SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
a Passion for the Past Museum curator Leanne Watkins GRO VE C
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ACTI PARKS AND REC RE SEPT VIT Y EMB GUIDATION ER-O CTO E BER 202
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Investing in Education • Keeping Pets Safe this Halloween • Health Career Club
Central Ohio’s
MOST TRUSTED Orthopedic Practice Meet our newest provider, Zachary Sirois, MD, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee reconstruction with expertise in primary and revision hip and knee replacement. Find him at our Grove City and Hilliard offices beginning August 2026.
Inside 0
l From the City
4 Mayor’s Message: A Legacy of
Learning, a Future of Opportunity
6 Council Corner: Education – An Investment in Our Future
7 City Insights: The Charter Behind Grove City
31 Parks and Recreation Activity
Guide for September/October 2026
Features
14 Keeping Your Pets Safe this Halloween
18 Annual Holiday Displays Foster Joy and Community
Departments
d
h
8 Calendar of Events 10 Faces: A Passion for History 12 In Focus: Lighting the Way 22 Student Spotlight: Grove City
Christian Senior Creates Health Career Club
24 Living: The BIA Parade of Homes 26 Around Grove City 28 Luxury Living Real Estate Guide 29 Top Homes Sold in Grove City 30 Bookmarks Cover photo by Amanda Stevens
2 September/October 2026
www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
DISCOVER
1335 Dublin Rd., Ste. 101C Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-572-1240 • Fax 614-572-1241 www.cityscenecolumbus.com
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Editorial Assistants
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Media & Marketing Advisors
Circulation
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OUR FUN IS SECOND TO NONE. We use fun learning activities to help your child become school-ready, career-ready and life-ready. Our wide range of programs promote a lifelong love of learning in literacy, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
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September/October 2026 3
MAYOR’S MESSAGE Photo courtesy of South Western City Schools
A Legacy of Learning, a Future of Opportunity
S
ome high school students know exactly what they want to do long before graduation. While some plan to attend college, others are preparing for careers in technical fields. Whether they aspire to become an electrician, nurse, cosmetologist or automotive technician, the South Western Career Academy provides a head start through hands-on training that prepares students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. For those still exploring their interests, the Academy offers the opportunity to discover a passion that can shape a rewarding future. This school year marks the 25th anniversary of the Career Academy’s campus on Big Run South, but its roots extend back nearly 60 years to the opening of the Paul C. Hayes Technical School in 1966. When the Career Academy relocated to its current campus in 2002, the former Hayes building became Hayes Intermediate School, while the new facility continued to evolve with expanded programs and modern learning spaces that prepare students for today’s careers. During the 2025-2026 school year, nearly 800 students from across the South Western City School district participated in 17 career programs at the Academy, while additional students explored career pathways through satellite programs at their home high schools. The Academy also serves adult learners through evening training programs, with nearly 100 participants earning credentials in fields such as healthcare, HVAC, broadband and electrical concepts. It’s another reminder that 4 September/October 2026
Mayor Stage and South West Career Academy Career and Technical Education Director Christine Galvin tour The Cutting Edge salon under renovation
learning doesn’t end with a high school diploma. One of my favorite things about the Career Academy is that education doesn’t happen only in a classroom. Students repair vehicles, prepare meals, care for patients, design projects and serve real customers. This year, the newly renovated Cutting Edge Salon opens its doors, providing an updated space where cosmetology students gain valuable hands-on experience while offering services to the public. It’s a wonderful example of students building confidence while serving their community. Career and technical education has never been more important. As technology changes and workforce needs evolve, students benefit from opportunities to discover where their tal-
ents can take them. Whether graduates transition directly into a career, continue their education or do a little of both, they leave with valuable experience and a stronger foundation for the future. For decades, the South Western Career Academy and its predecessor programs have helped students turn interests into careers and strengthen the workforce that supports our region. That’s an investment that benefits not only the students who walk its halls, but our entire community.
Richard L. “Ike” Stage Mayor www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
COUNCIL CORNER By George Holinga, Council Member At-Large
Photo courtesy of South Western City Schools
Education – An Investment in Our Future
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ducation is the key element to success! Many of us have heard the phrase “Knowledge is Power” but it is much more than that. It dictates what we define as success in life. Success must be defined on one’s own terms. Whether it is being a successful plumber, auto mechanic or a brain surgeon, education plays a key role in enjoying a good future and life. While some subjects I was required to take in school, such as algebra, geometry, literature, seemed to be useless to me, they are now essential to me in my daily life. Our goal should be to provide the best possible education to our student population, whether it is a traditional classroom or trade school education. Basic education of the three “R’s” – reading, writing and arithmetic – can lift all levels of one’s
6 September/October 2026
status in life and their success as they might individually define it. While many will complain about half of their annual real estate tax going for schools, it is a great investment in our future. Ben Franklin, who I like to quote, said about education, “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.” Two areas of education that, at the time, didn’t seem particularly useful to me were history and civics. Now teaching both English as a second language and Citizenship classes for legal immigrants, I recognize having those areas of knowledge while serving on City Council has been – and still is – so important. It should be a very important part of our public and private school curriculum. To quote Franklin’s biographer, Dr. Henry Stuber, “A nation of well-
informed men (and women), who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the regions of ignorance that tyranny reigns.” We are blessed to have a great school system in South Western City Schools, but we must always strive for academic improvement. We are also extremely blessed to have many schools of higher education so close and reasonably affordable – The Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College, Franklin University and Otterbein University – as well as technical schools such as Tolles Career & Technical Center and other Unionsponsored apprenticeship schools. I am proud to be a part of a city that provides a Higher Education Investment Program for our student residents. It was a great idea, put into effect by prior City Council and Mayor Stage. It is strongly taken advantage of and assists our community to grow in knowledge. The City continues to value education and will continue to support its goals in the future. The Grove City Higher Education Investment Program (HEIP) provides financial assistance to eligible Grove City residents pursuing college degrees or skilled trades training while encouraging community service. Learn more, including eligibility requirements and application deadlines, at grovecityohio.gov/HEIP. www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
CITY INSIGHTS
The Charter Behind Grove City By Charles W. Boso, Jr., City Administrator
F
or more than 65 years, Grove City’s Charter has provided the framework for how the City is governed. Adopted by voters in 1958 and effective July 1, 1959, the Charter established the City’s Strong Mayor–Council–Administrative Assistant form of government and continues to define the roles, responsibilities and processes that guide Grove City government today. Ohio’s Home Rule Amendment, adopted in 1912, gives municipalities the authority to adopt a charter and govern local affairs through a structure tailored to the wishes of the community. For Grove City, that meant establishing a system of government that balances legislative oversight by City Council with executive leadership by the Mayor, while authorizing a City Administrator (Administrative Assistant) to oversee the dayto-day operations. Additionally, the Charter establishes procedures for elections, legislation, appointments, budgeting and many other aspects of municipal government. The Charter may be amended through one of two paths: a proposal initiated by City Council or a resident-led initiative. To ensure the document continues to serve the community effectively, City Council periodically conducts a
comprehensive review. Since its adoption, Grove City voters have approved Councilinitiated amendments in 1962, 1982, 1985 and 2017. These changes refined election procedures, Council operations, financial provisions, administrative responsibilities and other governance practices while preserving the Charter’s core purpose. Council is currently examining the Charter article by article to identify provisions that may need to be changed. Any amendments recommended through this review would ultimately be presented to Grove City voters. Residents may also propose amendments through the citizen initiative process established under Ohio law. After collecting the required number of valid petition signatures, a resident-led proposal known as the Community Consent Amendment will appear on the November 2026 ballot. Whether amendments originate through City Council’s review or a citizen initiative, Grove City voters have the final say on changes to the Charter. That process has helped the document remain a relevant and effective framework for more than six decades and will continue to guide the community as Grove City grows and evolves.
Grove City Charter Amendment History 1962
Council meeting procedures and terms; the Mayor’s term of office; and the creation of a recall process for elected officials.
1982
Council vacancies; Legislative procedures; Competitive bidding; Election and ward provisions; Taxation language; and adding Section 9.05 (terminology referring to “Council Members”)
1985
Revise Section 6.02, changing the Charter’s limitation on the City’s property tax rate, allowing City Council to enact a maximum rate.
2017
The most comprehensive modernization of the Charter to date: Updated Council qualifications and composition from five to seven members; Modernized ordinance and resolution procedures; Updated Mayor and City Administrator duties; Revised Planning Commission provisions; Removed obsolete transitional provisions; Updated terminology throughout; and Established a Charter Review Committee to convene every 10 years beginning in 2031.
www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
September/October 2026 7
CALENDAR Events subject to change. Consult websites for details and updates. For more events visit www.grovecityohio.gov/events
What’s Happening? SEPTEMBER Fridays, Sept. 4, 18 American Red Cross Blood Drive 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.redcrossblood.org
Saturdays, Sept. 5, 12 Grove City Chamber Farmers’ Market 8 a.m.-noon Town Center www.gcchamber.org
Sat., Sept. 5 Labor Day Movie & Drone Show 6:30 p.m., Movie: National Treasure 8:45 p.m., Drone Show The Park at Beulah 3700 Glacial Ln. www.grovecityohio.gov Gardens at Gantz Farm Art in the Park
Arts in the Alley
Mon., Sept. 7
Sat., Sept. 12
Community Day at The Big Splash/ Closing Day 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The Big Splash 2831 Southwest Blvd. www.grovecityohio.gov
Keep Grove City Beautiful Cleanup Day 9 a.m.-noon Various locations throughout Grove City www.grovecityohio.gov
Thurs., Sept. 10
Mayor’s Pickleball Open: America 250 Event The Park at Beulah 3700 Glacial Ln. www.grovecityohio.gov
Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (S.A.L.T.) Meeting 10-11 a.m. Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov
Fri., Sept. 11 9/11 Memorial Service: 25th Anniversary 8:30 a.m. Jackson Township Fire Station 204 4900 Buckeye Pkwy. www.americanlegionoh164.com
Sat., Sept. 12
Labor Day Movie & Drone Show 8 September/October 2026
Gardens at Gantz Farm Art in the Park 8 a.m.-noon Gantz Gardens 2255 Home Rd. www.gantzgardens.com
Sat.-Sun., Sept. 12-13
Thurs., Sept. 17 Senior Lifestyle, Health & Home Expo 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Grove City YMCA 3600 Discovery Dr. www.ymcacolumbus.org
Thurs., Sept. 17 Books with Bo 4:30-5:30 p.m. Grove City Library 3959 Broadway www.swpl.org
www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Fri.-Sun., Sept. 18-20
Fri., Oct. 2
Arts in the Alley & Voice of Grove City Fri.: 5-9 p.m. Sat.: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Parade, 9:30 a.m. Sun.: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Town Center www.gcchamber.org
Special Movie | Minion Hunt Kickoff 6 p.m., Activities 6:30 p.m., Movie: Despicable Me Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., Sept. 19
Fridays, Oct. 2, 16
Wide Open Hearts Fall Market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Grove City United Methodist Church 2684 Columbus St. www.wideopenhearts.weebly.com
American Red Cross Blood Drive 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.redcrossblood.org
Sept. 25-Oct. 11
Sun., Oct. 4
A Murder Is Announced presented by LTOB Various times Little Theatre Off Broadway 3981 Broadway www.ltob.org
Old-Time Harvest Day Noon-4 p.m. Century Village at Fryer Park 4185 Orders Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., Sept. 26
Coffee with a Cop 10:30 a.m.-noon Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov
Community Shredding Day and SWACO Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Shredding: Park Street Intermediate School, 3205 Park St. Hazardous Waste: Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., Sept. 26 Southwest Franklin County Historical Society Open House 2-4 p.m. Century Village at Fryer Park 4185 Orders Rd. www.swfchs.org
OCTOBER Oct. 2-31 Minion Hunt! Town Center www.grovecityohio.gov
Wed., Oct. 7
Thurs., Oct. 8 Seniors and Law Enforcement (S.A.L.T.) Meeting 10-11 a.m. Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sun., Oct. 11 Farm to Table Brunch: America 250 Event 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Beulah Pavilion 3700 Glacial Ln. www.grovecityohio.gov
Thurs., Oct. 15
Midnight Market with Parks & Rec 6-9 p.m. Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.go
Town Center Food Truck Festival & Shop Hop Fridays, 4-9 p.m. Sept. 4, 18 and Oct. 2, 16, 30 Town Center www.grovecitytowncenter.org Summer Concert Series Fridays, 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 4: The Rezes-Heston Band
Sat., Oct. 24
Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sat., Oct. 24 Boo Off Broadway Noon-3 p.m. Town Center Park 3359 Park St. www.gcchamber.org
Thurs., Oct. 29
www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Fri., Oct. 30
Books with Bo 4:30-5:30 p.m. Grove City Library 3959 Broadway www.grovecityohio.gov Evans Center Fall Craft & Vendor Fair 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov
Evans Center Fall Craft & Vendor Fair
Minion Hunt
Trick-or-Treat/Beggars’ Night 6-8 p.m. www.grovecityohio.gov
Sept. 18: The Twylights Oct. 16 (6-7:30 p.m.): Ladies of Longford
Grove City Community Club Harvest Market Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon Sept. 26 and Oct. 3, 10 Town Center www.gcchamber.org
Do you have an event you would like to submit? Send details and photos to comments@grovecityohio.gov.
September/October 2026 9
FACES
By Amanda Stevens Photos courtesy of Amanda Stevens and Leanne Watkins
Past Meets Passion Longtime Grove City resident finds calling as museum curator
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he Grove City Welcome Center and Museum boasts a diverse collection of artifacts, including a 1912 Ford Model T, 100-year-old player piano, prehistoric Indigenous American arrowheads and much more. Central to the Museum is curator and Grove City native Leanne Watkins, who became curator in 2021. Although she doesn’t have a formal background in history or curatorship, she says her fascination with Grove City’s history has only grown alongside her personal fulfillment as she ventures into a new chapter of life.
Finding her fit Long before her curatorship, Watkins had ambitions of working for a publishing house or in illustration. She attended Savannah College of Art and Design in 1991, later earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration. However, she determined the art world was not for her and picked up a job as a workers’ compensation claims manager, where she stayed for several years. After marrying her husband, Lance, in 2000 and starting a family, Watkins left the workforce to be home with her children. She raised her daughters, Skyler, Chloe and Cordelia, in Grove City, enjoying the familiar small-town feel and taking her family to staple events from her own childhood, such as Arts in the Alley and fireworks at Beulah Park. As her kids grew up, she began looking to gradually get back into the workforce, though she didn’t want to return to a high-stress office job. “I wanted something that would fit into my schedule. My kids had activities in the evenings and on the weekends. You don’t want to miss any of that,” she says. After attending some Southwest Franklin County Historical Society meetings, Watkins began volunteering as office manager around 2018. Historical connections Even before volunteering, Watkins had always had an interest in history. Growing up, her family went to museums and historical sites for family vacations, such as Indigenous American mounds or battlefields. Additionally, she was already well-connected with the Historical Society: Her grandparents, Betty and James “Jim” Rae, were found-
10 September/October 2026
ing members, and her parents gave her a lifetime membership for a birthday. As office manager, Watkins helped organize the Museum’s large collection of pictures, family files and other Grove City history-related items donated by community members. When the paid position of curator opened in 2021, she jumped at the chance and was hired. “This here was a perfect fit, and I was so excited when it came along and I got hired,” Watkins says. “It’s a part-time job and that’s just what I needed for my kids’ schedule, and that was the most important thing at that time.” Curating confidence Watkins says the curator role built upon her office manager position, with her role including overseeing files and inventory, www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
doing research for exhibits and guiding tours of local historical sites, such as the Grant-Sawyer Home and Century Village. One particular focus of hers was expanding the signage and information available to visitors. “I’m very familiar with going to museums, and you want to know what you’re looking at and have as much information as you can,” Watkins says. She says the upper level of the Museum is “like Christmas.” “You hunt through things and find new artifacts, and then you do the research on them and share that, especially if there’s a family name attached that people can recognize in the city, like a street,” Watkins says. “It helps bring it all together.” Her favorite exhibits are the prehistoric Indigenous American artifacts, all of which were found on the Haughn Farm, as well as the Civil War exhibit, featuring soldiers from Grove City. As the primary researcher and creator behind all the signage for the Museum’s exhibits, she says her knowledge has helped her become more self-assured. “I was painfully shy as a teenager and then I went into that high-stress business world, but I still didn’t have to talk to people,” Watkins says. “Coming into this, I found that it brought me out of my shell, talking about things that I actually enjoy.” She especially enjoys giving tours at the Grant-Sawyer Home. “(The Historical Society) has renovated that so beautifully and I love being down there,” Watkins says. “I know that history in and out, so it comes very easy.” Her next chapter Besides her role at the Museum, Watkins has been a member of the Grove City Writers’ Group for 13 years and is a published author. In 2023, she published the first installment of her six-book young adult series, The Delpine Diaries, which she started writing before getting married. She published the second book this past March, and in April, she published a humorous memoir about her and her husband’s experience living on a Washington Court House farm for eight years. www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Watkins says she’s always writing. “Instead of watching TV, you can sit there and create. It’s escapism,” Watkins says. “If you’ve had a bad day, you just sit and write, and you can go in any direction you want to go.” She says her desire to write and publish grew from both her kids and husband enjoying her stories, and her oldest daughter, Skyler, helps her edit her books. With all three daughters grown and the youngest two in college, Watkins says she
and Lance are ready for a slower pace of life, returning to the countryside and planning trips to historical sites, such as Gettysburg. However, she calls Grove City home and looks forward to continuing her work at the Museum. “I like to say I have the best job in Grove City,” Watkins says. Amanda Stevens is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at astevens@cityscenemediagroup.com.
In addition to tours and displaying many artifacts, Watkins says the Museum tries to include interactive exhibits when possible.
Watkins demonstrates the pump organ.
For instance, visitors can ring an antique doorbell, listen to a 1900s player piano and see a demonstration of the Museum’s bank vault security system. Watkins will also play the pump organ, performing tunes she remembers by heart from her years of playing piano.
Watkins also writes informative articles for the Buckeye State Button Society, of which she has been a member for nearly 20 years. Besides collecting antique buttons and attending conventions, she’s given classes with the Grove City Parks and Recreation on identifying the material, age and history of buttons.
Watkins shares the history of the original handmade dress. In April, the Historical Society unveiled a reproduction of a 200-year-old dress, a project which took more than a year. The dress belonged to Leah Diemer Grant, the wife of Hugh Grant Jr., whose mother was one of the first permanent settlers in the area that would become Grove City. The reproduction is permanently on display at the Grant-Sawyer Home, and a second reproduction was made for a docent to wear. September/October 2026 11
IN FOCUS
By Amanda Stevens Photos courtesy of L. Gilliland Photography and Aly Romot
Lighting the Way Local nonprofit offers community and support for women after pregnancy loss
I
n 2018, following two pregnancy losses, Kami Wernimont struggled to find support as she endured the physical and emotional effects that followed. The resources she was pointed to weren’t accessible. “I had to really dig on that website to figure out where that support was, and it didn’t really give me the answers I needed,” Wernimont says. Once she found her answers, she felt a drive to fill the gap in support. Alongside her future Board of Directors – a team of several women, including people influential in her healing, mentors from past jobs and other women in the postpartum world – Wernimont founded Let the Light In in 2023 to provide support and resources for the one in four women who experience the same heartache she had. Having marked its three-year anniversary in July, Let the Light In continues expanding community connections as it finds its home in Grove City. Building connections From the beginning, Let the Light In established relationships with loss organizations, hospitals, providers and other resources to offer families a network of support. “We built relationships with them, knowing that we don’t do what they do
Ribbon cutting, July 9, 2026. From left to right: Let the Light In board members Nikki Smith, Kami Wernimont and Courtney Van Ostran.
and they don’t do what we do,” Wernimont says. “(Families) don’t need to wade through all the research and find what they need.” She says community is at the heart of Let the Light In, with connection events, such as its Bereaved Mother’s Day Brunch, allowing those who’ve experienced miscarriage, pregnancy loss, infant loss or infertility to share their experiences and find support. While some invite a friend to come with them, the free event is supported by community partners and sponsors who invite their own attendees too.
“
We’re in a great area. We’re able to welcome people in full time. There’s a lot of heart here, and I’m looking forward to strengthening those connections. KAMI WERNIMONT 12 September/October 2026
”
Wernimont says attendance at the Bereaved Mother’s Day Brunch has grown from 40 in its first year to 96 this year. “I can always tell the success of that event by how much talking and chatter is in the room, and this year, it was so loud. It was so wonderful,” she says. Nikki Smith, operations chair for Let the Light In, says it’s incredibly beautiful to hear attendees afterwards talk about the breadth of the community and support present. “Even if we have people that have never first or secondhand experienced one of these types of losses, getting them to see and understand that impact will ripple out from there because now they know this exists,” says Smith. “And when they see somebody in either their practice or in their personal life that has (experienced) this, they know this resource is available.” Smith isn’t surprised by the success of Let the Light In, and is excited to see it grow. www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
“It still warms me every time I see new connections being made, new organizations supporting us,” Smith says. “The amount of support we’re receiving really makes me happy.” Compassionate companionship Central to Let the Light In is its Companion Support Program, which Wernimont built using her background as a life coach, certified miscarriage doula and training in perinatal grief and loss, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Companion Support offers both in-person and virtual one-on-one sessions, ensuring mothers don’t have to navigate grief alone. Importantly, the sessions are free. “When we started as a nonprofit, we knew we wanted to remove all barriers for support. We agreed as a board that we were going to keep this as a free option for people,” Wernimont says. She emphasizes that Companion Support is not counseling or medical care, but peer support. “It is being able to talk with someone that gets it, to have a safe space to feel it all, to ask the questions, to cry, to be mad, to scream, to navigate relationships, to navigate going back to work,” she says. “Companion Support is based off of what they need in the moment.” Wernimont says Let the Light In is seeking to shift the narrative around miscarriage and pregnancy loss, particularly by recognizing the postpartum period following pregnancy loss and ensuing grief. Her main goal is to ensure bereaved mothers are seen and heard. “We want people to recognize miscarriage and pregnancy loss as grief, as bereavement. This pregnancy matters. It existed. Moms especially have a connection as soon as they see those two pink lines on a test. That’s where attachment begins for them,” Wernimont says. “It doesn’t matter when that loss occurs... Grief matters and there’s no comparison. It all just breaks your heart.” The nonprofit further supports mothers through pregnancy after loss, helping them navigate complicated feelings of grief, anxiety, joy and excitement. It also provides screenings for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, as women who’ve experienced pregnancy loss are at a higher risk for developing PMADs. www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Kami Wernimont speaking at the 2026 Bereaved Mother’s Day Brunch
As of its three-year anniversary, Let the Light In has provided more than 200 hours of Companion Support, with Wernimont as the sole provider. She says people from across the country have reached out, and she’s working on creating a training program for Companion Support. “As awareness of what we provide grows, we need more people to provide that support,” she says. A home for hope and healing Wernimont, who calls Grove City her hometown and moved back in 2023, says it feels good to establish the nonprofit in the community.
Save the Date Let the Light In, in partnership with OhioHealth Loss and Healing Services, is hosting its annual candlelight vigil on Oct. 15 as part of the international Wave of Light, in observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. For more information, visit www.ltli.org. The nonprofit is also a sponsor of the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance and Awareness Walk on Oct. 10 at Genoa Park.
“We’re in a great area. We’re able to welcome people in full time,” Wernimont says. “There’s a lot of heart here, and I am looking forward to strengthening those connections.” To enhance local connections, Let the Light In is hosting its first conference along with its annual Silent Auction Fundraiser at the Aladdin Shrine Center on Sept. 29. “It was really important to me to bring it here. If we’re going to put down roots here, we’re going to invest in our community here,” Wernimont says. She says the goal of the conference is to educate and bring together families, community members and professionals from the organizations that are in Let the Light In’s network. Like its other events, the conference requires all hands on deck, with board members and a network of volunteers pitching in. Wernimont says Let the Light In has been volunteer-driven from day one and she’s grateful to all those who show up in support. She eventually hopes to achieve enough funding to have a paid staff so the nonprofit can grow beyond central Ohio. She says she never imagined Let the Light In would build the community it has and is in awe of the connections made and the comfort they’ve been able to provide for so many mothers. “It’s just an honor to be able to hold space for these women and to remember their babies with them,” Wernimont says. Amanda Stevens is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at astevens@cityscenemediagroup.com. September/October 2026 13
Purr-fectly Safe Tips and advice for keeping your pets safe and happy this Halloween By Ellie Keehn Photos courtesy of HannamariaH pandpstock00 and Sviatlana Barchan/iStock
14 September/October 2026
W
hile it can be fun to include your furry friends in Halloween festivities, it’s important to be aware of the fact that, for their own safety, they might need to miss out on some things to avoid spooky situations. No treats, no tricks It is commonly known that chocolate can be bad for pets, but during Halloween, there are buckets of other treats brought into homes that can be harmful as well. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) writes that xylitol – a natural sugar that is toxic to pets – is found in many of the candies handed out on Halloween, so it’s important to keep an eye on the treats your pet is eating and how they react. According to ASPCA, “dogs who consume xylitol will often vomit and become lethargic or weak, and sometimes even have seizures. Very large doses of xylitol in dogs can lead to liver failure, which is a much more serious and possibly fatal condition.” Along with Halloween candy, Dr. Ashley Dzubak, DVM, Managing Veterinarian of AcutePet Urgent Care in Grove City, warns about another danger that pet owners might not think about. “Certainly, chocolate is what everyone thinks of, but all those wrappers that our candies are in can lead to foreign bodies in our pets, which is a nice, expensive bill for everyone,” Dzubak says. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists other foods and substances pet owners should be wary about around Halloween. Raisins, which some houses may hand out as a healthier alternative to candy, can cause kidney failure when ingested by pets. Dzubak mentions that for some pets, even having just a little bit of these toxic foods can cause problems. “Even though it sounds like a great treat, they’re not used to getting a lot of those things for the most part,” Dzubak says.
www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Pet Safety Tips from the Experts for Upcoming Holidays Thanksgiving: Do not feed your pets table scraps. Instead, Bolyard says to focus on natural foods such as raw pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie, turkey without the seasoning, skin or bones, raw green beans instead of casserole and plain sweet potatoes without sugar. Make sure guests know what they can and cannot feed pets. Christmas: Pets might drink from the base of your Christmas tree for easy-access to water, but deter your pets from doing so, as Dzubak says it can contain harmful mold. If you’re traveling for the holidays, make sure you have someone watch your pet or regularly check in on them while you’re gone. New Year’s: Loud noises including party poppers and horns, new guests and fireworks can be anxiety-inducing for pets. Have a plan to keep them comfortable and happy while you celebrate. www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
September/October 2026 15
A fetching alternative As cute as it can be to dress your pet in a Halloween costume, keep their comfort and safety in mind. The ASPCA recommends having your pet try on their costume before Halloween to ensure that it doesn’t “hinder their movement, ability to breathe, bark or meow, or include any easily chewed-off parts that could be a choking hazard.” Likewise, glowsticks, which may be part of a costume or a way to see children in the dark, release a bad-tasting liquid when chewed that can make pets drool excessively or act strangely. To avoid any safety risks, the Animal Humane Society suggests going a different route when it comes to Halloween costumes. Halloween-themed bandanas, collars or bow ties are other options. It’s good to be mindful of the other ways you decorate for Halloween as well. Especially if you have an overly-curious pet, avoid using real candles in jack-olanterns in case they get knocked over, and don’t leave small decorations that could be choking hazards anywhere your pet can reach.
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Scaredy-cat Pets can find Halloween to be a frightening holiday, but not in the same way that their owners might. The American Kennel Club explains that, just like humans, pets can experience anxiety. Around Halloween, this anxiety can be caused by loud noises such as children yelling “trick-or-treat,” unfamiliar people coming to the door, visual stimuli such as unusual costumes and animatronics, or new additions and decorations to their environment. “I don’t think a lot of people prepare for the anxiety side of Halloween. They think about the Fourth of July, but for some of these pets, there’s a lot going on around Halloween, too,” Dzubak says. To determine if your pet is experiencing anxiety, watch for signs such as pacing, barking and hiding, but different animals can exhibit different responses. The American Kennel Club lists more signs to look out for, such as aggression, urinating or defecating in the house, drooling, panting or destructive behavior. “Around the holidays, you want to definitely make sure that if you’re having a lot of people coming in and out of the house, your pet is kept in a safe, quiet environment so they don’t get scared,” says
Emily Bolyard, store manager of familyowned pet supplies store Mutts & Co. in Grove City. In addition, Bolyard recommends giving your pet an interactive toy to keep them entertained while they are in these quiet environments. Some examples include lick mats, KONGs and Pupsicles. Bolyard adds that, when using these toys, make sure to use a natural peanut butter because others can have xylitol in them. If your pet does experience anxiety around Halloween, be prepared in the event that their response is to run. “Make sure they have an ID tag on, too, just in case they get lost… It’s not recommended to take them trick-or-treating just because of all of the costumes and all the people out. They could get scared and run away,” Bolyard says. Purr-fessional help If you are concerned about your pet’s safety this Halloween, Dzubak says the best response is to consult a professional, whether it’s to get pharmaceuticals to help with anxiety or medication to induce vomiting. If you are unsure if something your pet ate is toxic, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. Ellie Keehn is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.
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September/October 2026 17
Pirates with
Purpose
Peyton Maxstead’s annual holiday displays foster joy and community spirit By Abby Van Voorhis Photos courtesy of Ashley Granger and Peyton Maxstead
V
enture down to Sulton Court on an October evening, and you will be met with a striking scene. With more than 100 cars visiting the street each night, families crowd around one house decorated in lights, rolling fog, skeletons, animatronics and a massive pirate ship. With the Pirates of the Ca-
ribbean soundtrack playing out over the excited voices of the crowd, a suburban street transforms into an experience rivaling Disneyland. This immersive wonderland is the work of 19-year-old Peyton Maxstead. Over the past six years, the recent Grove City High School graduate and public service laborer for the Grove City Public Service Department has grown his Halloween yard display from six skeletons in a mulch patch to a beloved community event with professionalstyle props and custom-built set pieces. Learn as you go Born and raised in Grove City, Maxstead has been dedicated to creating joy in his community from a young age, taking on his first festive project at just 10 years old when he organized a neighborhood Easter egg hunt. He then decided to take his holiday decorating skills to the next level when his mom and step-dad built the house on Sulton Court in 2020. “After building the house, my stepdad gave me permission. He said, ‘You can decorate the house and do everything you love, but it has to have a theme,”’ says Maxstead. Wanting something not too scary that people of all ages could enjoy, he decided pirates would be the perfect theme. With the help of YouTube videos, Facebook
18 September/October 2026
groups and the advice of other local haunters, he has learned how to implement storytelling and catch the audience’s eye. While balancing schoolwork and playing sousaphone in the marching band, Maxstead was always searching for new ways to improve his displays. In 2023, with the help of his grandfather, Maxstead built a 30-foot-long pirate ship. The massive set piece makes this front yard haunt especially unique. Over the years, Maxstead has found other ways to amp up the show, incorporating lights, a sound system, animatronics and gallons of fog into a Halloween experience that has drawn the attention of thousands. www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Peyton Maxstead with Mayor Ike Stage
www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
September/October 2026 19
“I love seeing people’s reactions. I love seeing everyone have a good time, especially the kids laughing and smiling,” says Maxstead. A community effort While Maxstead may be the mastermind behind Pirates on Sulton, he is quick to recognize the Grove City community for all its support. “It takes a lot of money put into it, and the community rallies behind it. Everyone supports it. It’s become a landmark of Grove City now,” says Maxstead. Local sponsors, such as Fear Columbus and Hart Real Estate Agency, have helped fund the more elaborate parts of his displays. Maxstead also credits Fear Columbus owners Nick and Jess Francis with being some of his biggest supporters and mentors. The display’s setup process takes two days, a herculean effort that requires the help of six to eight neighbors just to be able to raise the ship’s mast, made from an old telephone pole. Maxstead’s neighbors are instrumental in the Sulton Court traditions. After a skeleton was stolen from last year’s Pirates on Sulton display, neighbors started a GoFundMe, and the community raised $1,500 to help replace it. The neighborhood also works together for Lights on Sulton – the neighborhood Christmas light display that now boasts approximately half a million lights. In 2023, Maxstead got permission to extend the holiday lights tradition to Grove City High School – a tradition he continues even after graduation. Beyond the displays, Maxstead also finds ways to give back to the community. In 2025, Maxstead worked with the Grove City Police Department to kick off the Lights on Sulton display with a toy drive supporting the Department’s annual Cram the Cruiser event. More than 600 toys were donated at the event, and this coming December, he plans to organize a new community toy drive with the Grove City Service Department called Pack the Plow to increase his impact on the community. “I’ve always loved Grove City,” says Maxstead. “I knew from a young age that I wanted to do something to help and bring joy to the community.”
Lights on Sulton 20 September/October 2026
Toy drive for Cram the Cruiser
Dedication to service With his efforts expanding beyond Sulton Court, the City has also been an important supporter of Maxstead. “(The people at City Hall) allow me to do so much,” says Maxstead. “Mayor Ike is a big supporter of it. He loves the pirates.” His background of working with his hands and heavy equipment on his www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
grandpa’s farm has helped his trajectory, and Maxstead is looking forward to continuing to help his community through his work with the Grove City Public Service Department. “I can’t picture working anywhere else,” says Maxstead. With a never-ending love for his hometown and a dedication to helping people, his future ambitions in public service are no secret. “Everyone says, ‘Peyton’s going to be the next mayor of Grove City,”’ says Maxstead. Maxstead is gearing up for his biggest Halloween display yet this year, featuring both grand opening and closing displays and all sorts of other tricks up his sleeve. Through his determination and imagination, Grove City has become a place that celebrates Halloween like no other. Abby Van Voorhis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Maxstead is currently campaigning the City of Columbus to be able to use the pieces of the decommissioned replica of the Santa Maria that have sat for more than a decade in his Pirates on Sulton display. More information about his petition can be found here: www. change.org/p/save-the-santa-maria
Pirates on Sulton October 1-31 6-10 p.m. Lights on Sulton Second weekend of November-January 1 Dusk-11 p.m. Check out each event’s Facebook for more information and updates: @Piratesonsulton and @Lightsonsulton www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Find events at ColumbusMakesArt.com/Events ArtMakesCbus September/October 2026 21
S TUDENT SPOTLIGHT
By Ellie Keehn Photos courtesy of Lucia Guardia-Perez
Paving the Path Grove City Christian School senior creates club to learn and share about healthcare
F
rom thriving as a dancer throughout her childhood to participating in a highly selective medical program at The Ohio State University, Lucia Guardia-Perez is no stranger to going after her goals. So, when the Grove City Christian Schools senior noticed a gap in school-wide knowledge in how to build a career in healthcare, she worked to educate not only herself, but also her peers by founding a health careers club. Learning what’s important Going into her freshman year of high school, Guardia-Perez developed the chronic autoimmune disorder lupus. Of the disorder’s many symptoms, including fatigue and joint pain, one of the most challenging Guardia-Perez faced when initially diagnosed was her lowered selfesteem due to severe hair loss. “At that point in my life, I was hyperfocused on what everyone thought of me. I was like, ‘I have to look a certain way, I have to act a certain way,’” GuardiaPerez says. “That (time) taught me a lot of empathy for other people that are going through other things.” With the experience, along with watching her parents work in healthcare, Guardia-Perez decided she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field.
Founding her future Even though Guardia-Perez had a passion for healthcare, she wasn’t sure how to work towards a career in it. She thought a good way to learn would be to attend MD Camp at OSU. Though she was not initially accepted, she was determined to find another way to learn about healthcare. The idea of founding a club to help educate herself and other students about healthcare fields and building careers in them started to surface. During her junior year, Guardia-Perez and her younger brother, Pablo, founded the school’s Health Career Club. The
club members bring in field experts, from ER to gastrointestinal nurses and more, to ask questions about their career trajectories and learn more about their lines of work.
Dancing toward success Guardia-Perez started ballet at 2 years old. Over the past 13 years, she built the strength, grit and determination she utilizes today. In the seventh grade, she remembers wanting the part of Clara in The Nutcracker so badly that she even asked the director for it. She gave it her all at tryouts and landed the role. Guardia-Perez loved ballet, but before her freshman year of high school, she reached the point when she had to decide whether she wanted to pursue another passion professionally. “I even was about to take a pre-professional position as a trainee at BalletMet. (But) I was thinking… my mom is a doctor, and my dad is a perfusionist, and I knew I wanted to do (something in) healthcare,” Guardia-Perez says. 22 September/October 2026
www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Club members also volunteer in the community and host events, including American Red Cross blood drives. One such event was a week-long dental drive for the kindergarten through fourth grade students at GCCS. “We were able to teach them about dental hygiene, and we were able to have a dental practice sponsor us and bring dental hygienists to help us out with the stations and bring little goodie bags for the kids. That was really fun,” Guardia-Perez says. Never giving up When she wasn’t creating her club, Guardia-Perez was volunteering at Adena Medical Center and shadowing physicians to watch the behind-the-scenes. “(The experience) honestly just made me more curious,” Guardia-Perez says. This past summer, she reapplied for OSU’s MD Camp and was thrilled when she was accepted. There, she spent three weeks participating in robotic surgery simulations, learning how to suture and going to the cadaver labs under the mentorship of the professionals and medical students in charge of the program. Along with the numerous educational opportunities, Guardia-Perez was excited to make meaningful connections with her peers and mentors. “I made (connections) with other students who are just as passionate about (healthcare) as me, and it was just incredible,” Guardia-Perez says. A prognosis of next steps With one year left at Grove City Christian School, Guardia-Perez feels prepared to look ahead. She hopes to bring in some of her mentors from MD Camp to the club to educate other members, and continue to uplift the structure they’ve created to allow them to host more events and volunteer for their community and greater Columbus. After participating in the camp herself, Guardia-Perez says OSU is her top choice for her undergraduate studies, where she hopes to continue pursuing healthcare with a major in healthcare science, exercise science or even dance. Ellie Keehn is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Catholic Church | K – 8 School | Preschool 3730 Broadway, Grove City | 614.875.3322 www.ourladygc.org
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3675 Hoover Road • Grove City, Ohio 43123 September/October 2026 23
LIVING
By Abby Von Voorhis Photos courtesy of 3 Pillar Homes/Tevis Visuals and Epcon Communitues
Home Growth in Grove City The BIA Parade of Homes returns to Grove City
S 2026 BIA Parade of Homes Thurs.-Sun., Sept. 17-20, 24-27 Noon-6 p.m. In its fourth year of its dispersed site model, the 2026 BIA Parade of Homes will show a variety of homes at various price points and locations across central Ohio, including two properties in Grove City. Whether you’re looking for a spacious single-family home or a luxury condominium, the BIA Parade of Homes has something for everyone.
24 September/October 2026
tarting in the 1950s, the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio (BIA) has hosted its annual Parade of Homes showcase of building and renovation trends. Each year, the Parade gives central Ohio’s current and prospective homeowners a sneak peek at the latest layouts and features that may just be the key to unlocking their dream home. As the BIA returns to showcase new properties in Grove City this year, the community continues to grow alongside the BIA and its home trends. A closer look According to the City of Grove City, the area’s population increased by 20 percent between 2010 and 2020, and continues to grow. Among this population, Census Reporter data from 2024 shows Grove City’s homeownership rate is roughly 71 percent. This rate is slightly higher than the state average of 70 percent reported by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency for that same year.
Housing demand likewise continues to increase, as the Franklin County Auditor reports 1,165 homes have sold in Grove City between Jan. 1 and June 30 of this year. To meet the additional demand for housing, 10 residential construction project permits were approved as of June 2026. Grove City has broken ground on more than 1,600 new residential units with this approval. More than 880 of these units are single-family homes, with single-family attached/condos as the next most common home type followed by apartments and then multi-family homes. Local home builder Steller Construction reports open layouts, multi-functional and energy efficient spaces, indoor-outdoor living spaces and spa-style bathrooms as popular renovation trends in Grove City. Tour one such new construction at The Courtyards at Mulberry Run where a home from Epcon Communities Inc. will www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Arts Alive! Be on the scene with Columbus arts, entertainment & style
be featured in this year’s Parade of Homes. An example of portico design, this twobedroom, two-bath home is located in a resort-style community and is described by the builder as “the perfect combination of efficiency and luxury.” Another Grove City home featured this year is located in Beulah Park. Presented by 3 Pillar Homes, this 3,225 square-foot home features four bedrooms, three-anda-half bathrooms, a three-car garage, walkin pantry and upstairs balcony connected to the primary suite. With the return of the BIA Parade of Homes to Grove City and other central Ohio communities, the showcase provides an opportunity not only for potential homebuyers, but also for those looking to renovate or sell. See the latest in home trends, whether you’re looking for storage solutions, ideas for creating your dream kitchen or for features that will make your home stand out. Abby Van Voorhis is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Home Trend Showdown: Patios vs. Decks With trends leaning toward more outdoor living spaces in recent years, the type of spaces seen in new construction have been changing. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), decks have been trending downward since 2008 whereas patios have seen an increase of 60 percent. In Ohio and its larger East North Central region, the NAHB reports 49 percent of 2024 new builds featured patios, while only 19 percent had decks. However, this trend differs regionally, with decks still dominating in New England and Mid-Atlantic states, and West South-Central states, such as Texas, having almost entirely patios. www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
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Around Grove City Photos courtesy of the City of Grove City
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Luxury Living what’s your style? Mike Laemmle (614) 312-0844
6455 London Groveport Rd. - Your own personal getaway on 8.72 wooded acres in Grove City, where Big Darby Creek, a private island, and direct access to Darby Creek Metro Park create an unmatched natural setting. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offers nearly 2,000 square feet, a finished basement, spacious primary suite, and large deck overlooking the woods. Minutes from shopping, dining, and downtown Columbus, this property offers endless potential and immediate privacy.
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Ryan Laemmle (614) 361-8080 3985 Richard Ave. - Move-in ready in one of Grove City’s most desirable neighborhoods! This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers waterproof laminate flooring, a freshly painted interior, an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and renovated bathrooms with Bluetooth speakers. Enjoy a first-floor owner’s suite, separate laundry/mudroom, newer HVAC, fenced backyard, and attached garage. Conveniently located near schools, Big Splash Pool, public transit, dining, and Historic Downtown Grove City, with immediate possession available.
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Don’t miss your opportunity to showcase your home listings to every homeowner in Grove City. Your listings will also appear in the digital edition of the magazine, hosted on the Discover Grove City home page: www.discovergrovecity.com
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Top homes sold in Grove City Homes in Grove City sold for a median price of $400,000 in May 2026, with prices increasing 2.5 percent from last year. Homes sold after 42 days on the market, the same as last year. A total of 232 homes were sold in May this year compared to 180 last year. All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office and Redfin.
3708 Beulah Park Ln. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $925,000 Sold 5/1/26
4945 Sheffield Way 4 beds, 3.5 baths $655,000 Sold 6/1/26
6007 Willow Aster Glen 4 beds, 2.5 baths $830,000 Sold 6/2/26
6044 Honey Farm Way 4 beds, 2.5 baths $615,000 Sold 6/24/26
4542 Bent Creek Pl. 3 beds, 3.5 baths $799,999 Sold 6/2/26
5932 Lavendar Field 2 beds, 2.5 baths $573,980 Sold 5/15/26
1331 Ironwood Dr. 4 beds, 3.5 baths $751,000 Sold 6/10/26
3584 Beulah Way 4 beds, 2.5 baths $565,000 Sold 6/23/26
6116 Sweet Basil Ln. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $733,599 Sold 6/16/26
4631 Barnwood Dr. 4 beds, 2.5 baths $560,000 Sold 6/25/26
1314 Blueberry Cove 4 beds, 2.5 baths $729,990 Sold 5/6/26
3688 Furlong Dr. 3 beds, 3 baths $560,000 Sold 6/12/26
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BOOKMARKS
Recommendations from Southwest Public Libraries – Grove City Library Learning is a lifelong adventure, and these books explore the many ways education shapes who we become. From magical classrooms and memorable teachers, to rediscovering forgotten dreams and embracing new skills later in life, these stories celebrate curiosity, resilience and the lessons that happen both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you’re starting a new school year or simply looking to learn something new, these titles remind us that education can change our lives in unexpected ways. Strangeville School Is Totally Normal (Juvenile Fiction) Written by Darcy Miller, Illustrated by Brett Helquist
Harvey Hill is hoping a fresh start at a new school will finally help him fit in. Instead, he discovers that Strangeville School is filled with unusual classmates, mysterious happenings and anything but ordinary experiences. Along the way, Harvey learns that being yourself may be far more important than being normal. Not Here to Be Liked (Teen Fiction) by Michelle Quach
When Eliza Quan is passed over for editor-in-chief of the school newspaper despite her qualifications, she channels her frustration into an essay that sparks a student-led feminist movement. As she is forced to work alongside the boy who got the position, Eliza discovers that leadership, activism and relationships are rarely as simple as they seem. Home Schooled: A Memoir (Nonfiction) by Stefan Merrill Block
After spending five formative years in an unconventional homeschooling environment, Stefan Merrill Block returns to public school feeling unprepared for the world around him. This thoughtful memoir explores family, education and the lasting impact of one mother’s determination to nurture her son’s creativity. A Deadly Education (Fantasy) by Naomi Novik
At Scholomance, graduation is never guaranteed. Students must survive deadly monsters, dangerous magic and one another if they hope to leave alive. El possesses extraordinary power, but uncovering the school’s secrets may be just as dangerous as the challenges lurking around every corner. The Most Likely Club (Fiction) by Elyssa Friedland
When four former classmates reunite years after high school, they realize the dreams they once had may still be within reach. Inspired by old memories and a little courage, they set out to prove that it is never too late to pursue new goals or rewrite your story. Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning (Nonfiction) by Tom Vanderbilt
What happens when you become a beginner again? Tom Vanderbilt spends a year learning everything from juggling to drawing while exploring the science and psychology of learning. His engaging journey reveals how embracing new challenges can enrich our lives at any age. Grove City Library hours:
For more information about hours and library services, please visit swpl.org Monday. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . . Noon-8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday . . 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday. . . . . . . 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . . Closed
30 September/October 2026
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GROVE CITY PARKS AND RECREATION
ACTIVITY GUIDE R
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
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PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
Welcome to the Activity Guide 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 ............................. bit.ly/GCPRSportsSS
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 SOCIAL MEDIA Grove City Parks and Recreation E Q @GroveCityParks City of Grove City EQ @GroveCityOhio 2
Grove City Parks & Rec.
• 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. www.GroveCityOhio.gov
GROVE CITY PARKS
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Preschool Center 2255 & 2259 Home Rd. George Edge Music Broadway at Park St. Grant-Sawyer Home 4126 Haughn Road Grove City Gold Star Families Memorial 3964 Columbus St.
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1 ! Park A Facility þ Northwest þ Southwest þ Northeast þ Southeast
* Southeast Conservation Club
õ Grove City Green Space õ Private Green Space õ Public Non-city Green Space õ School
Big Splash/Evans " The 2803 Southwest Blvd. # Blodwen 2352 Blodwen Circle Community $ Breck 3005 Demorest Rd. Lakes % Concord 3606 Lake Mead Dr. Lawless & Cread 3401 Kingston Ave. ' Creekside 2410 Holton Rd. ( Fryer 3899 Orders Rd. ) Gantz 2255 Home Rd. * Henceroth 2075 Mallow Lane Grove + Hennigans 5804 Paul Talbott Circle
www.GroveCityOhio.gov
Scioto Grove Metro Park
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/ 6 Run , Holton 5301 Demorest Dr. Crossing - Hoover 2880 Wynridge Dr./
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Murfin Trail Hoover Park 4629 Haughn Rd. Indian Trails 6190 Buckeye Pkwy. Keller Farms 1904 Michelle Ct. Meadowgrove 5601 Spring Hill Rd. The Park at Beulah 3700 Glacial Lane Pinnacle Area 2430 Holton Rd. Pinnacle Links North 1243 Pinnacle Club Dr. Pinnacle Links South 5014 Callum Way
Quarry 6 Pinnacle 970 Pinnacle Quarry Dr. Meadows 7 Scioto 432 Scioto Meadows Blvd. 8 Sesquicentennial 3247 Park St. 9 Skate 3728 Hoover Road : Swearingen 2601 Columbus Street Center Park ; Town 3359 Park Street Bluff < Walden Walden Bluff Ct. = Westgrove 3580 Magnolia St. > Windsor 4330 Dudley Ave./ 4408 Broadway/ Dream Field: 3400 Ventura Blvd.
Grove City Parks & Rec. 3
MAP
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
ADAPTIVE
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.
Bingo Night Win fun prizes in a supportive and friendly environment during an exciting evening of classic bingo designed for individuals with special needs! Guaranteed 20 cards of bingo. Companions are welcome to assist those who need extra support. $5 | Evans Multipurpose Room
• Youth Bingo | Ages: 8-17
• Mon., 10/7; 6-6:45 p.m.
• Adult Bingo | Ages: 18/up
• Mon., 10/21; 7-7:45 p.m.
Adaptive Karaoke | Ages: 8/up Enjoy a night of singing, dancing, friendship and refreshments! Take turns singing your favorite tunes or dancing to others in an inclusive atmosphere. Chaperones/guardians and peer buddies welcome. $5 | Evans Auditorium • Fri., 9/11; 6-7:30 p.m. • Fri., 9/25; 6-7:30 p.m. • Fri., 10/9; 6-7:30 p.m. • Fri., 10/23; 6-7:30 p.m.
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Registration opens: Mon., 8/17 4
Grove City Parks & Rec.
Geocaching | Ages: All Ages Go on an exciting treasure hunt designed for everybody and every ability! This beginner-friendly outdoor adventure features hidden clues and easy GPS tracking optimized for anyone new to the game. Each cache is strategically tucked along flat, paved or highly manageable paths. New coordinates each week: plug into www.geocaching.com or download the app. Free | Sites to Be Announced • Mon., 9/14 to 9/28; 10 a.m. • Mon., 10/5 to 10/26; 10 a.m.
Esports: Adaptive Mario Kart Night | Ages: 8/up Gamers of all abilities can win! Hit the track for an epic Mario Kart Night in our state-of-the-art esports room, where 4-8 racers compete for glory, bragging rights, and the checkered flag. Choose your driver, pick your kart, and battle it out across wild and wacky courses, from rainbow roads to mushroom highways. Expect: Thrilling multiplayer races, fierce rivalries, and non-stop fun in a professional esports setup built for competition. With multiple screens, toptier controllers, and the energy of a real race night.
Adaptive Cornhole | Ages: 8/up Learn the game, play with diverse teammates via random partner pairings, and enjoy structured social competition in a welcoming, inclusive space. Staff teach the rules of the game with custom adaptations provided. Roundrobin tournament style. No experience required. $10 | Brookpark Field • Thu., 9/3 to 9/17; 6-7 p.m. • Thu., 10/1 to 10/15; 6-7 p.m.
Adaptive Volleyball | Ages: 8/up Coaches guide players of all abilities through basic skills and drills with the goal of building confidence and playing a fun, beginner-level games. Knees pads provided or bring your own. $25 | Brookpark Gym Tue., 10/6 to 10/27; 6-7 p.m.
$10 | Kingston Room 5 • Sat., 10/24; 5:30-8:30 p.m. www.GroveCityOhio.gov
ADAPTIVE
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Adaptive Fishing Derby | Ages: All Ages Come cast a line, make new friends, and celebrate the joy of fishing! Grove City Parks and Rec. is partnering with Fishing Has No Boundaries for a fun-filled, inclusive experience. Anglers of all abilities enjoy the thrill of fishing in a supportive and accessible environment. Includes equipment, bait, lunch and awards. Participants are paired with trained volunteers for assistance. Caregivers must remain with minors or participants who need personal care or behavioral support. $5 | Fryer Park; Meet at Eagle Pavilion • Sat., 10/10; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Adaptive Fitness
Our Adaptive Fitness Series, in partnership with The Fitness Movement in Grove City, offers inclusive classes designed for individuals of all abilities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your fitness to the next level, each session is tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. These classes are open to everyone - people with disabilities as well as friends and family -- creating a supportive and empowering environment for all fitness levels. Join us to experience a fun, adaptive workout that fosters strength, confidence, and community.
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.
Adaptive POUND | Ages: 8/up Fusing cardio interval training with drumming provides a challenging, heart-pumping workout through constant up-and-down drumming targets your inner and outer thighs, butt, and core. Family and friends welcome to join. If 1:1 assistance is needed, we ask that a parent or caregiver stay in the class to assist.
Learn to Bike | Ages: 4-6 For riders 3-4 feet tall.
$30 | Kingston Gym • Thu., 9/8 to 9/29; 6-7 p.m.
$40 | Kingston Gym • Mon.-Fri., 9/14 to 9/18; 5:30-6:15 p.m. • Mon.-Fri., 9/14 to 9/18; 6:30-7:15 p.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.
Learn to Bike Clinics
Learn to Bike | Ages 7-15 For riders 4-6 feet tall. $40 | Kingston Gym • Mon.-Fri., 9/14 to 9/18; 5:30-6:15 p.m. • Mon.-Fri., 9/14 to 9/18; 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Free | Meet at the Museum & Welcome Center • Sat., 9/12; 9-10 a.m. • Thu., 9/24; 6-7 p.m. • Sat., 10/10; 9-10 a.m. • Thu., 10/22; 6-7 p.m.
Program Age Groups õ Adaptive õ Adult (18+) õ Preschool (1-5) õ 55+/Senior õ Youth (5-17) www.GroveCityOhio.gov
Grove City Parks & Rec. 5
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
TEAM SPORTS
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 Basketball - Register in October Players are taught the fundamentals of dribbling, shooting, passing, rebounding, defense, and the concept of game play. The curriculum incorporates teaching styles that help this age group build an understanding of the skills that are taught by utilizing fun terminology and engaging activities. Implementing these styles into game play while creating good sportsmanship.. » Boys: Grades K-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7-9, 9-10 and 11-12
» Girls: Grades K-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-9
◦ 8-games season. ◦ Practice begins week of Dec. 7. ◦ Season starts Sat., 1/9. ◦ $85 (NR: $90) ◦ South Western City Schools facilities
The 2026 Grove City Mayor's Pickleball Tournament benefiting LifeCare Alliance is Sat., 9/12 and Sun., 9/13 at the Park at Beulah. For details and to register, visit bit.ly/Pickleball26
Fall Pickleball Ladder League: Adult Women’s 3.5 & Under Designed specifically for female players looking to improve their game in a competitive yet supportive environment! Play three games to 15 points per week, competing against other women of similar skill while building camaraderie and pushing pickleball skills to the next level. ◦ 6-week season ◦ Mon., 9/14 to 10/19; 6-7 p.m. ◦ $30 (single) ◦ The Park at Beulah Pickleball Courts For more info on leagues, 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 featuring 12 high-powered PCs? Experience the exciting world of competitive video games or just hang out and play your favorites at the Kingston Center. For more information about open play times, codes of conduct and to register, visit bit.ly/gcpReg. 6
Grove City Parks & Rec.
Grove City Parks and Recreation is committed to encouraging everyone to enjoy team sports, building physical and social skills and developing good sportsmanship. Youth teams are formed with the goal of balanced competition. Youth sports require participation by all players on a team roster in every contest. www.GroveCityOhio.gov
SPORTS SKILLS
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Sports Skills Jump Bunch | Ages: 11/2 -3 with Adult Toddlers and their caregivers build coordination, balance, teamwork and motor skills during coach-led activities that introduce sports-readiness skills and foundation of fitness.
Music, Movement & Munchies | Ages: 2-5 Calling all littles and their caregivers! Join us for a fun morning of singing, dancing and body movement! Each program ends with a child-friendly snack.
$95 (NR: $97) | Kingston Gym • Tue., 9/8 to 10/13; 5:30-6 p.m.
$6 | Kingston Center
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 | Kingston Gym • Ages: 2-3: Tue., 9/8 to 10/13; 6-6:30 p.m. • Ages: 4-5: Tue., 9/8 to 10/13; 6:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
ZIP code does not determine residency. Search your home address at franklincountyauditor.com. Parcel IDs for resident addresses start with 040 or 160. www.GroveCityOhio.gov
• Rainbow Romp Theme: Wear your most colorful outfits. • Mon., 9/14; 10-11 a.m.
• Bear Hunt Theme: Bring your favorite Teddy bear/stuffie. • Mon., 9/28; 10-11 a.m.
• Ghosts & Giggles Theme: Wear your Halloween costume and be prepared to go through a not-so-spooky obstacle course. • Mon., 10/26; 10-11 a.m.
Program Age Groups õ Adaptive õ Adult (18+) õ Preschool (1-5) õ 55+/Senior õ Youth (5-17)
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Registration opens: Mon., 8/17 Grove City Parks & Rec. 7
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
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 & CAMP
Preschool
PARK | Grades K-4
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 facility built with nature-based learning for young children in mind.
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.
RecSchool
Call 614-277-3050 for availability.
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. Offerings include one, two or three days per week options.
The program does not meet when SWCS are closed, including planned days off and cancellations for inclement weather. 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.
For info including availability for the September-May 2026-2027 school year, 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.
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Grove City Parks & Rec.
Spaces are limited for our popular preschool and childcare program, so don't delay! Register at bit.ly/gcpReg. www.GroveCityOhio.gov
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Family Fun Learning Together
A is for Apple | Ages: 2-3 with Adult During an apple-packed adventure, discover the many colors, textures and tastes of apples while building key early learning skills through stories, songs and hands-on activities.
L is for Leaves | Ages: 2-3 with Adult Discover the wonderful world of leaves while practicing key early learning skills during a leaf-filled adventure! Learn via stories, songs, sensory play and hands-on exploration.
$40 (NR: $45) | Gantz Preschool Center • Tue., 9/8 to 9/29; 6-7 p.m.
$40 (NR: $45) | Gantz Preschool Center • Tue., 10/6 to 10/27; 6-7 p.m.
Parents’ Night Out! | Ages: 5-10 Parents 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
• Gross & Gooey Science Conduct disgusting science experiments, create edible art, and have a wacky time in the gym. • Fri., 9/11; 6:30-9:30 p.m.
• Monster Mash Create your own stuffed monster, play a ghoulish gym game, eat dinner, then watch a monster movie! • Fri., 10/9; 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Park After Dark | Ages: 4/up Take a twilight walk in the woods. Make a festive treat, visit a moth station, get a glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoo and pose for a photo! Register whole family; no fee for age 3 and younger. $5 | Henceroth Park Trail Head • Fri., 10/23; 6-7:30 p.m.
www.GroveCityOhio.gov
Home School Programming | Ages: 6-12 with Adult
Home-school families socialize, connect and engage in educational, creative and physical activities. Students (grades K-6) with an adult explore monthly themes and spend time indoors and out.
Blast into Space Families come together for learning and exploration! Experience a dive into the exciting world of SPACE! Register the child only. $10 (NR: $12) | Boso Pavilion, The Park at Beulah • Thu., 9/17; 1-3 p.m.
Ewww, Gross! Families come together for learning and exploration! Prepare for some fun and educational lessons that are silly, gross and hands-on! Register the child only. $10 (NR: $12) | Kingston Room 2 • Thu., 10/15; 10 a.m.-Noon
Open Art
$5 | Kingston Room 2
• Mini Canvas Create your mini masterpiece with friends. The canvas may be small, but your imagination isn’t! • Tue., 9/22; 10-10:30 a.m.
• Clay Ghosts Create your own holiday decor, by rolling and decorating your own ghoulish clay creation! • Tue., 10/20; 10-10:30 a.m.
Open Gym Enjoy guided recreational games. $5 | Kingston Gym • Tue., 9/22; 10:30-11:15 a.m. • Tue., 10/20; 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Grove City Parks & Rec. 9
GROUP ACTIVITIES
Children build confidence and practice skills while gaining comfort in a classroom setting. Families explore, play and learn side-by-side, as kids develop social-emotional skills and form friendships. Ideal for busy and working families. Dress to get messy.
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
Karate & Yoga Yoga Relax the body and calm the mind through Hatha yoga posture with breathing techniques. $22 (NR: $24) | Evans Auditorium • Tue., 9/1 to 9/22; 6-7 p.m.; No class: 9/29 • Tue., 10/6 to 10/27; 6-7 p.m.
Square Dance: Basic Join the Grove City Western Squares and learn to square dance for fun, friendship, and fitness. Instructor and caller teach basic calls as GCWS members help guide you along. Learn the basic moves in this first set of lessons. Try the first lesson for free. Couples and singles welcome! $20 (NR: $25) | Evans Auditorium • Mon., 9/14 to 11/23; 7-9 p.m.
Karate
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. Classes are targeted to development levels. Wear comfortable clothing and socks, and bring a water bottle.
KARATE/YOGA
Parent-Child Karate Parent and child learn basic movement drills and develop proper kata (form) together. $60 (NR: $65) | Kingston Gym
• Preschool Karate | Ages: 4 with Adult • Thu., 9/10 to 10/15; 10-10:30 a.m.
• Pre-K Karate | Ages: 5 with Adult
• Thu., 9/10 to 10/15; 10:30-11 a.m.
Karate Peewee Beginner | Ages: 4-7 Move from basic movements to proper kata (form) through non-contact sparring. $60 (NR: $65) | Kingston Gym • Wed., 9/9 to 10/14; 5-5:30 p.m. • Mon., 9/14 to 10/26; 5-5:30 p.m.; No class: 10/12
Karate Peewee Advanced | Ages: 4-7 Build on the basics with added emphasis on concentration, confidence, discipline and the martial arts philosophy. $60 (NR: $65) | Kingston Gym • Wed., 9/9 to 10/14; 5:30-6 p.m. • Mon., 9/14 to 10/26; 5:30-6 p.m.; No class: 10/12
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Grove City Parks & Rec.
Family Karate: Beginner | Ages: 8/up Develop proper kata (form) through non-contact sparring after perfecting basic movements through drills. This program encourages family participation and learning. Register all families members. $70 (NR: $75) | Kingston Gym • Wed., 9/9 to 10/14; 6-7 p.m. • Mon., 9/14 to 10/26; 6-7 p.m.; No class: 10/12
Karate Adult Advanced Learn controlled movements and martial arts principles while building focus and confidence. Practice proper kata (forms) and non-contact sparring after mastering basic movements through drills. Classes are tailored to skill level. $70 (NR: $75) | Kingston Gym • Wed., 9/9 to 10/14; 7-8 p.m. • Mon., 9/14 to 10/26; 7-8 p.m. No class: 10/12.
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Registration opens: Mon., 8/17 www.GroveCityOhio.gov
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
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. Experience hands-on learning in an operating vegetable and flower garden. Make garden creations while following the cycles of a garden.
Garden Harvest Party | Ages: 6-9 Pick ripe produce and flowers from the Sprouts garden and make a recipe with seasonal ingredients. Past “snacktivities” have been pickles, berry compote, quesadillas and green pesto macaroni. Laney Ticknor instructs. $15 (NR: $20) | Gantz Farmhouse • Wed., 9/9; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Harvest Pizza Party | Ages: 6-9 Roll out your own dough, make tomato sauce, and top with Gantz Garden herbs and vegetables. Laney Ticknor instructs. $15 (NR: $20) | Gantz Farmhouse • Wed., 10/7; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Participate in the Keep Grove City Beautiful Cleanup on Sat., 9/12, 9 a.m.-noon. For details, visit: grovecityohio.gov/calendar
Program Age Groups õ Adaptive õ Adult (18+) õ Preschool (1-5) õ 55+/Senior õ Youth (5-17) www.GroveCityOhio.gov
Adult Arts & Crafts at Gantz Farmhouse
Learn new crafts ideas, produce unique handmade projects while enjoying a social environment with like-minded participants.
Pressed Flower & Leaf Candle Lanterns Decoupage fall flowers and leaves onto a trio of recycled glass jars, adding a rustic twine handle and battery votives to create mellow fall accent lighting. Use indoors or on the patio. Mary Jane LaLonde instructs. $20 (NR: $25) | Gantz Farmhouse • Thu., 9/10; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Front Porch Cement Pumpkins Using pantyhose, twine and cement, create the cutest pumpkins to add to your fall decor. Painted or left natural, these weatherproof pumpkins look great with a natural stem, tendrils and leaves. Mary Jane LaLonde instructs. $30 (NR: $35) | Gantz Farmhouse • Sat., 10/10; 10-11:30 a.m.
Adult Culinary at Gantz Farmhouse
Engage in hands-on learning experiences and different cooking methods, while focusing on a specific area or theme.
Tinctures and Bitters Harvest from the Garden and make your own herbal tinctures and bitter liqueurs. Jamie Thompson instructs.
Fire Cider & Elderberry Syrup Stock your winter apothecary with these immune-boosting staples from the garden. Jamie Thompson instructs.
$20 (NR: $25) | Gantz Farmhouse • Tue., 9/15; 6:30-8 p.m.
$20 (NR: $25) | Gantz Farmhouse • Tue., 10/20; 6:30-8 p.m.
Healthy Breakfast Cookies Need quick, nutritious breakfasts everyone will love? Try three variations of make-ahead breakfast cookies that incorporate healthy ingredients such as fruits, grains and seeds. Make and take home a dozen along with the recipes. Mary Jane LaLonde instructs.
Learn to Make Lepinja, Balkan Flat Bread This delicious pita-like flat bread has a soft interior and browned crust, great to pack with fillings. Taste some with ajvar (red pepper spread), cucumbers and yogurt, and also make a batch to take home. Mary Jane LaLonde instructs.
$20 (NR: $25) | Gantz Farmhouse • Sat., 9/19; 10 a.m.-Noon
$20 (NR: $25) | Gantz Farmhouse • Sat., 10/24; 10 a.m.-Noon Grove City Parks & Rec. 11
EXPLORE NATURE
Gantz Kids Gardening
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
Games Dungeons & Dragons Campaign Create characters and navigate a fantasy world in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a cooperative, storytelling tabletop roleplaying game. Develop your characters over time, continue to build skills, and get a better understanding of the game. All materials provided; bring pencil and paper, if desired. $78 | Kingston Room 4
• Youth | Ages: 10-13
• Tue., 9/8 to 10/13; 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Teen | Ages: 13-17
• Thu., 9/10 to 10/15; 5:30-8:30 p.m.
General Education First Aid/CPR/AED for Adults Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone. Be ready to save a life! Learn lifesaving techniques in a handson, instructor-led course: recognize and respond to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies for adults. Participants receive an American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certification upon successful completion. $35 (NR: $40) | Evans Multipurpose Room • Sat., 10/3; 9 a.m.-12:30 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 • Wed., 10/7 to 10/28; 6-7:30 p.m.
EDUCATION
Program Age Groups õ Adaptive õ Adult (18+) õ Preschool (1-5) õ 55+/Senior õ Youth (5-17) 12
Grove City Parks & Rec.
Standardized Test Prep
Aiming for college readiness and higher scores as you plan to take the ACT 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.
ACT Boot Camp | Ages: 14-19 Build confidence and test-taking strategies in English, math, reading and science. Perfect for students in grades 9-12 aiming for higher scores who will take the ACT in the next three months. Requires Google Classroom and GroupMe for out-of-class assignments and communication. Note: class can be taken digitally or on paper. Bring a notebook and pencil, and laptop or Chrome book, if possible. $75 | Brookpark Room 3 • Fri., 9/18; 6-8:30 p.m.
ACT Prep Course | Ages: 14-19 For a more intensive preparatory experience to boost your performance on the ACT, this weekly course is for you. Interactive lessons and practice tests help high-school students develop test-taking strategies in the English, math, reading and science sections. Participants must use Google Classroom and GroupMe for out-of-class assignments and communication. Register by 5 p.m., 9/13. Complete a practice test prior to class. $275 | Brookpark Room 3 • Mon., 9/14 to 10/5; 6-8 p.m.
For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Registration opens: Mon., 8/17 www.GroveCityOhio.gov
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
DAILY ACTIVITIES MONDAY-FRIDAY 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Fitness Room $
MONDAY Senior Exercise $ Indoor Cornhole Bridge Chair Volleyball
6:30 p.m.
Parkinson’s Care Giver Support Group (1st Mon.)
7 p.m.
Western Squares $
TUESDAY 10 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 2 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m.
Tai Chi $ LifeCare Alliance Lunch$ Showstoppers Practice Yoga $ Alzheimer’s Support Group (3rd Tue.)
WEDNESDAY 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Noon 1 p.m.
Senior Exercise$ Loss Support (2nd Wed.) Crafts, Creativity & Conversations (4th Wed.) LifeCare Alliance Lunch$ Center Updates Q&A (1st Wed.) Chair Volleyball
THURSDAY 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1 p.m.
S.A.L.T. Meeting (2nd Thu.) Senior Yoga$ LifeCare Alliance Lunch$ Bingo Euchre
FRIDAY 11 a.m.Red Cross Blood Drive 5 p.m. (1st & 3rd Fri.) 12:30 p.m. Bridge $ Associated Fee www.GroveCityOhio.gov
Evans Center 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.
Tailgate Party
Football is back, and we are celebrating with a tailgate party! Wear your favorite team gear and show off your ultimate team devotion. Come ready to party, talk some game-day strategy, and eat some seriously good food. $17▲ | Evans Multipurpose Room • Fri., 9/11; 1-3 p.m.
Fall Fest
Celebrate the season with friends, food, and fun at the Evans Center Fall Fest! Join us for an afternoon of crisp autumn air, lively community spirit, and a delicious spread of seasonal favorites. $17▲ | Evans Multipurpose Room • Fri., 10/9; 1-3 p.m. For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Registration opens to the public: Mon., 8/17 Evans Center member early registration opens: Fri., 8/14 Evans Center Activity Key ¤ Minibus transportation ∆ Member benefit | ▲ $2 off member discount Walking: Easy | Moderate | Active Evans Center 13
PARTIES
9 a.m. 10 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1 p.m.
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
Off-site Day Trips ¤ ∆
Experience the best the region offers with friends from the Evans Center. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time.
First Responders Tribute Tour: Standing with Our Heroes
Step into the boots of the brave: experience a deeply moving journey through central Ohio’s public safety history. Walk the sacred grounds of revered first responder memorials together to ensure their legacies are never forgotten. $22▲ | Departs the Evans Center • Thu., 9/10; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ohio State Stadium Tour
Enter the inner sanctum of college football royalty with the ultimate Ohio Stadium VIP Tour! This exclusive, all-access pass drops you directly into the heart of “The Shoe,” unleashing over a century of legendary Buckeye history and high-energy tradition. Don’t just see the stadium, experience it like the players, coaches and media VIPs on game day. $48▲ | Departs the Evans Center • Tue., 9/15; 9:15 a.m.-4 p.m.
TRIPS
The Evans Center serves a variety of activity levels. An off-site trip may involve a lot of walking or few chances to rest. Please check the Easy 14
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Take an exciting adventure: explore new places, share unforgettable experiences, and make wonderful memories. Bring your curiosity and discover the amazements that await. $20▲ | Departs the Evans Center • Tue., 9/22; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Snooty Fox
Discover the thrill of treasure hunting at Cincinnati’s Snooty Fox Consignment Shops with fun, fashion and fabulous finds! Dive into an ever-changing selection of gently used designer clothing, one-of-a-kind furniture, dazzling decorative items, unique jewelry, chic handbags, and must-have accessories. Includes drinks, snacks and boxed lunch with dessert. $27▲ | Departs the Evans Center • Thu., 10/1; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Carillon Park
Step back in time for an ultimate Dayton day trip packed with unforgettable history, worldchanging inventions, and historic craft beer. This massive 65-acre open-air museum is a playground for curious minds, celebrating the brilliant technology, transportation and innovation that changed the world forever. $27▲ | Departs the Evans Center • Wed., 10/14; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
color before registering.
Moderate
Grove City Parks & Rec.
Mystery Trip
|
Active www.GroveCityOhio.gov
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
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.
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. • Hofbrauhaus ($$) Thu., 9/3 • Rusty Keg ($) Wed., 9/16 • Olympic Diner ($) Wed., 9/30 • Morgan House ($$) Tue., 10/6 • Nutcracker ($) Wed., 10/21 Supper Club: 4-8 p.m. • Bonefish Grill ($$) Tue., 9/8 • Matt the Miller ($$) Thu., 9/24 • Hickory House ($$) Thu., 10/15 • El Asadero Mexican Bar & Grill ($$) Thu., 10/29
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 Multipurpose Room • Wed., 11:30 a.m.
Senior Produce Stand
Dive into the freshest seasonal bounty while supporting Elfrink Farms, a local grower. • Thu., 9/3, 9/17, 10/1 & 10/15; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. www.GroveCityOhio.gov
The Price Is Right
Come on down! Play The Price Is Right with your host, Oak Street Health. Have game-show style fun and learn more about primary care options for adults on Medicare. Free | Evans Multipurpose Room • Fri., 9/25; 1-2:30 p.m.
Movie Fun
Join us for movie days in the Evans Center theater. Enjoy fresh popcorn and the emotion of the surrounding crowd.
I Can Only Imagine 2 (2026 • PG)
MercyMe’s Bart Millard is living the dream with sold-out arenas, devoted fans and a thriving career after a hit song. But his past soon threatens family bonds, especially with his son. Free | Evans Multipurpose Room • Fri., 10/2; 1-3 p.m.
Registration opens to the public: Mon., 8/17 Evans Center member early registration: Fri., 8/14
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. Evans Center 15
FOOD & FUN
Dining Trips ¤ ∆
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
Education
Maintain a keen mind while learning strategies to cope with the challenges of aging.
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., 9/2; Noon • Wed., 10/7; Noon
S.A.L.T.
EDUCATION
Grove City Division of Police informs and advocate for older citizens. Teri Ruslander, elder services coordinator, coordinates. Free | Evans Multipurpose Room • Rick Steller, Ohio Dept. of Public Safety,: Senior Advocacy and Fraud Prevention Protect your digital life. Learn about password security, Bitcoin, antivirus software, and scam detection. Thu., 9/10; 10-11 a.m. • Charles Angersbach, Ohio Attorney General's Health and Fraud Unit,: Fraud Discover how state agencies investigate elder fraud. Learn about long-term care protection and reporting resources. Thu., 10/8; 10-11 a.m.
16
Grove City Parks & Rec.
Fall Prevention: Risk Factors and Actionable Strategies
Reduce the risk of falls, the leading cause of injury among older adults, through environmental adaptations, physical wellness and clinical awareness. Learn expert home safety practices to integrate from Tonya Kreml, Transitioning Your Senior, LLC, and community first-responder insights from paramedic Adam Gatten, Jackson Township CARES. Free | Evans Multipurpose Room • Mon., 9/21; 1-2 p.m.
Digital Literacy & Intergenerational Connections
South Western City Schools high school students assist seniors in using mobile devices to complete digital tasks. The hands-on session covers using smartphones, navigating social media, accessing online grocery services, making appointments, organizing digital photos and more. Free | Evans Multipurpose Room • Wed., 9/30; 10 a.m.-Noon
Adult Classes
Check the rest of the Activity Guide for fun classes and programs that might interest you like cooking, herb garden and art. www.GroveCityOhio.gov
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Our brains change as we age, but cognitive decline is not inevitable. Strengthen memory, focus and logical reasoning through an evidence-based blend of physical movement, creative arts, strategic game play, mindfulness, and actionable habits. Free | Evans Multipurpose Room • Mon., 10/5; 11 a.m.-Noon
Seasonal Mental Wellness with Aging Adults
Shorter winter days can lower energy and alter sleep in older adults. Examine seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in seniors as Dr. Demetra Taylor explains the signs and causes of winter blues. Learn simple, everyday ways to help stay healthy and happy this winter. Free | Evans Multipurpose Room • Fri., 10/23; 1-2 p.m.
Lunch & Learn
Learn ways to enrich your life while enjoying a tasty lunch.
Empower Aging: Legal & Healthcare Planning
Learn the essentials of estate planning, powers of attorney, advance directives, long-term care planning and Medicaid while gaining peace of mind and valuable tips to protect your wishes and your loved ones. www.GroveCityOhio.gov
Complex topics are made clear, approachable and empowering through an easy-tounderstand presentation. Bring questions. $7 | Evans Multipurpose Room • Fri., 9/4; 1-2 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., 9/10 & 10/8; 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Hearing Checks
Walk-in tests with Catherine Grewell of Hearing Life. Free | Evans Classroom • Tue., 9/8 & 10/13; 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., 9/22 & 10/27; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Evans Center 17
EDUCATION & HEALTH
Brain Health & Memory Boosting
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
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., 9/9 & 10/14; 10-11 a.m.
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Facilitator: Paula Tallafario Free | Evans Classroom • Tue., 9/15 & 10/20; 7 p.m.
Parkinson's Care
Facilitator: Kathy Hakes Free | Evans Classroom • Mon., 10/5; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Breast Cancer Survivor Group Facilitator: Ruth Svarda. Free | Evans Classroom • Tue., 9/15 & 10/20; 10-11 a.m.
Bible Study
SUPPORT & GAMES
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; 1-2 p.m.; No class: 9/28
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Grove City Parks & Rec.
Games
Keep your mind, fine-motor and social skills sharp through some friendly competition.
Euchre
Show off your card-playing skills, taking tricks and making friends. Bring $1 for prizes. Free | Evans Rec Room • Thu., 9/3 to 9/24; 1-3 p.m. • Thu., 10/1 to 10/29; 1-3 p.m.
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., 9/3 to 9/24; 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. • Thu., 10/1 to 10/29; 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Arts & Crafts
Express your creativity and keep your mind and fingers nimble.
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., 9/14 to 9/28; 9 a.m.-Noon • Mon., 10/5 to 10/26; 9 a.m.-Noon No class: 10/12
www.GroveCityOhio.gov
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
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. Linda Latella leads. $15 | Evans Classroom • Mon., 9/28; 1-3 p.m. • Mon., 10/26; 1-3 p.m.
Crafts, Creativity & Conversations
Complete fun art projects with step-by-step guidance while enjoying the company of others. $15 | Evans Classroom • Wed., 9/23; 10 a.m.-Noon
Dance & Fitness
Keep your body and mind agile: groove to the rhythm, follow directions, react to ball movement while interacting with others.
Ballroom Dance
Dance with structured step patterns, elegant postures and synchronized, graceful movements. Partner not needed. $25 | Evans Auditorium • Wed., 9/2 to 9/23; 11-11:45 a.m. • Wed., 10/7 to 10/28; 11-11:45 a.m.
Square Dance: Basics | Ages: 18/up
Join the Grove City Western Squares and learn to square dance for fun, friendship, and fitness. Instructor and caller teach basic calls as GCWS members help guide you along. Learn the basic moves in this first set of lessons. Try the first lesson for free. Couples and singles welcome! $20 (NR: $25) | Evans Auditorium • Mon., 9/14 to 11/23; 7-9 p.m.
Chair Volleyball
Played while seated with a lightweight beach ball, this game fosters physical wellness, upperbody mobility, social interaction, competition and laughter! Free | Evans Auditorium • Mon., Wed., 9/2 to 9/30; 1-2:30 p.m.; No class: 9/7 • Mon., Wed., 10/5 to 10/28; 1-2:30 p.m.; No class: 10/12
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., 9/2 to 9/30; 9-10 a.m. No class: 9/7 • Mon., Wed., 10/5 to 10/28; 9-10 a.m. No class: 10/12
Senior Tai Chi
Build balancing energy using slow, mindful movements to energize and increase flexibility. $18 | Evans Auditorium • Tue., 9/1 to 9/22; 10-11 a.m.; No class: 9/29 • Tue., 10/6 to 10/27; 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., 9/3 to 9/24; 11 a.m. – Noon • Thu., 10/1 to 10/22; 11 a.m.-Noon No class: 10/29
Line Dance
www.GroveCityOhio.gov
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. Closed Mon., 9/7 & 10/12. Evans Center 19
ARTS & FITNESS
Discover the joy of dance in a fun, social setting with UCWDC instructor Mike Gasson. Build confidence, stay active and connect with others as you learn two-three dances per session. Beginner-friendly. No partner needed. $25 (NR: $27) | Evans Auditorium • Wed., 9/9 to 9/30; 6-7:30 p.m. • Wed., 10/7 to 10/28; 6-7:30 p.m.
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
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
Walk-up Shelters
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
• 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.
Gantz Park Large Shelter
Windsor Park Large Shelter
Windsor Park Baseball for All/ Dream Field Shelter
Size 1,800 square feet Picnic Tables 12 (2 ADA) Rental Times & Fees 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR) Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)
Size 1,500 square feet Picnic Tables 13 (2 ADA) Rental Times & Fees 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR) Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)
Size 1,500 square feet Picnic Tables 8 (8 ADA) Rental Times & Fees 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR) Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)
Gantz Park Small Shelter
Gantz Park Gazebo
Park at Beulah Shelter
Size Picnic Tables
Size Picnic Tables
Size 1,800 square feet Picnic Tables 8 (2 ADA) Rental Times & Fees 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR) Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)
850 square feet 6
Rental Times & Fees
9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $50 ($75 NR) Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $90 ($125 NR) 20
Grove City Parks & Rec.
500 square feet 0
Rental Times & Fees
9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $50 ($75 NR) Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $90 ($125 NR)
For details on four-season pavilions, visit bit.ly/GCFacilityRentals
www.GroveCityOhio.gov
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
PAVILIONS
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
Eagle Pavilion Fryer Park, 3670 Discovery Drive
Monday-Thursday Rental Fees
Rental Fees
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-10 p.m.: $600 • 9 a.m.-10 p.m.: $1,000
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-10 p.m.: $360 • 9 a.m.-10 p.m.: $700
Friday, Saturday and Sunday Rental Fees
Maximum capacity: 120 persons.
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-10 p.m.: $1,200 • 9 a.m.-10 p.m.: $2,000
Other Restrictions
Maximum capacity: 150 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.
• Renter is responsible for the actions of and damages caused by guests and agents arranged by them. Rental requires a refundable damage deposit.
• Food and beverage services must be provided by a preferred caterer.
• Alcohol service in Eagle Pavilion may only 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.
• 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.
www.GroveCityOhio.gov
• 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.
Grove City Parks & Rec. 21
PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A C T I V I T Y G U I D E
PARK DEVELOPMENT
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.
Windsor Park • Concession, restroom and operations improvements. • Drainage improvements to the Babbert Way storm sewer. • Resurfacing/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.
Grant-Sawyer Home • Carriage House renovation including new roof and window replacement.
2026 Completed Projects
Pinnacle Quarry Park (2026) • Installation of lighting for courts. • Landscaping and planting.
Pinnacle Quarry Park • Playground, pickleball courts, basketball court, shelter/restroom, parking and shared-use paths.
Scioto Meadows Park (2026) • Basketball court renovation, walking path improvements, expanded shelter area, new seating and swing, playground enhancements, and potential pollinator garden.
Skate Park • Repainting of bowl
Town Center Park (planning/design stage) • Development of a multifunctional park space to support community events, daily use and enhanced connectivity including a playground and plumbed restrooms. • 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.
Gantz Park • Garden of the 5 Senses
Windsor Park • Replacement of playground (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.
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Grove City Parks & Rec.
Park Areas þ Northwest þ Southwest
þ Northeast þ Southeast www.GroveCityOhio.gov
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Registration bit.ly/gcpReg 24-7 Credit card only Drop Box, 3226 Kingston Ave. (Rear) 24-7 Check or money order
Ages 1-54
Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday Credit card, cash, money order, check
Ages 55+
Evans Center, 4330 Dudley Ave. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday Credit card, cash, money order, check
Payment Methods • 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. www.GroveCityOhio.gov
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. Grove City Parks & Rec. 23
P U B L I C S E R V I C E D E PA R T M E N T | S E P T E M B E R - O C TO B E R 2 0 2 6
FIRST COLLECTION
Area
Date
1
Oct. 19-23
2
Oct. 26-30
3
Nov. 2-6
4
Nov. 9-13
4
LEAF COLLECTION
Date
1
Nov. 16-20
2
Nov. 30-Dec. 4
3
Dec. 7-11
4
Dec. 14-18
1
2
SECOND COLLECTION
Area
3
3 2
1 1
2026 Leaf Collection Schedule Important Collection Tips Please have leaves raked and placed for pickup by 7 a.m., Monday of your designated week. • Crews begin collecting leaves on Monday of your designated week, and work through the area for the remainder of the week. • Rake leaves to the grassy area between the street and sidewalk or to the front edge of your lawn for streets without sidewalks. Leaves will not permanently damage the lawn. • Help keep leaves out of the street gutter, away from storm drains, ravines and streams. • Avoid parking vehicles in front of leaf piles, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., during your collection week. • Bagged leaves cannot be collected as part of this service. • Leaves are accepted year-round when placed in yard waste bags/containers as part of regular trash pickup by Local Waste Services. • A greener alternative is to mulch leaves with a mower to provide a natural fertilizer. For more information, view the FAQs at bit.ly/gcLeafCollection or contact the Grove City Service Department at 614-277-1100. Visit bit.ly/gcGISLeaf to locate your street on the map and confirm collection area. 24
Public Service Department
www.GroveCityOhio.gov
P U B L I C S E R V I C E D E PA R T M E N T | S E P T E M B E R - O C TO B E R 2 0 2 6
Proper Disposal of Yard Waste
September and October offer perfect conditions for clearing out the last remnants of spring and summer annuals, raking or mulching leaves and prepping your property for winter. Ensure you know how to properly handle the yard waste left behind.
Leaf Collection • Grove City offers residential collection of loose leaves raked to the curb each year mid-October through mid-December. View page 24 for a map, schedule and procedures. • Leaves can also be bagged and placed at the curb with other yard waste as part of regular refuse collection.
Yard Waste
Through the collection contract with Local Waste Services, residents can place contained yard waste at the curb on their normal collection day. Accepted Yard Waste • Grass, bush and shrub cuttings, leaves, garden growth and vines. • Tree limbs or branches less than four feet in length and two inches in diameter or less. (It is recommended to prune trees in the spring.) • Do NOT include food waste, rocks or dirt. Food waste can be deposited in the composting collection bins at 2831 Southwest Blvd. Acceptable Containers/Binding • Bundle items with twine or fiber string or place in biodegradable paper bags. • Place loose items in a sturdy, rigid container clearly marked “yard waste only” that can be easily dumped. Yard-waste container stickers are available at City Hall and the Public Service Department. • Plastic and metal cannot be processed, so do not use wire, plastic strips, plastic bags or flower pots to hold materials. Yard Waste Collection Rules • There is a maximum 50-pound limit for containers/bundles. • Place at curb on your collection day by 7 a.m., but no earlier than 5 p.m. the day before. • Residents are responsible for cleaning the area if bags break due to weather, animals or unstable containers. www.GroveCityOhio.gov
Fall Special Collections SWACO Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Sat., 9/26, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Kingston Center Bring materials for proper disposal including gasoline, lighter fluid, pool chemicals; fluorescent light bulbs; propane tanks under 20 pounds; batteries; corrosives (e.g., drain cleaner); and oil-based liquid or spray paint. Shredding Day (Residential) Sat., 9/26, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Park Street Intermediate School, 3205 Park St. Drop off personal papers for safe destruction by Ohio Mobile Shredding. Limit five boxes/bags per resident. Great Pumpkin Disposal Sun., 11/1 - Mon., 11/30 Fryer Park, front parking lot Drop off pumpkins and gourds only for environmentally friendly disposal. Collection may end early if capacity is reached. Reminder: Local Waste Services trash pickup is delayed one day for Labor Day, Mon., 9/7.
Contact
Grove City Public Service 3262 Ventura Blvd.
614-277-1100 Hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Public Service Department
25
SERVICE
Public Service Department
DIVISION OF POLICE | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2026
Grove City Division of Police School Bus Safety
As a new school year starts, it is important to talk with children about school bus safety. Here are some tips: • Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early. • Stand at least 10 feet from the edge of the road (five giant steps back). • Wait until the bus fully stops, the door opens and the driver gives his/ her okay before stepping onto the bus. • Make eye contact with the bus driver to ensure you see each other. Walk in front of the bus, never behind it. • Ensure clothing and bags with drawstrings, straps or dangling objects do not catch in the door or handrail when exiting a bus. • Stop and look left-right-left before crossing the street.
Bike & E-Scooter Safety
According to Nationwide Children's Hospital, trauma cases involving bicycles and scooters increased 170% from 2023-2024 and 110% from 2024-2025. These figures do not represent all injuries. Together, we can help make our roads and neighborhoods safer for everyone. As e-bikes and e-scooters become more common, following a few simple safety habits can help prevent serious injuries.
POLICE
Riders • Wear a properly fitted helmet. • Ride at a safe speed. • Learn basic laws of the road. • Obey traffic signs and signals. • Stay alert and make yourself visible.
Drivers • Watch for riders, especially near parks, schools, trails and neighborhoods. • Give cyclists and scooter riders plenty of space. • Slow down where children may be present.
October Is Pedestrian Safety Month
Road safety starts with us, Grove City! The Grove City Division of Police reminds everyone to stay alert and share the road responsibly. Let’s work together to keep our streets safe for our community. • Drivers: Always look out for pedestrians, especially at crosswalks, obey all traffic laws, follow speed limits and watch for school zones. • Pedestrians: Be visible. Wear reflective or bright clothing at night or in low-light conditions. • Give your full attention, no matter if walking, riding a bike, scooter or motorcycle, or driving a golf cart or car. Don’t be distracted; put the phone away until you reach your destination! 26
Division of Police
Make Your Halloween Safe
Halloween means decorating, dressing up and enjoying events, but it comes with special hazards. Children • Be visible! Include bright or reflective elements in your costume and/or carry a flashlight or glow stick. • Avoid costumes that make it hard to see or be seen. • Follow traffic laws, cross at corners and crosswalks when possible, and look both ways. Adults • If distributing treats, turn on a porch light 6-8 p.m., Thu., 10/29. • Make sure your sidewalk is clear of cars and other obstacles. • Take extra care when driving. Watch for foot traffic and excited kids not used to being out after dark.
Find the Right Seat
National Seat Check Saturday is Sept. 26. Ohio's child passenger laws (ORC 4511.81) mandate that a child under 40 pounds must ride in a safety seat. Ensure your child’s seat it is the proper size and offers the most security. Visit NHTSA.gov/ TheRightSeat to learn more.
Contact
Grove City Safety Complex 3360 Park St. • Emergency: 911 • Non-emergency: 614-277-1710 • Public Records: 614-277-1714 • Fax: 614-277-1717 • Mayor’s Court: 614-277-1715 www.GroveCityOhio.gov