3-4 feet tall.
$40 | Kingston Gym
• Mon.-Fri., 7/27 to 7/31; 5:30-6:15 p.m.
• Mon.-Fri., 7/27 to 7/31; 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Learn to Bike | Ages 7-15
For riders 4-6 feet tall.
$40 | Kingston Gym
• Mon.-Fri., 7/27 to 7/31; 5:30-6:15 p.m.
• Mon.-Fri., 7/27 to 7/31; 6:30-7:15 p.m..
Sensory Room
While the bustle and rhythm of events are appealing to most, they can become overwhelming to some.
Grove City now offers a safe space to relax and calm down in the Grove City Visitors Center and Museum during concerts and many other events in Town Center Park.
Open to anyone who needs a moment, the City’s sensory room offers a quiet break from the exuberant activity of events. Visitors can check out sensoryfriendly bags from KultureCity during event hours. Each bag includes noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools and other comforting items.
The City’s new sensory-friendly space expands our commitment to welcoming and including everyone in our community.
Team Sports
Grove City offers various team sports for ages 5 through adult. Register online or in the Kingston Center during the assigned month. Spaces are limited; registration may close before the end of the month. Youth and adaptive program players register by individual and are assigned to a team. Adults register by team.
Youth Volleyball - Register in August
• Enjoy a fall indoor season learning basic skills, sportsmanship, teamwork and joy of the game.
• Register during August as an individual to be assigned to a team.
» Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, Grades 7-8 and High School
◦ 8-games season followed by a tournament.
◦ Season starts in mid-to-late October.
◦ $70 (NR: $75)
◦ South Western City Schools facilities
Adult Fall Softball - Register in July
• Register during July by team.
• Season starts late August.
• Grove City offers competitive and recreational 10 vs. 10 softball leagues with a one-ball, one-strike starting count.
» Men's, Women's and Co-rec.
◦ 8-games season followed by a tournament
◦ $300 per team
◦ Fryer Park
Adult Fall Cornhole - Register in July
• Register during July by team.
• Grove City offers competitive and recreational 2 vs. 2 cornhole leagues.
» Tuesday Recreational & Thursday Competitive
◦ 6-week season followed by a tournament
◦ $50 per team
◦ Massey’s Pizza Sports Bar & Wings
Grove City Parks and Recreation is committed to encouraging everyone to enjoy team sports, building physical and social skills and developing good sportsmanship. Youth sports require participation by all players on a team roster in every contest.
Adult Fall Pickleball Ladder Leagues
• No matter your skill level, there is a Grove City pickleball league for you!
• Register as an individual for singles or with a partner for doubles.
» Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels available.
◦ 6-week season
◦ $30 single
◦ $60 per keep-your-partner league team
◦ Play at Windsor Park or The Park at Beulah Pickleball Courts
• For full options, visit bit.ly/Pickleball26
Walk-up use of tennis and pickleball courts as well as baseball and softball diamonds with grass or dirt infields is permitted when they are not reserved for City-approved activities.
Users must follow regulations posted at the facilities and general park laws per Grove City Code, Chapter 903.
Help keep our parks and facilities safe, clean and playable for all!
Esports
Did you know Grove City Parks and Recreation offers an esports room? Experience the exciting world of competitive video games or just hang out and play your favorites at the Kingston Center.
The Esports room features 12 high-powered PCs with access to more than 15 titles from Fortnite to EAFC and more in four rating zones! Participants and parents/guardians (if a minor) must sign and follow a code of conduct and waiver.
For more information about open play times and to register, visit bit.ly/gcpReg.
Sports Skills
Jump Bunch | Ages: 11/2 -3 with Adult
Toddlers build coordination, balance, teamwork and motor skills during coach-led activities that introduce sportsreadiness skills and foundations of fitness.
$95 (NR: $97) | Brookpark Gym
• Wed., 7/8 to 8/12; 5:30-6 p.m..
Superhero Boot Camp | Ages: 2-5
Preschoolers train to be a superhero, building strength, agility, balance and speed through fun activities. Jump over "hot lava," dodge "fireballs," do light-saber training, play Ghostbusters tag, and more. Superheroes also have compassion, a kind heart and a willingness to do good.
$95 | Brookpark Gym
• Ages: 2-3: Wed., 7/8 to 8/12; 6-6:30 p.m.
• Ages: 4-5: Wed., 7/8 to 8/12; 6:30-7 p.m.
Summer Sprouts Yoga | Ages: 3-5 with Adult Families enjoy a calming movement experience through yoga basics, practicing simple mindfulness exercises and engaging in imaginative movement. Build early coordination, body awareness, emotional regulation, and family connections. Led by Ms. Emily, a beloved RecSchool teacher and experienced yogi
$50 | Brookpark Room 8
• Tue., 7/7 to 7/28; 5:30-6 p.m.
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Registration opens: Mon., 6/22
Tennis Lessons
Build endurance and coordination learning a fun sport you can continue to play through a lifetime.
Peewee Beginner | Ages: 4-7
Focus on hand-eye coordination while learning tennis basics like the forehand, backhand, volley and serve.
$45 (NR: $50)
Windsor Park Tennis Court 1
• Mon., Tue., Thu., 7/6 to 7/16; 8-8:45 a.m.
Youth Beginner | Ages: 8-12
Learn tennis fundamentals such as forehand, backhand, volley, serve, keeping score and court terminology. Attention is given to proper stretching, footwork and technique.
$60 (NR: $65)
Windsor Park Tennis Court 1
• Mon., Tue., Thu., 7/6 to 7/16; 8:45-9:45 a.m.
Middle/High School | Ages: 13-17
More experienced tennis players further develop strokes such as forehand, backhand, volley, serve and overhead, giving attention to proper technique and strategy with live-point practice.
$60 (NR: $65)
Windsor Park Tennis Court 1
• Mon., Tue., Thu., 7/6 to 7/16; 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Program Age Groups
Adaptive
Preschool (1-5)
Youth (5-17)
Adult (18+)
Karate & Yoga
Karate
Yoga
Learn controlled movements and the martial arts philosophy while building concentration and confidence. Start with basic movement drills then develop proper kata (form) through non-contact sparring.
Karate Peewee Beginner | Ages: 4-7
Start with basic movement drills then develop proper kata (form) through noncontact sparring. Classes are targeted to development levels.
$60 (NR: $65) | Kingston Center Gym
• Mon., 7/6 to 8/10; 5-5:30 p.m.
• Wed., 7/8 to 8/12; 5-5:30 p.m.
Karate Peewee Advanced | Ages: 4-7
Build on the basics of karate with movements, drills, kata (form) and non-contact sparring with added emphasis on concentration, confidence, discipline and the martial arts philosophy.
$60 (NR: $65) | Kingston Center Gym
• Mon., 7/6 to 8/10; 5:30-6 p.m.
• Wed., 7/8 to 8/12; 5:30-6 p.m.
Family Karate: Beginners | Ages: 8/up
Develop proper kata (form) through non-contact sparring after perfecting basic movements through drills. This program encourages family participation and learning. Please register all families members.
$70 (NR: $75) | Kingston Center Gym
• Mon., 7/6 to 8/10; 6-7 p.m.
• Wed., 7/8 to 8/12; 6-7 p.m.
Karate Adult Advanced
Practice proper kata (forms) and non-contact sparring after mastering basic movements through drills. Classes are tailored to skill level. Brown or black belt required.
$70 (NR: $75) | Kingston Center Gym
• Mon., 7/6 to 8/10; 7-8 p.m.
Relax the body and calm the mind through Hatha yoga posture with breathing techniques.
$22 (NR: $24) | Evans Auditorium
• Tue., 7/7 to 7/28; 6-7 p.m.
• Tue., 8/4 to 8/25; 6-7 p.m.
Tai Chi
Balance energy through slow, mindful movements that leave you invigorated, limber and empowered with positivity and confidence. Instructor: Dave Holloway.
$25 (NR $27) | Evans Auditorium
• Thu., 7/9 to 7/30; 6-7 p.m.
• Thu., 8/6 to 8/27; 6-7 p.m.
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Registration opens: Mon., 6/22
Program Age Groups
õ Adaptive
õ Preschool (1-5)
õ Youth (5-17)
õ Adult (18+)
õ 55+/Senior
Explore Gardens and Nature!
Grove City features a variety of ways to explore the natural world. From the beautifully cultivated Gardens at Gantz Farm to the prairies, paths and woods of our parks, there are many ways to experience nature.
Herbal Liqueurs | Ages: 21/up
Explore and harvest herbs at Gantz gardens to make our own herbal liqueurs. Jamie Thompson instructs.
$35 (NR: $40) | Gantz Farmhouse
• Tue., 7/7; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Dying Silk with Natural Dyes
Dye a silk bandanna with natural herb-based indigo and yellow herb dyes in a solid color or a tie-dyed version. Mary Jane LaLonde instructs.
$35 (NR: $40) | Gantz Farmhouse
• Thu., 7/16; 6:30-8 p.m.
Canning and Freezing Made Easy
Learn the basics of canning and freezing summer produce.
Make and take home a jar of oven roasted tomato sauce. Learn about blanching and freezing fruits, vegetables and herbs for year-round use. Mary Jane LaLonde instructs.
$40 (NR: $45) | Gantz Farmhouse
• Thu., 8/13; 6:30-8 p.m.
Garden Harvest Focaccia
Collect herbs and flowers from the Gantz gardens to make a delicious and beautiful harvest celebration bread. Jamie Thompson instructs.
$30 (NR: $35) | Gantz Farmhouse
• Tue., 8/4; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Nature Kids | Ages: 3-5
Children explore, play and connect with nature during a welcoming circle time and adventures through Gantz Park’s beautiful spaces - wooded trails, a creek and gentle hills, while building curiosity, confidence and social connections. Dress to get messy. Child should be toilet-trained.
$16 (NR: $20) | Gantz Preschool Center Room 3
• Beneath Our Feet: Fri., 7/24; 9-10:30 a.m. The ground is full of life! Explore the dirt to see what creatures it supports.
• Birds of a Feather: Fri., 7/10; 9-10:30 a.m. Who is up in the tree? Learn about and try to identify local feathered friends!
Gantz Kids Gardening Programs
Experience hands-on learning in an operating vegetable and flower garden. Make garden creations while following the cycles of a garden.
Child & Grownup Gardening Hour | Ages: 3-5
Grownup and child perform seasonal garden chores, make and enjoy a garden snack together.
$15 (NR: $20) | Gantz Park Gantz Farmhouse
• Pollinators and Plants Fri., 7/17; 10-11 a.m. Create your own pollinator resources to take home.
• Harvest Celebration Mon., 8/3; 10-11 a.m. Taste test produce from the garden.
Garden Sprouts Workshop | Ages: 6-9
Perform seasonal garden chores then make and enjoy a garden snack.
$60 (NR: $65) | Gantz Farmhouse
• Harvest Celebration Wed., 8/5 to 8/26; 6:30-8 p.m. Taste test produce from the garden.
• Pollinators & Plants Wed., 7/1 to 7/29; 6:30-8 p.m.; No class: 7/8
Seasonal garden chores, make and enjoy a garden snack, create your own container plant to take home and continue to grow throughout the season.
General Education
Sew with Friends: Open Studio & Workshop
Bring your current project, pack up your sewing machine, and create alongside fellow makers! A professional sewing instructor is on-site to help you conquer tricky techniques, fit adjustments, or confusing pattern instructions.
$20 (NR: $22) | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Tue., 7/7; 6-8 p.m.
• Tue., 8/4; 6-8 p.m.
Adult Beginner ASL
Learn the basics of American Sign Language through interactive activities and simple conversations. Build communication skills, cultural awareness, and a shared way to connect in an inclusive and engaging environment.
$70 (NR $72) | Evans Classroom
• Tue., 7/9 to 7/30; 6-7:30 p.m.
• Tue., 8/4 to 8/25; 6-7:30 p.m.
Program Age Groups
õ Adaptive
õ Preschool (1-5)
õ Youth (5-17) õ Adult (18+) õ 55+/Senior
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Registration opens: Mon., June 22
Standardized Test Prep
Aiming for college readiness and higher scores as you plan to take the ACT or SAT soon? Prepare for success on standardized tests, building confidence and test-taking strategies in all key sections through interactive lessons and practice tests. Participants must use Google Classroom and GroupMe for outof-class assignments and communication. Students should have experience in high school geometry. College Prep Boot Camp | Ages: High School Put your best foot forward with Dani the Coach in this fast-paced, college focused boot camp. Gain skills in essay brainstorming and writing, receive guidance on completing the FAFSA and gain literacy in ACT & SAT preparations. Receive an in-person session with a financial aid professional from a regional college. All instructions regarding required materials or documents are sent ahead of time via the GroupMe app
$325 | Brookpark Room 3
• Mon., 7/13 to 8/17; 6-7:30 p.m.
ACT Boot Camp | Ages: High School
Prepare to take ACT in the next three months by studying the key sections of English, math, reading and science through interactive lessons and practice tests. Requires use of Google Classroom and GroupMe for out-of-class assignments and communication. This class can be taken digitally or on paper. Requires a laptop or Chrome book with the Bluebook App installed. Bring a notebook and pen/pencil.
$75 (NR: $85) | Brookpark Room 3
• Fri., 7/10; 6-8:30 p.m.
SAT Boot Camp | Ages: High School
Prepare to take SAT in the following month by studying the key sections of reading, writing and math. Learn Demos advanced features through a digital test. Requires a laptop or Chrome book with the Bluebook App installed. Bring a notebook and pen/pencil.
$75 (NR: $85) | Brookpark Room 3
• Fri., 8/21; 6-8:30 p.m.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
MONDAY-FRIDAY
8
1 p.m. Chair Volleyball
6:30 p.m. Parkinson’s Care Giver Support Group (1st Mon.)
Older residents stay active physically, mentally and socially engaging in offerings like parties, trips to restaurants and cultural sites, and classes that help navigate the challenges that come with aging.
Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate liberty and community with a live performance by Pantones Gang Band as you showcase your patriotic spirit. As a special thank you, all veterans participate for free!
$22▲ | Evans Auditorium • Wed., 7/1; 1-3 p.m.
Bingo with a Twist: The Ultimate Swap & Snack
Forget all you know about boring bingo. Experience a highstakes day of prizes and great people! Keep things wild by bringing a prize to add to the pot, a brand new or “recycled” treasure in need of a new life. Enjoy pizza, meet someone new, and see who goes home with the best (or weirdest) haul.
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg
Registration opens to the public: Mon., 6/22 Evans Center member early registration opens: Thu., 6/18
Evans Center Activity Key ¤ Minibus transportation ∆ Member benefit | ▲ $2 off member discount Walking: Easy | Moderate | Active
Off-site Day Trips ¤ ∆
Experience the best the region offers with friends from the Evans Center. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time.
LaComedia: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Based on Roald Dahl's famous novel and the film it inspired, this production features an original score and songs from the movie including "The Candy Man." Grab your golden ticket to a big, bold musical!
$67▲ | Departs the Evans Center
• Thu., 7/16; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Young’s
Dairy Farm & Buc-ee’s
Enjoy a nostalgic trip to a farm-fresh setting: feed friendly goats, watch a milking demo and savor world-famous ice cream. Then visit Ohio’s first Buc-ee’s to experience a unique shopping adventure for a perfect blend of quiet country charm and exciting modern discovery.
$20▲ | Departs the Evans Center
• Fri., 7/24; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Ohio Caverns: Natural Wonder Tour
Follow a winding path overlooking a beautiful valley to a sinkhole entrance, then tour an area first documented in the 1920s. Guides provide geological info, describing the variety of formations.
$37▲ | Departs the Evans Center
• Thu., 8/27; 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m.
Groveport Volleyball Tournament
It’s chair volleyball tournament time! Head to Groveport for friendly competition and a tasty lunch. Have a blast, make memories and serve up the fun.
Free | Departs the Evans Center
• Wed., 8/5; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mystery Trip
Join us on a fun and exciting adventure: explore new places, share unforgettable experiences, and make wonderful memories. Bring your curiosity to discover the amazing things that await us on this journey!
$24▲ | Departs the Evans Center
• Tue., 8/11; 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dining Trips
¤ ∆
Travel by minibus to enjoy a meal at restaurants with a fun group.
$10▲ | Departs the Evans Center
Lunch Bunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Red Lobster ($) Thu., 7/9
• McAlister's Deli ($) Wed., 7/22
• O’Charley’s ($) Mon., 7/27
• Nutcracker Family Restaurant ($) Thu., 8/13
• Logan’s Roadhouse ($) Wed., 8/19
Supper Club: 4-8 p.m.
• Red Brick Tavern ($$) Wed., 7/15
• Jay’s Seafood Boil & Oyster Bar ($$) Thu., 7/30
• Carfagna’s Ristorante ($$) Fri., 8/7
• Molly Woo’s Asian Bistro ($$) Mon., 8/31
LifeCare Alliance Lunch | Ages: 60/up
Enjoy a nutritious lunch regardless of financial circumstance for a *suggested donation. Reserve in advance by calling 614-277-1067.
Hot Lunch
$1.50* | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Tue. & Thu., 11:30 a.m.
Boxed Lunch
$1.50* | Evans Rec. Room
• Wed., 11:30 a.m.
Senior Produce Stand
The produce stand at the Evans Center returns for 2026! Dive into the freshest seasonal bounty and support local grower Elfrink Farms.
• Thu., 7/2, 7/16, 8/6 & 8/20
Movie Fun
Join us for movie days in the Evans Center theater. Enjoy fresh popcorn and the emotion of the surrounding crowd.
Race (2016 • PG-13)
Jesse Owens’ quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy.
Free | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Fri., 8/10; 1-3 p.m.
Education
Maintain a keen mind while learning strategies to cope with the challenges of aging.
National
Senior Citizens Day Resource Fair
Celebrate National Senior Citizen Day with us! Whether looking for the latest wellness products or helpful local services, this onestop shop connects you with expert vendors dedicated to supporting our senior community. Gather resources, ask questions and discover new ways to enhance your quality of life. Register early to enjoy lunch on us!
Free | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Fri., 8/21; 9 a.m.-Noon
Center Updates with Q & A
Learn about updates, changes and future plans regarding Evans Center programs and activities from the center director as well as important community updates from guest speakers.
Free | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Wed., 8/5; Noon
S.A.L.T.
Grove City Division of Police informs and advocate for older citizens.
Free | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Terri Curcio, ProCore Health Brokers Discuss Medicare Supplements versus Advantage Plans and how to sign up. Thu., 7/9; 10-11 a.m.
• Teri Ruslander, Elder Services Coordinator: Scams Stay informed on the latest scams and receive expert guidance on establishing effective safety protocols for seniors. Thu., 8/13; 10-11 a.m.
Energy Saving
The 120-year-old non-profit Breathing Association helps seniors understand how to conserve energy through small changes such as switching to LED light bulbs. Leave with an energy savings kit (LED bulb, surge protector and other useful items).
Free | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Fri., 7/10; 11 a.m.-Noon
Healthy Eating and Nutrition
The link between the food we eat and its affects on health truly reflects that you are what you eat. Presented by Sunny Grosz, FNP-BC, family nurse practitioner, of Oak Street Health.
Free | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Mon., 8/12; 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Franklin County Senior Options
Annette Jennings of the Franklin County Office on Aging discusses resources and services.
Free | Evans Classroom
• Wed., 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Health Checks
Monitoring your health regularly can boost your quality of life.
Blood Pressure/Sugar
Adam Gatten of Jackson Township CARES
Free | Evans Rec Room
• Thu., 7/9 & 8/13; 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Hearing Checks
Walk-in tests with Catherine Grewell of Hearing Life.
Free | Evans Classroom
• Tue., 7/14 & 8/11; 11 a.m.-noon
Foot Care Services
Call 614-361-5284 to reserve a time slot for nurse-delivered foot care.
$40 cash upon service | Evans Classroom
• Tue., 7/28 & 8/25; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Senior Registration
Senior activities and classes are open to adults age 55 and older.
• For the well-being of all, activities are open to individuals physically able to navigate in a center/program setting who are mentally alert and can function independently.
• Adults accompanying an age-eligible participant are welcome, such as a caregiver or aide.
Support Groups
Sharing challenges, strategies and empathy with others can help you cope with losing a loved one or caring for someone with a progressive disease.
Life After Loss (Grief)
Facilitator: Tami Nies
Free | Evans Classroom
• Wed., 7/8 & 8/12; 10-11 a.m.
Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Facilitator: Paula Tallafario
Free | Evans Classroom
• Tue., 7/21 & 8/18; 7 p.m.
Parkinson's Care
Facilitator: Kathy Hakes
Free | Evans Classroom
• Mon., 7/6 & 8/3; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Breast Cancer Survivor Group
Facilitator: Ruth Svarda.
Free | Evans Classroom
• Tue., 7/21 & 8/18; 10-11 a.m.
Bible Study
Join a participant-lead study into Biblical topics with encouraging, relaxing conversations. Share stories, gather in prayer, and engage in discussions.
Free | Evans Classroom
• Tuesdays; 1 p.m.
Arts & Crafts
Express your creativity and keep your mind and fingers nimble.
Open Crafts
Why craft solo? Join the fun with friends and laughter. Bring your wildest ideas, half-finished masterpieces or quirky creations – there is always room at our table for creativity and good vibes! Bring all your own materials.
Free | Evans Classroom
• Fri., 7/10 to 8/28; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Open Bead Artwork
Use beads to create a variety of handcrafted items other than jewelry perfect for sharing. Enjoy crafting on another level: add loads of fun and personality. Instructor Linda Miller.
Free | Evans Classroom
• Mon., 7/6 to 8/31; 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Painting Fun
Get your creativity and the paint flowing! Follow simple steps for vibrant results: mix colors and explore techniques on canvas at an easel. No experience needed. New subject each class.
$15 | Evans Classroom
• Mon., 7/13; 1-3 p.m.
• Mon., 8/17; 1-3 p.m.
Adult Classes
Check the rest of the Activity Guide for fun classes and programs that might interest you like cooking, herb garden and art.
Crafts, Creativity & Conversations
Complete fun art projects with step-by-step guidance while enjoying the company of others.
$15 | Evans Classroom
• Wed., 7/22; 10 a.m.-Noon
• Wed., 8/26; 10 a.m.-Noon
Games
Keep your mind, fine-motor and social skills sharp through some friendly competition.
Bingo
Earn prizes by being the first to complete winning arrangements on your card like classic, X, T, postage stamp and full. 50¢ per card.
Free | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Thu., 7/9 to 8/27; 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Euchre
Show off your card-playing skills, taking tricks and making friends. Bring $1 for prizes.
Free | Evans Rec Room
• Thu., 7/2 to 8/27; 1-3 p.m.
Wii
Bowling
Connect with friends, challenge yourself and experience the thrill of the lanes in a new way. Imagine the cheers, the rush of competition, and the satisfaction of a perfectly aimed strike without stepping into a bowling alley.
Free | Evans Rec Room
• Tue.-Fri., 8/17 to 10/30; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. No class: 8/21
Dance & Fitness
Grooving to the rhythm, following directions, reacting to ball movement while interacting with others keeps your body and mind agile,
Ballroom Dance
Dance with structured step patterns, elegant postures and synchronized, graceful movements. Partner not needed.
$25 | Evans Auditorium
• Wed., 7/8 to 7/29; 11-11:45 a.m.
• Wed., 8/5 to 8/26; 11-11:45 a.m.
Chair Volleyball
Played while seated with a light-weight beach ball, this game fosters physical wellness, upperbody mobility, social interaction, competition and laughter!
Free | Evans Auditorium
• Mon., Wed., 7/6 to 8/31; 1-2:30 p.m.
No class: 8/5
Registration opens to the public: Mon., 6/22. Evans Center member early registration: Thu., 6/18
Annual Membership
Be a part of something special for $15 per year (January-December).
• Register the Friday before the public.
• Full access to the Fitness Room ($120 value).
• Discounted fee for select classes.
Fitness Room ∆
Exercise at your own pace using elliptical machines, treadmills, NuSteps, stationary bikes, and hydraulic and free weights.
$10/month | ∆ Free for members
• Weekdays; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Senior Exercise
Increase strength, range of motion, mobility and balance with motivating and camaraderiebased, low-impact aerobics and strength training. Instructor: Kelly Downin.
$15 | Evans Auditorium
• Mon., Wed., 7/6 to 7/29; 9-10 a.m.
• Mon., Wed., 8/3 to 8/31; 9-10 a.m.
Senior
Tai Chi
Build balancing energy using slow, mindful movements to energize and increase flexibility.
$18 | Evans Auditorium
• Tue., 7/7 to 7/28; 10-11 a.m.
• Tue., 8/4 to 8/25; 10-11 a.m.
Senior Yoga
Increase balance and flexibility by moving through poses and restorative breathing designed with seniors’ needs in mind.
$20 | Evans Auditorium
• Thu., 7/9 to 7/30; 11 a.m.-Noon No class: 7/2
• Thu., 8/6 to 8/27; 11 a.m.-Noon
Park Updates & Development
The City of Grove City strives to add to, improve and maintain parks and recreation facilities throughout the city, including expansion of the multi-use path system linking recreational, residential and commercial areas.
Current Projects
The Big Splash (2026-2027 off season)
• Restoration of the slide tower, including repairs, repainting, and resurfacing.
Fryer Park (begin fall 2026)
• New maintenance and storage facility.
• East Pod Ballfields: Installation of synthetic turf infields and upgrades to fencing and dugouts.
Pinnacle Quarry Park (complete summer 2026)
• Development of a playground, courts, shelter/ restroom, parking, shared-use paths and utilities.
• Active construction across multiple areas of the site, including concrete work, playground installation, and shelter/restroom construction.
• Asphalt paving for courts and shared-use paths.
• Landscaping and planting.
Scioto Meadows Park (summer 2026)
• Basketball court renovation, walking path improvements, expanded shelter area, new seating and swing, playground enhancements, and potential pollinator garden.
Town Center Park (planning/design stage)
• Development of a multifunctional park space to support community events, daily use and enhanced connectivity.
• Ongoing planning and design, including review of updated concepts and coordination with the city forester.
• Finalize Phase I design direction and continue stakeholder coordination and community input.
Windsor Park
• Concession, restroom and operations improvements.
• Drainage improvements to the Babbert Way storm sewer.
• Reconstruction/targeted repair of pickleball courts to improve long-term performance and safety.
• Replace synthetic turf on fields 2, 3, 4 and 5, and upgrade dugouts, fencing and field infrastructure.
2026 Completed Projects
Gantz Park
• Finalization of the Garden of the 5 Senses, an inclusive, experiential garden for all abilities
Indian Trail Park
• Improved parking lot
Skate Park
• Repainting of bowl
Windsor Park
• Replacement of playground equipment with new mulch and fencing (near tennis courts).
Community Center Updates
Curious about the Grove City Community Center project? For updates and info, including timelines and links to supporting resource documents, visit: bit.ly/GCCommunityCenter
See page 3 for a map of the Grove City park system.
Grove City Parks & Rec. Outdoor Shelter Rentals
Outdoor Shelters
The Park at Beulah, Gantz Park and Windsor Park feature shelters for gatherings available to the public year-round, dawn to dusk. These shelters can be reserved May through October.
Reminders
• Reservations are available for May 1-Sept. 30 starting Jan. 20.
• Refunds only granted 30 or more days before reservation date.
• Water fountains/flushing toilets are turned off seasonally to protect pipes (approximately Oct. 1-April 30).
• Restrooms are open to all park users.
• Reservations have priority. Police will assist if walk-up occupants refuse to leave. Call the nonemergency police number at 614-277-1710.
• Shelters are cleaned early each morning. Be prepared in case conditions are affected by others' use, weather or animals.
• Be courteous! Leave shelters in same or better condition.
• Place all refuse in proper containers.
• Prohibited actions include smoking/vaping of tobacco or marijuana, alcohol use/impairment and possession of weapons.
• All park laws apply; see Grove City Code Chapter 903.
Walk-up Shelters
All other shelters are accessible on a first-come basis and cannot be reserved by the public.
• Blodwen
• Cread Lawless
• Creekside
• Fryer
• Indian Trails
• Keller Farms
• Meadowgrove
• The Park at Beulah (no seating)
• Scioto Meadows
• Swearingen
• Westgrove
• Windsor
For details on four-season pavilions, visit
GANTZ
WINDSOR
PARK AT BEULAH SHELTER
Grove City Parks & Rec. Four Season Pavilion Rentals
Grove City Parks and Recreation operates two premier rental facilities that offer the year-round opportunity to reserve a beautiful space ideal for family gatherings, corporate events, community meetings and more. The ADA-compliant, fully enclosed pavilions can be rented on a first-come basis up to one year before the event.
• Reservations can be made online or in person in the Kingston Center between 365 calendar days and 10 business days before the rental date.
• Excluded rental dates include New Year’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas or other days at the discretion of the department.
• All fees must be paid in full before the reservation is accepted. For additional information, call the office at 614-277-3050 or visit bit.ly/GCFacilityRentals.
Beulah/Charles W. Boso Jr. Pavilion
The Park at Beulah, 3700 Glacial Lane
Monday-Thursday Rental Fees
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-10 p.m.: $600
• 9 a.m.-10 p.m.: $1,000
Friday, Saturday and Sunday Rental Fees
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-10 p.m.: $1,200
• 9 a.m.-10 p.m.: $2,000
Maximum capacity: 150 persons.
Other Restrictions
• Renter is responsible for the actions of and damages caused by guests and agents arranged by them.
• Food and beverage services must be provided by a preferred caterer.
• Consumption, serving and possession of alcohol are permitted, but are limited to beverages provided by approved caterers.
• Food trucks and any other auxiliary elements associated with the facility rental must receive prior approval from the director. No items requiring stakes are permitted.
• Pavilion is free of any consumption of tobacco or marijuana in any form including, but not limited to, vaping, smoking, chewing and ingesting.
Eagle Pavilion Fryer Park, 3670 Discovery Drive
Monday-Thursday Rental Fees
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-10 p.m.: $360
• 9 a.m.-10 p.m.: $700
Maximum capacity: 120 persons.
Other Restrictions
• Reservation must be made by a Grove City resident age 21 or older.
• Renter is responsible for the actions of and damages caused by guests and agents arranged by them. Rental requires a refundable damage deposit.
• Alcohol service in Eagle Pavilion may only be provided by a preferred caterer.
• Food trucks and any other auxiliary elements associated with the facility rental must receive prior approval from the director. No items requiring stakes are permitted.
• A pavilion host provided by the City is onsite for the entire rental period.
• Pavilion is free of any consumption of tobacco or marijuana in any form including, but not limited, to vaping, smoking, chewing and ingesting.
Registration
bit.ly/gcpReg
24-7
Credit card only
Drop Box, 3226 Kingston Ave. (Rear)
24-7
Check or money order
Payment Methods
Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday
Credit card, cash, money order, check Ages 1-54
Evans Center, 4330 Dudley Ave.
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday
Credit card, cash, money order, check Ages 55+
• Due to security concerns, payments are not accepted by phone.
• Online using a credit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card).
• In person via credit card, cash, money order or check made payable to the City of Grove City.
• Drop box (parking-lot side of the Kingston Center) by check or money order.
Fees, Residency Rates & Fair Share Policy
Most activities list two fees with a lower rate for residents. Grove City Parks and Rec. facilities and offerings are funded through property and income taxes; in recognition of this, residents receive a discount.
• A resident is someone whose home address lies within the corporation limits of Grove City or unincorporated Jackson Township.
• Note: this does not include all of ZIP code 43123; the U.S. Postal Service uses ZIP codes to designate the office that delivers mail to an address.
• Verify your rate level at Property.FranklinCountyAuditor.com. Search for your address. Eligible addresses feature a parcel ID that starts with 040 or 160.
• The Fair Share Policy extends eligibility for lower rates to non-residents who pay income tax to the City of Grove City. Proof of employment (e.g., current pay stub showing tax payment) must be confirmed annually.
Confirmation
• No further confirmation regarding registration is made unless there is a change to the time or location. Participants are responsible for being present at the time and location listed.
• View your household’s schedule: log in and select the account tab (top left) to view upcoming classes.
Cancellation by Participant
• Registered participants may cancel 7+ business days before program starts or materials are ordered. Requests must be in writing (hard copy or email).
• For a full refund for team sports, a request must be made before uniforms are ordered.
• Decisions on refunds are at the discretion of department personnel.
• Refunds are by check mailed to household or reversal of a credit card charge.
Class/Event Cancellation by Department
• Activities are subject to change or cancellation based on participation, instructor availability, weather or building conditions, and public safety concerns. Staff will notify registered participants of changes to classes.
• For day-of updates team sports, call 614-277-3060, monitor social media and visit GroveCityOhio.gov.
Parks and Recreation Activity Guide
• Every attempt is made to print accurate, complete information. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the publication and the timeline for printing, the guide may include incorrect or incomplete information.
• We apologize for any errors or omissions and encourage you to visit the website and review online offerings for the most up-to-date information.
Photos and Videos
The City of Grove City reserves the right to photograph or otherwise record activities, participants, spectators and park visitors. Images may be used in social media, website, catalogs, brochures, magazines, ads or other print or electronic communications or promotions.
Looking for your photo?
Did you see someone taking photos and want to view them?
• Check EQ@GroveCityParks and EQ@GroveCityOhio.
• Browse Discover Grove City.
• Visit GroveCityOhio.gov.
Equal Opportunity and Special Populations
Grove City Parks and Rec. is committed to serving the whole community regardless of age, sex, race, color, national origin or religion. Our goal is to include individuals with special needs in existing programs based on need and ability. Individuals or groups serving special populations are welcome to contact the department to make proper arrangements.
The City of Grove City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to programs or activities. An ADA Coordinator is designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Justice regulations implementing Subtitle A of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability by public agencies. Call 614-277-3050 for information.
Public Service Department
Mosquito Prevention
Mosquitoes can not just ruin outdoor fun in the summer by causing itchy bites, but can also spread diseases like West Nile Disease, encephalitis and heartworm. Grove City contracts with Franklin County Public Health for mosquito control, but residents can make a greater impact by preventing the insects from reproducing.
Mosquitoes reproduce in standing water in as few as five days. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs at a time in water as shallow as a quarterinch. Mosquitoes spend their larval stage in the same water before transitioning to flying, biting adult insects, usually staying in the area.
Prevent or immediately drain/dump out any collected water in your yard, including areas such as old tires and tarps, outdoor furniture and toys, clogged drains and gutters, and flower-pot saucers.
Intentionally collected water (e.g., water barrels, fountains and bird baths) can also be breeding areas. Treat with bacterial larvicides containing Bti (e.g., Mosquito Dunks) that kill larvae but are harmless to people, pets and wildlife. Screens on water barrels can prevent insect access.
Franklin County Public Health Mosquito Management
FCPH monitors mosquito population density and tests for disease mid-May through September, taking action as needed. FCPH inspects hundreds of known mosquito-breeding sites and applies larvicides to standing water to control them at this vulnerable stage.
They trap and use surveillance to count adult insects and test for disease. When disease or a high volume is detected, FCPH targets adult mosquitoes by spraying an area by truck. Citizens can register to receive notifications when spraying will be done in their area, request their address be added to a non-spray list (spray turned off approximately 150 feet from property) and report areas of stagnant water.
Garage and Yard Sales
Garage and yard sales are great ways to find deals and keep usable items from the landfill.
Holding a sale requires a free permit that includes a posting on the city website to direct shoppers to it. Each address is limited to two sales per year
Promote a sale with up to three signs: one on your property and two at other locations.
Signs must be three square feet or smaller, posted only within 24 hours of the sale, and not in the right of way including on sign posts or utility poles.
Reminder: trash collection is delayed one day for Labor Day, Mon., 9/7.
There is no delay when a holiday falls on Saturday (e.g., 7/4).
Grove City Division of Police
Celebrate Summer Safely!
Summer means enjoying time with friends at events such as the Grove City Homecoming Celebration and the Grove City High School Alumni Softball Tournament, July 24-26. It can be a fun time for all, but that fun can quickly be ruined by irresponsible drinking. The Grove City Division of Police reminds everyone to be responsible when choosing to partake in alcohol. Here are a few tips to help keep Grove City safe:
1. Plan ahead. Choose a designated driver who will not be drinking.
2. If someone you know has been drinking, don’t let them get behind the wheel. Help them arrange a sober ride.
3. If you plan on drinking, do not drive for any reason. Call an Uber, Lyft, ride-share or a sober friend.
4. Wear your seatbelt. Even if you are responsible, the unexpected can still happen. Protect yourself from an accident caused by impaired drivers, objects in the roadway, animals and mechanical failures.
5. If you see an impaired driver on the road, please call 911.
6. Even if not driving, do not drink so much that you cannot make good decisions or safely arrive home.
Back to School: SWCS Open Wed., 8/19
Whether a student, parent or other community member, be aware of when school is back in session to make sure everyone stays safe!
• Smile safely. Take that backto-school photo in a safe location away from and without obstructing traffic.
• Protect your child online. Avoid over-sharing personal details on social media such as full name, age, school/teacher name, and other identifying features.
• Watch for pedestrians. Be cautious near schools, in parking lots and drop-off lines.
• Parents, be early and patient.
• Follow traffic laws including school-zone speed limits and stopping for school buses.
• Be prepared for the bus. Bus riders should arrive at their bus stop early and stand at least 10 feet from the edge of the road.
• Know the teacher. Make sure younger students make it into the building safely and know their teacher’s name.
We hope everyone has another great school year!
National Night Out Tue., 8/4; 6-8 p.m. Town Center Park
We are excited to invite your family to this year’s National Night Out to meet our local police officers and other first responders! Expect an evening full of fun activities for kids, community resources, emergency vehicles and more. It is all about coming together to build a stronger, safer and more connected community.
Hometown Heroes
Did you know that the Division of Police has more than 15 employees who grew up in Grove City and graduated from Grove City, Central Crossing and Grove City Christian high schools?
Interested in joining them? Send an email to PoliceRecruitment @GroveCityOhio.gov or call 614-277-1809 for more information.
