Discover Grove City May/June 2025

Helping Heroes Heal

Firefighter Tom Bolin opens up to help other first responders

BEFORE Botox AFTER Botox

On the cover: Lt. Bolin and his wife, Lynn

Photo courtesy of Doug Rider

What’s Happening?

Thurs., May 1

Blast Off Into Summer with COSI

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Beulah Pavilion, 3700 Glacial Ln. www.grovecityohio.gov

Thurs.-Sun., May 1-4

Little Theatre Off Broadway presents Jane Eyre the Musical

Thurs.: 7:30 p.m.

Fri. and Sat.: 8 p.m. Sun.: 3 p.m.

Little Theatre Off Broadway 3981 Broadway www.ltob.org

Town Center Summer Events

Fitness in the Park

Thursdays, 6-7 p.m.

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

June 5, 12, 19, 26 www.grovecityohio.gov

Heart of Grove City Food Truck Festival & Shop Hop

Fridays, 4-9 p.m.

May 9, 23

June 6, 20 www.heartofgrovecity.org

Movies in the Park

Wednesdays, 8 p.m.

June 18, Paddington in Peru

June 25, A Bug’s Life  www.grovecityohio.gov

Summer Concert Series

Fridays, 7-8:30 p.m.

May 23, Grove City Community Winds

June 6, The Conspiracy Band

June 13, Cedar Brothers

June 20, These Guys Live www.grovecityohio.gov

Do you have an event you would like to submit?

Send details and photos to rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Fri.-Sun., May 2-4

Central Crossing Theatre Department presents Descendants

Fri. and Sat.: 7 p.m. Sun.: 2 p.m.

Central Crossing High School 4500 Big Run South Rd. www.cchs.swcsd.us

Fri., May 2, 16; June 6, 20

Blood Drive

11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Evans Center, 4330 Dudley Ave. www.redcrossblood.org

Fri., May 2

Friday Night Grand Slam

6-8 p.m.

Windsor Park 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., May 3

Little League Opening Day 9 a.m.

Windsor Park 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., May 3

Spring Shredding Day 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., May 3

COSI Big Science Celebration 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Scioto Peninsula, 333 West Broad St. www.cosiscifest.org

Events subject to change. Consult websites for details and updates.

Memorial Day Parade, May 26

Photos courtesy of City of Grove City

Sat., May 3

Kentucky Derby Party

3-8 p.m.

Aladdin Shrine Temple 1801 Gateway Circle www.shrinerevents.com

Saturdays, May 10-Sept. 13

Grove City Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market with Special Guests

8 a.m.-noon

May 10 – Mother’s Day at the Market

June 28 – Fire & Ice with Jackson Township Fire Department 3444 Park St. www.gcchamber.org

Sat., May 10

Herb, Perennial and Native Plant Sale

8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Gardens at Gantz Farm, 2255 Home Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., May 17

Touch-a-Truck 10 a.m.-noon

Town Center Park, 3378 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., May 17

Aladdin Shrine Pote’s Pirate Ball

5:30-midnight

Aladdin Shrine Center 1801 Gateway Circle www.shrinerevents.com

Wed., May 21

Chamber Business Impact Conference

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Pinnacle Golf Club 1500 Pinnacle Club Dr. www.gcchamber.org

Fri., May 23

Grove City Community Winds Concert

7-8:30 p.m.

Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., May 24

Big Splash Opens

11 a.m.

2831 Southwest Blvd. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., May 24

Splash Pad Opens

11 a.m.

3899 Orders Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., May 24 and June 28

Southwest Franklin County Historical Society Open House 2-4 p.m.

Century Village, Fryer Park 4185 Orders Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov

Mon., May 26

Memorial Day Parade and Service 11 a.m.

Town Center www.grovecityohio.gov

June 2-July 21

Storytime in the Park Mon., 10:30 a.m.

Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. www.swpl.org

Tues.-Thurs., June 3-5

Showstoppers Performance

Tues. and Thurs.: 1 p.m.

Wed.: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov

Thurs., June 5

Martini Party (Ladies only) 6-10 p.m.

Aladdin Shrine Temple 1801 Gateway Circle www.shrinerevents.com

June 7-July 29

Summer Reading Program Grove City Library, 3995 Broadway www.swpl.org

Sat., June 7

Golf Cart Safety Expo & Rodeo 9-11 a.m. 4665 Hoover Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov

Mon.-Fri., June 9-13

Safety Town www.jacksontwpsafetytown.com

Fri.-Sat., June 13-14

Heart of Grove City Wine and Arts Festival

Fri.: 5-10 p.m., Sat.: 11a.m.-10 p.m. Town Center Park, 3559 Park St. www.heartofgrovecity.org

June 13-29

Little Theatre Off Broadway presents Xanadu

Thurs.: 7:30 p.m.

Fri. and Sat.: 8 p.m.

Sun.: 3 p.m.

Little Theatre Off Broadway 3981 Broadway www.ltob.org

Sat., June 14

Heritage Celebration Noon-4 p.m.

Century Village, Fryer Park 4185 Orders Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., June 21

Aladdin Shrine Family Picnic Noon-4 p.m.

Aladdin Shrine Center 1801 Gateway Circle www.shrinerevents.com

Sun., June 29

Safety Day at the Big Splash Noon-3 p.m.

The Big Splash, 2831 Southwest Blvd. www.grovecityohio.gov

www.DiscoverGroveCity.com

Herb, Perennial and Native Plant Sale, May 10

Grove City Businesses Making an Impact at Home and Beyond Mayor’s Message

Grove City has long been a community where businesses both small and large don’t just exist, but thrive. From global companies making a worldwide impact, such as Tosoh SMD which is celebrating 50 years of business, to locally owned shops and restaurants, our city continues to be a place of innovation, hard work and wellearned recognition.

The annual CityScene Best of the ‘Bus competition is a great example of how our businesses stand out in central Ohio. This community-driven contest allows residents to nominate and vote for their favorite restaurants, shops, service providers and experiences, giving well-deserved recognition to those who make Grove City a fantastic community.

This year, Grove City proudly witnessed 19 of its businesses, events and experiences nominated in the competition, including several small businesses like Transcend

Coffee + Roastery, Grove City Salon and Day Spa, Roofs by Warren and Air Quality Solutions, among others. This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and excellence our community embodies.

Our city is also known for hosting incredible experiences that bring people together and boost our local economy. The 2025 Best of the ‘Bus winners will not be announced until after this issue goes to print, but it’s worth noting in previous years, Grove City events have consistently been well represented in the winners’ circle. For example, the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Farmers’ Market is a repeat winner, as is the Summer Concert Series and Heart of Grove City Wine & Arts Festival. These fun family events provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their goods, while fostering a sense of togetherness that defines Grove City.

Whether it’s a family enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, a visitor exploring unique shops or a corporate leader choosing to grow their business here, the message is clear – Grove City is a place of opportunity and success. Our local restaurants, boutiques and service providers create a vibrant economy and a strong sense of community, while major corporations headquartered here showcase our city’s ability to support industries at every level.

We take pride in the businesses that call Grove City home and send our sincere thanks to the business owners, employees and customers who contribute to Grove City’s success. Your dedication and support are what make our community a truly outstanding place to call home.

Richard L. “Ike” Stage Mayor

Richard L. “Ike” Stage

The Buckeye Ranch, whose residential treatment campus is in Grove City since 1961, is consistently earning national recognition. Photo

Sounding the Alarm on Mental Health

When Grove City resident

Lieutenant Tom Bolin first became a firefighter for Norwich Township in 1995, he had never heard the phrase “mental health.”

Lt. Tom Bolin advocates for first responders’ mental health

After graduating from Grove City High School, Bolin briefly pursued business management. Shortly after, he decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and become a first responder. Bolin says he wouldn’t trade the brotherhood, the service to others or the lifelong friends. But he was unprepared for the toll it would take on his life.

“You were told early on, ‘You knew what you signed up for,’” Bolin says. “If you can’t handle it, you might want to find another career.”

His depression and anxiety from his experiences pulled him inward and away from his coworkers as well as his wife and three sons.

“That’s the one thing about first responders is: we hide it very well,” Bolin says. “A lot of people don’t even know.”

A turning point

In 2019, Bolin came home, grabbed a weapon and was prepared to take his own life.

“Nowadays I look back to that like, ‘Man, that was crazy,’” Bolin says. “But in that moment, I justified it in my mind (thinking) ‘My family would be better off.’”

Something made him hesitate. Even now, he doesn’t know what it was. When his son found him, they spoke and he agreed to hand over the weapon.

For Bolin, that was the turning point. He finally opened up to his fam-

ily and decided to go to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Center of Excellence, a treatment center for firefighters struggling with substance abuse and mental health.

But then he had to tell his coworkers, his brothers and sisters who knew nothing of his struggles. He walked in at roll call, and laid it all out. One by one, his team gave him a hug and assurance.

“I wasn’t their boss in that moment,” Bolin says. “I was their fellow brother. I was struggling, and they knew it. They had my back, and I’ll never forget that.”

Bolin traveled 441 miles to the IAFF Center of Excellence in Maryland, where there were no phones, no family, but 30-40 fellow firefighters who understood the pain.

“We joke that a lot of the therapy started at the fire pit in the evening,” Bolin says. “That was really big for me because it opened up my eyes that it’s not just a me thing, it’s a first responder community struggle.”

Although Bolin had lost six close friends in the service to suicide, he was just starting to finally uncover the severity of the epidemic.

With his one hour of phone time per week, Bolin made a call to his friend Heith Good, who encouraged him to open up.

“He’s said, ‘Tommy, if you would just come back and be vulnerable. You have no idea the impact you’ll have on other people, and how many other people that you’ll help and maybe even save by just sharing your story,’” Bolin says.

Furry Friend

In 2019, Bolin got his support dog, Finn, at eight weeks old. After six months, Finn became certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs to help Bolin and others.

“He was my companion through some incredibly tough times, and I saw in him the potential to bring healing to others as well,” Bolin says.

Finn goes everywhere with Bolin, from the firehouse to nursing homes to lecture tours. Finn’s calming presence is a constant blessing in Bolin’s life.

Photo courtesy of Doug Rider

Advocacy in action

Bolin started small with his fire crew in Norwich. A testimonial video created by his brother-in-law, Doug Rid-

er, went viral, catapulting Bolin to share his story further.

“Now this is my new purpose,” Bolin says. “If you’d told me I’d be on a stage talking to sometimes crowds of 500-800 people, I’d have told you you’re out of your mind.”

With more than three decades as a first responder, Bolin has expanded his expertise to include public speaking, serving as an IAFF-certified peer supporter and working as a nationally registered support dog handler.

Bolin shares his story at mental health symposiums and partners with several organizations to promote mental health awareness in the first responder community. In his lectures, Bolin focuses on building resilience. First responders cannot avoid the trauma, but they can create healthy coping mechanisms to mitigate its effects.

He emphasizes building a supportive community and finding a life purpose.

Although being a first responder is a high calling, Bolin emphasized that people need a larger meaning outside of their jobs.

Photos courtesy of Doug Rider

Bolin (center) lectured at nearby Urbana Fire Department.

From left to right, Firefighter Kyle Righter, Tom Bolin, Firefighter Alex Saliaries and Firefighter Kyle Campbell.

“This job has given me so much, but it’s also taken a lot from me: the sleepless nights, the stress and just the traumas that we witness,” Bolin says. “We gotta learn that (we) can’t let our jobs define who we are.”

Bolin believes the whole first responder system, from education to the conversations about mental health, needs to change and he’s ready to help be a pert of it.

“It might be a paragraph in a book to be briefly talked about,” Bolin says. “That’s pretty much the training they get. If we’re going to change the culture…we have to start at the beginning. We owe it to our next generation to be better.”

Maggie Fipps is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Bolin lectures at fire departments around Ohio to aid first responders with their mental health.

City News

Pedal Power

Focusing on safe and accessible biking

By Kevin Teaford, Grove City Safety Director

Grove City is actively enhancing bicycle safety and accessibility, recognizing the growing popularity of cycling as both a recreational activity and an environmentally friendly form of travel.

As a Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community, certified by the League of American Bicyclists, Grove City is committed to creating a safer, more accessible environment for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. With more than 40 miles of trails, the City provides diverse routes for exploration while emphasizing rider safety and an enjoyable biking experience.

Cycling is a fun, healthy and eco-friendly way to travel, and safety should always be a top priority. Whether riding through the city, suburban neighborhoods or rural areas, cyclists need to take precautions to protect themselves and others.

Helmet use: the first line of defense

One of the most important safety measures a cyclist can take is wearing a properly fitted helmet. Research shows helmet use can reduce the risk of serious head injuries by up to 60 percent.

A helmet should sit level on the head, with the straps snugly fastened under the chin. Parents should ensure children always wear a helmet while riding, instilling safe habits from an early age.

Be seen, stay safe

Visibility is crucial for cyclists, particularly when riding in low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk or at night. Wearing bright or reflective clothing significantly improves visibility, helping motorists and pedestrians see cyclists from a greater distance.

Bikes should be equipped with a front white light, rear red light and reflectors to enhance safety in dark or foggy conditions – this is also a Grove City ordinance and Ohio law.

Following the rules of the road

Cyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws as motorists, including:

• Stopping at red lights and stop signs.

• Signaling turns and lane changes.

• Riding in the same direction as traffic.

• Using designated bike lanes whenever possible. When a bike lane is unavailable, cyclists should stay as far to the right as safely possible, allowing vehicles to pass while maintaining a safe distance from curbs, parked cars and road hazards.

Safety starts before you ride

Simple maintenance routines help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures while helping ensure a reliable, enjoyable ride. A well-maintained bicycle is a safer bicycle. Cyclists should conduct routine checks, including:

• Inspecting brakes for wear and responsiveness.

• Checking tire pressure to prevent flats and ensure a smoother ride.

• Making sure lights and reflectors are in working order.

• Lubricating the chain for efficient performance.

Stay alert, ride responsibly

Distracted riding is just as dangerous as distracted driving. Cyclists should avoid using headphones, texting or engaging in activities that take their attention off the road.

Being aware of the surroundings, anticipating traffic movements, and making eye contact with drivers at intersections can prevent accidents and improve communication between cyclists and motorists.

Grove City’s commitment to safe cycling

The City of Grove City is dedicated to increasing cycling safety and accessibility for residents and visitors. Investments in bike-friendly infrastructure, including new trails, dedicated bike lanes, and improved signage, reflect

Photos courtesy of City of Grove City

The City partners with local businesses to provide new bicycle helmets and safety information to elementary students in schools located in Grove City.

the city’s commitment to alternative transportation options. Community events such as bike safety workshops, trail rides and educational initiatives continue to promote safe and responsible cycling habits. By following these essential safety tips, cyclists can enjoy the many benefits of biking while reducing risks for themselves and others. In Grove City, road safety starts with us!

Council Corner

Explore, Check In, and Get Rewarded!

The Columbus Outdoor Trails Pass is now even better – featuring Grove City Town Center in addition to more than 60 other locations in central Ohio, including Scioto Grove Metro Park! Use the free mobile-only pass to check in at top outdoor spots, follow curated trip ideas, and earn rewards as you explore. Powered by Experience Columbus and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, it’s never been easier to get outside and have fun. Go to bit.ly/TrailsPassGC to sign up today!

The Power of Farmers Markets

Many articles in this issue of Discover Grove City focus on food in our community, and as a local small business owner, I want to highlight how our farmers markets are more than just a place to buy fresh produce, they are vibrant community events celebrating local foods and supporting small business.

As people increasingly seek fresh, healthy food options while looking to strengthen their local economy, farmers markets continue to emerge, connecting communities, fostering economic resilience and promoting sustainable agriculture.

We are fortunate in Grove City to have multiple market options throughout the year, including the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market, Grove City Community Club Fall Harvest Market and the new Winter Farmers Market hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department. These markets provide a vital gathering space where neighbors, farmers and artisans can interact, share stories and build relationships.

Many local foods take center stage at these markets, offering residents the chance to experience seasonal produce, homemade baked goods and artisanal products unique to central Ohio.

The availability of fresh, locally grown foods and products encourages healthier eating habits and fosters a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into producing it. By shopping at these markets, consumers develop a greater awareness of where their food comes from and the importance of sup-

porting small local businesses, including our farmers, many of whom operate small or family-owned farms.

Unlike large-scale industrial farming operations, farmers rely on direct sales to make a living. By purchasing produce, dairy, meats and other goods at the markets, consumers ensure their dollars go directly to those who grow and produce the food, keeping money within the community.

This direct support helps sustain local agriculture, making it possible for farmers to continue providing highquality, nutrient-rich products.

Local markets also serve as incubators for startups. Many bakers, artisans and specialty food producers use the opportunity to test products and gain exposure.

These small businesses often grow into brick-and-mortar establishments, further contributing to the local econ-

omy. The supportive environment of a farmers market allows entrepreneurs to receive direct consumer feedback, refine their offerings and build a loyal customer base.

Visitors come for the market and often explore the surrounding businesses such as coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants. This leads to increased sales for local establishments, boosting the economic impact of the market.

Supporting these markets strengthens Grove City, creates meaningful connections, and ensures a sustainable future for generations to come. I continue to be proud of our community and all the great things it offers. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve each of you, and don’t forget, SHOP LOCAL!

Jodi Burroughs Council Member, At Large

City Council Members - Melissa Anderson, Ward 4; Jodi Burroughs, At-Large; Rodney Dew, Ward 5; Anthony Wilson, At-Large; Randy Holt, Ward 2; Ted Berry, Ward 1; President Christine Houk, Ward 3

By Ella Jay

Salute to Service

Honor Flight Columbus works to honor local veterans

Honor Flight Columbus adheres to one simple motto: honor, share, celebrate.

Guided by that motto, the nonprofit organization carries out its mission to honor America’s senior veterans by taking them on trips to Washington, D.C. to visit the nation’s memorials, by helping them share their stories, and by celebrating and affirming their service and homecoming.

Through the organization, veterans are given an incredibly meaningful opportunity – not just to visit the memorials which honor them – but also to reflect on their service, connect with other veterans, remember their fallen comrades and, most importantly,

receive recognition and gratitude for their service.

One last mission

Since its founding in 2006, Honor Flight Columbus has completed 140 missions and honored more than 10,170 veterans.

“It’s just so important to, one, remember them and, two, to honor them and let them know that we care,” Terri Swank, an Honor Flight Guardian and Ohio Army National Guard veteran, says. “What they did mattered.”

As a Guardian, Swank plays an important role in facilitating the Honor Flight process by guiding veterans

throughout their trip – helping them navigate the tour, and acting as their informational guide and personal photographer. Above all, Guardians play a key role in emotionally supporting the veterans throughout their day’s journey.

For many, visiting memorials, reliving their stories and being recognized for their service can be an emotional experience. The Honor Flight experience can be especially powerful and gratifying for veterans of the Vietnam War, some of whom never received a proper welcome home.

According to Swank, being there for the veterans during this experience also serves as a connector to the bigger pic-

Photos courtesy of Alexander Rogers, Alex Is Social

Swank leads veterans through Arlington National Cemetery.

ture and a reminder that we are all a part of something larger than ourselves.

“On that trip, it’s the beginning of a lifelong relationship with those veterans,” Swank says. “(And) the majority of those veterans who have been on an Honor Flight will tell you that this is one of the top five days of their life, or their best day ever.”

A part of something bigger

Honor Flight Columbus doesn’t do this alone. It is part of a larger organization – Honor Flight Network – and as a nonprofit, the organization not only works for a great cause, but also stems from a unique story.

Honor Flight was founded in 2005 in Ohio by Earl Morse, a retired Air Force captain and physician.

Several of his patients were senior veterans who confided in him that they were not sure they’d ever make it to see their memorials. As a private pilot, Morse took it upon himself to ensure those veterans made it to Washington, D.C. and began offering them personal trips. Each time, he was met with tears of gratitude.

Soon after, Morse asked for help from his fellow Dayton Pilots’ Club members in order to start transporting more veterans. He stipulated that the trips must be free of cost for the veterans and that the pilots must act as their tour guides throughout the day. Eleven pilots immediately volunteered, and Honor Flight was born.

Within a year, the program’s reach grew so large that it began using commercial airplanes. In 2006, Jeff Miller of

North Carolina, a son and nephew of World War II veterans, was inspired by Honor Flight and founded his own version, HonorAir. Then, a year later, Morse and Miller combined their organizations to form Honor Flight Network.

Today, the Network consists of 130 chapters in 45 states. The network has impacted 317,128 veterans and counting and has 46,380 currently on its waitlist.

The organization has also expanded its reach to include veterans who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well

Swank and veteran Jim Myers shake hands.

as veterans of any service era who are critically ill.

It’s your turn

As a Guardian, veteran and someone who has seen the impact of the program firsthand, Swank highly encourages any eligible veterans to apply to participate in an Honor Flight.

“It’s (your) turn, we want to honor you, we want to help you share your stories and we want to celebrate you with an amazing homecoming that you will not forget,” Swank says. “Every (veteran) is important.”

Without the Honor Flight program, Swank says many veterans would not have the opportunity or necessary resources to take such a trip on their own.

Outside of sharing the news about what the organization does, there are plenty of ways to get involved with Honor Flight Columbus. Some of the ways to get involved include becoming a Guardian, assisting with fundraisers and wheelchair donations, helping servicewomen receive recognition, participating in the Hero Salute program for veterans who are unable to travel, and volunteering for any of the organization’s several teams among other things. You can even contribute to the program simply by shopping at Kroger, whose rewards program donates to the organization.

Flight is,” Swank says. “So, awareness (is important).”

Flying High

Applying to participate in an Honor Flight is easy and free for all veterans. The application can be found online at www.honorflightcmh.org, or the office can be contacted at 614-284-4987.

To apply, print the form, fill it out and mail it to the following address alongside a copy of your discharge form:

Honor Flight Columbus P.O. Box 20133 Columbus, OH 43220

Veterans are called in sequence by the dates on which their applications were received, with WWII, Korea and terminally ill veterans given scheduling priority. Typically, veterans will get to join a flight within one year of application.

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

Veteran Reflections

Vietnam veteran Blair Bickel is no stranger to the Honor Flight program, having participated as both a veteran and a Guardian. Bickel also had the special opportunity to go on a Purple Heart flight with his brother who also fought in Vietnam and was wounded in battle.

Describing his return home from Vietnam as not very pleasant, Bickel shared just how different the homecoming after the Honor Flight felt.

Whether a veteran or volunteer, Swank believes it to be an incredible and rewarding experience.

“I still find veterans who are eligible that don’t know what Honor

“The crowd of people and the band, and just the whole atmosphere was… a very empowering moment,” Bickel says.

Bickel emphasized Honor Flight as an amazing experience, mentioning that he encourages every veteran he sees, whether in passing at the grocery store or at lunch with his golf league, to consider participating in the program.

“It’s just something that every veteran should do,” Bickel says.

Honor Flight Columbus serves the following Ohio counties:

Courtesy of Alexander Rogers, Alex Is Social

Summer Picking

Garden Sprouts at the Garden at Gantz inspires local children

By Frances Denman

City of Grove City Education Coordinator Gloria Hartung says her childhood was an exploration of open nature, gathering wild strawberries and picking dandelions for her mother. But it seems between school, soccer tournaments, dance lessons and whatever else is scheduled, children today are often too busy for such things.

This, Hartung says, is partly what motivated her to initi-

ate the Garden Sprouts program at Grove City’s historic Garden at Gantz.

“I don’t think kids are outside enough and they’re not out in nature,” Hartung says. “I wanted kids to be able to connect with nature and the rhythms of nature, how things come in and out of season, how the plants grow.”

By 2006, the Garden Sprouts summer program was up and running, teaching 3 to 9-year-olds in the community to harvest from farm to table.

Courtesy of Gardens at Gantz Farm

Flora and fauna

Weekly Garden Sprouts classes range in activity, but all involve new lessons for children on gardening, harvesting and cooking.

“They plant things and then they’re responsible every week for weeding the garden beds, watering, tending to the beds, picking whatever needs to be picked,” Hartung says. “We start with peas and cold season crops – kale, chard, spinach – so that, by the time that first class comes in, they actually have something that they can pick.”

Children might also learn to train tomatoes with cages, twine peas up trellises and grow a variety of produce including cucumbers, peppers, beans, lettuce and zucchini – just to name a few. They then use those ingredients as well as plants from other gardens on the property to complete fresh recipes, Hartung says.

“They may pick the lettuce and (if its) pretty high you can make this salad with lettuce and spinach and they

Hartung was a program instructor for 10 years and has now passed the role along to other Garden at Gantz employees. One of her most memorable experiences, she says, was working with a boy who had a comical aversion to vegetables.

Hartung says he would grow, pick, wash and prepare vegetables but refused to eat them.

“For some reason… he decided to try the broccoli raw from the garden and the broccoli did not make it into the house that day,” Hartung says, “So the next year, I think I got six plants and it was the same thing – he ate them all – and then he got all the other kids to try them raw because they saw him eating them.”

By the time the broccoli-lover finished the program three years later, the Garden Sprouts had gone through about 12 broccoli plants, Hartung says.

can make their own dressing by using the herbs in the garden,” Hartung says, “So it’s a learning experience all the way through.”

Hartung says the recipes are simple and easy for the children to recreate at home. Some of the kids’ favorite dishes include veggie pizzas, salsa, pickles, veggie skewers, kale chips, zucchini pancakes and most of all – ice cream.

“We used to make ice cream every year,” Hartung says. “On the property we have blueberries and raspberries and strawberries so a lot of the kids like to put the fruit in; they could put mint leaves in, there’s a lot of things they have done.”

Nine-year-old Keegan Rains, a returning Garden Sprouts participant, says his favorite recipes to take home from class are zucchini pizza, zucchini bread and the famous ice cream.

“It was like a custard type thing, and it was really good,” Rains says. “I think I put strawberries in mine.”

Rains’ mother, Katie Rains, says her son would come home from every class excited to share new recipes with his family.

“We even added it to our dinner menu to make a zucchini pizza one

Garden Sprouts participant harvests vegetables.

Photos courtesy of Gardens at Gantz Farm

time after that because he enjoyed it so much,” Katie says, “It was just an awesome experience.”

Classes also involve other fun gardening ventures like making garden stakes or painting watering stations for bees and butterflies, Hartung says. There’s also a flower garden for the children to enjoy with bachelor’s buttons, cosmos, marigolds and sunflowers.

The Garden Sprouts are encouraged to explore the expanse of the remarkable Gantz gardens, picking blueberries, for example, and learning about all aspects of nature.

“Kids like bugs for some unknowable reason – we do a lot of work finding bugs in the garden, seeing what they’re doing,” Hartung says. “Just to get them out more and to learn how life works.”

Growing patience

The Garden Sprouts is an opportunity for children to connect with nature from an early age, but it also instills oth-

er important skills, Hartung says.

“For one thing it teaches patience,” Hartung says. “If you’re putting a seed from a green bean in the ground, it’s going to be a long time before the green bean has vined.”

Katie agrees with Hartung and says she sees value in the program and its many lessons.

“I think we live in an immediate world right now and I think the kids learning how to wait is a good thing,” Katie says.

The whole experience also gives children a sense of accomplishment, Hartung says.

“They can go to the store and buy a packet of carrot seeds and take them home and put them in a pot or in the ground and a few months later (they’re) going to be able to dig their own carrots up,” Hartung says.

Katie similarly says the program permits children to experience ownership as they choose what vegetables to

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Garden Sprouts gardeners plant seeds in a garden bed.

grow on their own plot of land and learn to care for them.

“It really gave responsibility to kids in terms of gardening,” Katie says, “And also (my son) tried different vegetables that he had never tried before because they would find really interesting ways to combine the stuff that was in the garden.”

Back to their roots

Hartung says she’s inspired by the children she works with, watching them learn to appreciate nature.

“I like working with kids, they’re enthusiastic, they’re all creative, they’re quite interesting conversationalists,” she says with a laugh. “The kids love being in the gardens, they love smelling the flowers, they love being able to feel the texture of a lamb’s ear.”

Though it may be small, a solid community has formed from the Garden Sprouts program. Some kids, Hartung says, come back every year until age 9 – some return well after that.

“My first group, a few of them have come back here,” Hartung says. “They

are out of college now and most of them are married and some have children, so they have come back to say hello and most of them are still gardening.”

That sense of community has even reached into participants’ lives at home. Katie says her son enjoyed the Garden Sprouts so much that he requested his own vegetable garden at home for him and his sister.

“He got to pick which types of vegetables he wanted, and they would go out every morning and look at the vegetable garden,” Katie says. “Even our neighbors have three sons, and they would go out every morning and water the vegetables and they would set up chairs to watch the vegetables grow.”

The Garden Sprouts, Katie says, has sparked this shared passion and joy for gardening that her family has been able to share with their neighbors.

“It was so incredible,” Rains says. “I loved it, it was so much fun.”

Frances Denman is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com. Garden Sprouts work together in the gardens.

Courtesy of Gardens at Gantz

By Ella Jay

Acity’s identity is much more than its name on a map – it’s a story, a vision, a sense of place, and for many, it’s a representation of home. Nothing reflects this message more perfectly than Grove City’s new look.

“Grove City over the last 10-15 years has had phenomenal, positive growth and improvements,” Grove City’s Community & Business Relations Officer Don Walters says. “It’s time now, we felt, to come up with a brand that clearly reflects (that).”

To do so, the City worked hand-inhand with design firm, Guide Studio, to update the City’s look without leaving behind traditional aspects synonymous

More Than a Look

City of Grove City updates brand staying true to traditions

with the culture residents love and take pride in the most.

“It’s not about creating a new image,” Guide Studio President Cathy Fromet says. “It’s about uncovering what people value and reminding them of those things.”

Vision and voice

Heading into the design process last May, Grove City had several goals in mind, one of which was strengthening its communication tools.

“You want to have a very common look, feel and message that you reinforce with the community,” Walters says. “And we want that message to always be the same. It’s a message that says Grove City has a small town, friendly charm.”

Another goal, was to ensure that branding efforts were centered around Grove City’s beloved heritage.

“How we present our City is extremely important, and that’s honed by what our culture is,”

Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage says. “I see culture and branding as hand and glove as we move through this process.”

Equally as essential to the process were the thoughts and feelings of its residents.

“It wasn’t just the City’s ideas,” Fromet says. “The inspiration came from the people of the community.”

According to Amanda DeCastro, a community relations specialist for Grove City, the entire process was guided by a steering committee, which consisted of members of City Council, Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce, South-Western City School District, the Heart of Grove City, Grove City Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Southwest Franklin County Historical Society and a handful of other community stakeholders.

“The logo doesn’t shout at you, it invites you.”

– Mayor Richard L. “Ike” Stage

The City and Guide Studio also sent out a series of online surveys and held multiple focus group workshops to gain further community input.

During those workshops, participants were tasked with choosing words to describe Grove City’s personality. The words that rose to the top were: friendly, growing, embracing,

When it came to picking a new color palette, Guide Studio drew inspiration from the personality words chosen by participants, as well as from multiple locations around the City – including brick and wrought iron structures downtown, community parks and gardens.

“There’s a lot of diversity in the community, we wanted to represent that here and give the City the ability to use a wider range of colors,” Guide Studio’s Creative Director Gina Gerken says. “The palette is colorful because the community is colorful.”

inclusive, traditional, vibrant and charming. Using those words, several mood boards – or conceptual collages –were then created to narrow down design options for the steering committee.

Participants also emphasized their love for some of Grove City’s unique and traditional emblems, such as the tree widely recognized from the City’s official seal, as well as its iconic downtown lamp posts, objects that were included in the update.

“Research showed us that the smalltown charm is there, and that’s something people love and really cling onto,” DeCastro says. “So that was important

that aspect was well represented in the new branding.”

Purposeful progress

Grove City has already begun to slowly integrate its new look into multiple facets of the community.

“We made the decision as a team that we are going to slowly trickle this out,” DeCastro says. “We’ve started phasing in the new logo as new products are ordered. We’re being intentional,not throwing out items we can still use.”

With sustainability in mind, the City has already converted aspects easier to change, such as its digital and social

A family of graphic elements has been created for use with the Grove City brand.

media presences. According to Walters, digital newsletters and stationery have already been 100 percent converted.

Currently in the works and on the horizon are newly branded City vehicles, uniforms, collateral materials, promotional items and more.

In the meantime, as the refresh continues to unfurl, the City’s work will become more visible through consistency, improving its ability to connect with residents and visitors alike in a purposeful and efficient manner.

“The City does so much for the community, but the community doesn’t always know that,” Gerken says. “(This will give) the City the ability to have more of a presence and more of a way to have a dialogue with members of the community.”

The resulting benefits will stand as a reminder that Grove City’s fresh look is much more than just a new logo.

“Branding is much more than that,” DeCastro says. “We were very intentional about the (logos), but really, the messaging and how we’re positioning ourselves as allies to our residents and the central Ohio community was top (priority) for us.”

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

By Grace Heberling

Cuber Clara

14-year-old homeschool student is Grove City’s jack of all trades

The first person in Clara Litman’s family to solve a Rubik’s Cube was her dad. One by one, she and her siblings all learned to solve it, but the challenge was most exciting for Litman.

“She even insisted on teaching me!” Litman’s mother, April Litman, says.

While anyone can buy a Rubik’s Cube to play with, some solvers, including Litman, participate in a competitive sport called speedcubing. The sport involves solving various kinds of three-dimensional puzzles, such as the Rubik’s Cube, as quickly as possible. Moreover, some speedcubing events add challenging factors including being blindfolded or using one hand.

Five years after her first time solving a Rubik’s Cube, Litman is an experienced competitive speedcuber, which is sometimes referred to as a “cuber.” She enjoys competing and practicing speedcubing every day to improve personal records and win competitions.

For anyone considering trying their hand at speedcubing, Litman says, “You just need a timer and a cube.”

Competitions and companions

Litman is a member of the Columbus Cubing Club which meets each Thursday at the Dublin branch of the Columbus Library. Being involved gives her the chance to practice competing against cubers of all ages.

“(The thrill of speedcubing comes from) the competition, all the speedcubers together, (and) the friends,” says Litman. “Friends encourage me and want to make me better.”

Litman’s Fun Facts

Fastest time: Litman once solved a Rubik’s Cube in 5.33 seconds

Competition must have: Handwarmers!

Favorite competition: 3x3 puzzle one-handed because of how unique it is

Hardest competition: 5x5 blindfolded puzzle, which requires memorizing a long algorithm of letters

She and her father also organize World Cube Association competitions together including Get Ready Grove City 2024 and Coffee and Cubes 2024. Currently, Litman is planning to organize a third competition.

Formal speedcubing competitions host competitors from all over the world. In 2024, Litman competed alongside cubers from Poland and Australia while participating in the Great Lakes Championship in Louisville, Kentucky. This competition takes place in a huge room with competitor stations, mats and timers.

Litman solved a Rubik’s cube one-handed at the 2024 Great Lakes Championship in 10.446 seconds.

Courtesy of the Litman family

Opening Summerof 2025

Multi-faceted

Litman is a homeschooled student and enjoys the independence that it offers. She prefers teaching herself the required curriculum and appreciates that many of her hobbies can be enjoyed from home.

“You’re learning the same amount, and you get a lot more free time,” Litman says.

When Litman isn’t speedcubing, she enjoys knitting, making art, singing in a homeschool choir, playing basketball, videogaming and sometimes picking up a new hobby. She also has a co-op at Tapestry of West Columbus, where she participates in lab-based science courses.

Litman has befriended many other homeschooled students through attending activities and events attuned to her many interests, helping her to develop strong ties to the community.

Apart from her family, a large portion of Litman’s support system is fellow members of The Naz Church. Each year, Litman studies the Bible and competes in teen Bible quizzing contests. She previously won third place in a Tri-state Bible quizzing competition.

Whatever competition comes next, Litman has room in her trophy case for more big wins.

Grace Heberling is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

Another favorite hands-on activity of Litman’s is knitting. She learned by watching an instructional video. Most often, she knits towel toppers to sell to her friends, family and church community.

Courtesy of the Litman family

By Maggie Fipps

Las Vegas Luxury

Bathroom remodel brings Vegas flair to Grove City home

There’s nothing like a luxury hotel experience: crisp sheets, gold hardware and mood lighting in the bathroom. Homeowners Gary and Megan Gabriel wanted that richness in their home bathroom, with a little touch of glitz.

“They are big Las Vegas aficionados,” says Aaron Whaley, a designer with Dave Fox Design company. “They have expressed some interest in not wanting cookie cutter finishes.”

The Gabriels love spending time in Las Vegas, getting married there in 2012, so its showy splendor was the perfect inspiration for their bathroom.

From concept to reality

Before the renovation, the bathroom was modest with simple neutrals and outfitted with a standard bath and shower combo.

One of the Gabriels’ goals for the renovation was to create more shower space to fit Gary’s 6’8” frame. After living with a small shower for five years, they decided to expand their space and creativity.

“I just wanted something that I hadn’t seen before,” Megan says. “I’m over the white aesthetic. Everybody’s doing neutrals, and I just wanted to be bold with my choices.”

Whaley and his team removed the Jacuzzi tub and put the larger shower in its place while the old 42-inch shower stall became a storage cabinet.

To add to the luxury, the shower incorporates a steam unit that creates a sauna feel and chromotherapy lights to provide a healing ambiance.

“They wanted to feel upscale. They wanted it to feel like they were in a Las Vegas hotel,” Whaley says. “With darker finishes, you’re able to bring the light down in the room.”

Down to the details

The wallpaper behind the toilet offers a more overt nod to Las Vegas, featuring showgirls with large fans, creating a statement wall.

“I knew as soon as we walked in the door and our designer had a

Before

swatch of the showgirls (wallpaper),” Megan says. “We haven’t even talked about anything else, but I knew in my brain…our bathroom has to have this now because (Gary’s) never going to unsee this wallpaper.”

Before

Another design statement is the floating bench that wraps around into the shower. The false edge on the quartz creates a continuous L-shaped bench that provides seating in the shower. However, because the section in the shower needs a slight slope to stop water from pooling, the designers had to get creative in engineering.

Megan says she loves the outer part of the bench just as much as the sauna bench.

“I love that it has that little niche back there,” Megan says. “That’s where I put a black hamper for the towels. So I love that that’s out of sight. If somebody was to come into my bathroom, that’s not the first thing they’d see. We didn’t have that kind of storage, so that bench is everything.”

It’s not often that the statement room of a house is the bathroom.

“Because of this shower, we probably will never leave this home,” Megan says. “Because we will never find this shower anywhere else.”

Maggie Fipps is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Top homes sold in Grove City

In February 2025, home costs in Grove City were slightly down compared to the previous year. Homes sold for a median price of $360,000 after an average of 82 days on the market compared to 42 days the previous year. This February, 39 homes were sold compared to 46 the previous year. (Data from Redfin)

All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.

4890 Pinnacle Woods Dr.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$635,000

Sold 2/12/25

1425 Fairway Dr.

3 beds, 2 paths

$561,000

Sold 3/14/25

4454 Rishel St.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$495,000

Sold 2/19/25

2046 Gingerwood Ct.

3 beds, 2.5 baths

$489,900

Sold 3/6/25

6189 Brookmeade Cir.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$485,000

Sold 3/10/25

1993 Bellflower Ct.

5 beds, 2.5 baths

$480,000

Sold 3/12/25

5406 Demorest Dr. 4 beds, 2.5 baths

$460,000

Sold 2/19/25

2042 Twin Flower Cir.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$450,000

Sold 3/4/25

5295 Lilac Ave.

3 beds, 2 baths

$438,700

Sold 2/12/25

1447 Eber Lea Vista

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$437,175

Sold 2/25/25

5820 Copper Ct.

3 beds, 2.5 baths

$435,000

Sold 3/12/25

3686 Quarter Pole Ln.

2 beds, 2 baths

$425,000

Sold 2/11/25

Mark your calendars for the Summer Reading Challenge, running June 7-July 31 for kids and adults, featuring special activities, prizes, performers and more.

Swordheart (fantasy)

by T. Kingfisher

Halla inherited her great-uncle’s estate and with it, relatives who want to marry her to her cousin and a man trapped in a sword. This funny and thoughtful story follows Halla, her magic sword, and a rag-tag group of supporters on an adventure as she seeks help dealing with her family.

The Cartographers (fiction)

by Peng Shepherd Nell, a cartographer, has been estranged from her father, also a cartographer, for years. When he dies at his prestigious job at the NYPL, Nell is sucked into a world of secrets and long buried truths. This twisty story is full of found family, second chances and a little bit of magic.

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love (fiction)

by India Holton

In this whimsical enemies-to-lovers romcom, rival ornithologists Beth and Devon work together to find the rarest magical bird in the world. They traipse across England to stay head of the other ornithologists and gain the ultimate prize.

Pictures of You (fiction)

by Emma Grey

Pictures of You weaves the story of Evie, a woman dealing with amnesia after an accident, as she attempts to piece together the last 13 years of her life. This book has mystery and romance with a dash of psychological thriller.

Want more recommendations? Give us a call or visit www.swpl.org and explore NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8 Plus, online readers’ advisories featuring both fiction and nonfiction. Access via the ‘Resources’ tab, ‘Books & Literature’ section.

The Indigo Girl (historical fiction) by Natasha

Boyd

The fictionalized story of a real person, The Indigo Girl tells the story of 16-year-old Eliza Lucas who is left in charge of her family’s struggling South Carolina plantations while her father pursues his military aspirations. Eliza leads with strength, intelligence and compassion in a time where these qualities were not appreciated in a woman. Startling at times, you will want to learn more about the real-life woman who inspired this story.

More

or Less Maddy (fiction) by

Lisa Genova

An absorbing and compelling novel about a young woman learning to navigate the complexities of living with bipolar disorder while rejecting the stability and approval found in a traditionally “normal” life for a career in stand-up comedy. Messy and sometimes scary, the author discusses mental illness with compassion and honesty.

The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins (thriller, suspense) by Kristina

Pérez

When newly married Marina arrives in Hong Kong, she finds herself a bit adrift. Her luck changes when she meets the beautiful and sophisticated Veronica Hawkins. Then Veronica suddenly disappears over the side of a yacht in the middle of a party. Someone knows what really happened, and they aren’t telling.

A

Love Like the Sun (fiction, romance) by

Riss M. Neilson

A Love Like the Sun follows the story of lifelong best friends Laniah and Issac in this fresh novel about shared history, those who make us our bravest selves, and love in its many forms.

The GUIDE PARKS AND RECREATION GUIDE

MAY-JUNE 2025

Online and office registration begins Monday, April 28.

Welcome to the Source!

The Source highlights Parks and Rec. programs, activities and amenities. See page 12 for a list of classes. For additional details, access the registration system at bit.ly/gcpReg or view an activity guide as a pdf online at bit.ly/gco.Source.

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 fresher, more accurate 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 and class registration; contact information for senior services

Gantz Farmhouse

2255 Home Road

614-277-3058

Herb garden and Gardens at Gantz Farm Volunteer information

Weather Hot Line 614-277-3060

Status updates on team sports practices and games.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Grove City Parks and Recreation @GroveCityParks

City of Grove City

@GroveCityOhio

KEY CITY OFFICES

City Hall

4035 Broadway

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

614-277-3000

Service ......................... 614-277-1100

3262 Ventura Blvd.

Public Safety/Police 614-277-1710

2255 Home Road

• Weekday classes and programs are canceled when the South-Western City School District closes due to dangerous road conditions.

• If conditions change, evening classes may be canceled at the discretion of Parks and Recreation personnel by 4 p.m.

• Weekend cancellations are made by 7 a.m., Saturday and 11 a.m., Sunday

Operating Hours

• Daily: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

2025 Operating Dates Sat., 5/24-Mon., 9/1

Closed (SWCSD in session):

• 5/27-5/30; 6/1-6/3; 8/20-8/22; 8/25-8/29

The Big Splash

The Big Splash Family Aquatics Center, 2831 Southwest Blvd., is a cityowned water park serving the residents of Grove City and Jackson Township seasonally Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The park features a zero-depth entrance, climbing walls and two large body slides.

Preschool Swim Lessons

Ages: 3-5  • $45 ($50)

• Level 1: Learn Basic Skills Sun., 6/8 to 6/29; 9-9:30 a.m.

Mon., 6/9 to 6/30; 9-9:30 a.m. Mon., 6/9 to 6/30; 10-10:30 a.m.

Tue., 6/10 to 7/1; 5-5:30 p.m. Sat., 6/14 to 7/5; 10-10:30 a.m.

• Level 2: Refine the Basics Sun., 6/12 to 7/3; 10-10:30 a.m. Mon., 6/9 to 6/30; 9:40-10:10 a.m. Wed., 6/11 to 7/2; 10:30-11 a.m. Wed., 6/11 to 7/2; 4:40-5:10 p.m. Wed., 6/11 to 7/2; 5:45-6:15 p.m.

• Level 3: Build Stamina & Technique

Mon., 6/9 to 6/30; 10:30-11 a.m. Wed., 6/12 to 7/3; 5:20-5:50 p.m. Thu., 6/12 to 7/3; 5-5:30 p.m.

Adaptive Swim Lessons

Youth Swim Lessons

Ages: 6-14 • $50 (NR: $55)

• Level 1: Learn Basic Skills Wed., 6/11 to 7/2; 3:45-4:30 p.m.

• Level 2: Learn New Strokes Tue., 6/10 to 7/1; 5:40-6:20 p.m. Sat., 6/14 to 7/5; 10:40-11:20 a.m.

• Level 3: Perfect Strokes & Build Stamina Mon., 6/9 to 6/30; 9-9:40 a.m. Wed., 6/11 to 7/2; 5-5:40 p.m. Sat., 6/14 to 7/5; 10-10:40 a.m. Sat., 6/14 to 7/5; 10:50-11:30 a.m.

• Level 4: Develop Competitive Swimming Skills Mon., 6/9 to 6/30; 5-5:40 p.m. Thu., 6/12 to 7/3; 6-6:40 p.m.

Pass Rates

Passes are sold by individual only for ages 3/up. Children younger than 3 enter at no charge.

Season pass sales start May 1 at bit.ly/gcpReg.

• Residents: $60

• Non-residents: $120

Day Passes

• Guest of member: $6

• Walk up: $10

Other Ages Swimming

• Parent-Child Swim Lessons Ages: 8-24 months with Adult $45 (NR: $50) Sun., 6/8 to 6/29; 9:40-10:10 a.m. Develop comfort in the water together.

• Adult Lessons Ages: 15/up • $50 (NR: $55) Wed., 6/11 to 7/2; 4-4:45 p.m. Gain comfort in the water and competency in swim strokes.

• Water Walk for Seniors Ages: 55/up • $20 Wed., 6/4 to 7/2; 9-10:45 a.m. Walk at your own pace in the water as a low-impact way to improve circulation and endurance.

NEW! Swimming is an important skill for everyone. These lessons are designed to help people with disabilities gain comfort around and competency in the water. Lessons includes 30 minutes of lesson-based skills and 15 of games. Registrants are placed on a “waiting list” and contacted to ensure proper class placement. For more information, contact Brittney Hanks (bhanks@GroveCityOhio.gov) or Maddison Mattey (mmattey@GroveCityOhio.gov).

Youth Adaptive Swim Lessons

Ages: 4-10  • $50 (NR: $55)

• Adaptive 1 Youth with Adult

Tue., 6/10 to 7/1; 9:30-10:15 a.m. Thu., 6/12 to 7/3; 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Build comfort in the water and water skills with a caregiver.

• Adaptive 2 Youth Thu., 6/12 to 7/3; 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Build comfort and develop skills for independent swimming.

Older Youth Adaptive Swim Lessons

Ages: 11-17 with Adult • $50 (NR: $55)

• Adaptive 1 Older Youth Tue., 6/10 to 7/3; 8:30-9:15 a.m. Focus on building comfort and skills in the water with a caregiver.

Adult Adaptive Swim Lessons

Ages: 18/up •  $50 (NR: $55)

• Adaptive 2 Adult Thu., 6/12 to 7/3; 5-5:45 p.m. Thu., 6/12 to 7/3; 6-6:45 p.m.

Focus on independent swimming and enjoyment in a safe environment without caregiver assistance.

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.

P.A.R.K. serves elementary school students by providing activities that keep them engaged, but without the structure of school. Each day includes arts and crafts as well as small- and large-muscle play.

Preschool

Preschool programs foster physical, mental and cultural development for children as young as 2. Participants build self-confidence, discover interests and develop ageappropriate skills while having fun.

RecSchool

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 Adventure Days. Registration opens in February for the following school year (September-May). For info, visit bit.ly/GCRecSchool or call 614-871-6330.

PlayTots

Ages 2-3 with an adult explore a classroom setting filled with play-based learning opportunities including planned activities and circle time with reading and movement for an hour on Friday mornings, September-May.

RecCamp

Ages 3-4 gain independence and confidence while learning to work and play with others in a child-centered classroom setting through creative art, sensory exploration, social play and singing at circle time.

Mon.-Thu., 6/9 to 6/12; 9-10:45 a.m.

Mon.-Thu., 6/23 to 6/26; 9-10:45 a.m.

P.A.R.K.

After-school P.A.R.K. offers a safe place for children in grades K-4 to stay physically, mentally and socially active when the South-Western City School District is in session.

The program operates Monday-Friday, 2:30-6 p.m., at Buckeye Woods, J.C. Sommer, Highland Park, Monterey and Richard Avenue elementary schools.

Summer P.A.R.K. offers full-day programming with activities and field trips including weekly trips to The Big Splash.

Summer Day Camps

Are you ready for new adventures?

In addition to the popular Summer P.A.R.K. program, Parks & Rec. also now offers weekly themed camps that offer deep dives into different subject or types of activities. Visit bit.ly/gcpReg for details and to register.

Summer P.A.R.K. offers full-day programming with activities and field trips including weekly trips to The Big Splash.

Programs have limited spaces. For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 4/28

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.

Pickleball Summer Ladder Leagues

Parks & Rec. is offering ladder leagues for a variety of ages and abilities. Play three games to 15 points per six-week session. The top two players each week move up in the rankings and the bottom two move down, ensuring all participants are challenged and engaged throughout the season.

Register as an individual for the six-week leagues for $25 per player.

• Youth (Ages: 11-14)

Mon., 6/9; 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Windsor Park

• Teen (Ages: 14-18)

Mon., 6/9; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Windsor Park

• Young Adult (Ages: 19-30)

Wed., 6/11; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Windsor Park

• Senior (Ages: 60/up)

Wed., 6/11; 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Windsor Park

• Adult Beginner (Ages: 18/up

Tue., 6/10; 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thu., 6/12; 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The Park at Beulah

• Adult Intermediate (Ages: 18/up Tue., 6/10; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Thu., 6/12; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Park at Beulah

• Adult Advanced (Ages: 18/up)

Tue., 6/10; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Thu., 6/12; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Park at Beulah

Little Sluggers T-ball Ages: 3-4

Grove City Parks & Rec. partners with Bally Sports to offer beginner team sports experiences. Register at bit.ly/BallySportsGC

Fri., 5/2 to 6/6; 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Fri., 5/2 to 6/6; 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Fri., 5/2 to 6/6; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Adult

Cornhole - Summer Teams of two play a six-week schedule at Grove City Brewing Company during April and May. Register by team during May at $50 per team.

• Recreational: Tuesdays, 6 p.m.

• Competitive: Thursdays, 6 p.m.

REGISTER IN JUNE

Fall Youth Baseball

Grove City offers a premier rec. baseball experience for ages 5-17 (aging date: 8/31/25). Individuals are assigned to teams.

• T-Ball, Minor 6, Minor 7-8 10-game season starts 8/4

$45 (NR: $50)

Fryer and Windsor Parks

• Minor 9, Major, Junior, Big 10-game season starts 8/4

$65 (NR: $70)

Windsor Park

Fall Youth Softball

Enjoy a late summer season learning basic skills, sportsmanship, teamwork and joy of the game. Individuals are assigned to teams.

• 8U

10-game season starts 8/4

$45 (NR: $50)

Fryer Park

• 10U, 12U, 14U 10-game season starts 8/4

$65 (NR: $70)

Fryer Park

Adult Kickball

Play nine-on-nine kickball Friday nights at Windsor Park.

6 week season starts 6/6  Games at 6 or 7 p.m.

Register by team through May 12 at $250 per team.

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.

• Adaptive Pickleball Lessons

Ages: 8/up

Wed., 5/7 to 5/28; 6-7 p.m.

Players of all abilities are guided through basic skills and drills with the goal of playing a fun, beginnerfriendly game and keeping score.

• Walk With a Doc

Sat., 5/3; 9-10 a.m. (Fryer Park)

Thu., 5/15; 6-7 p.m. (Fryer Park)

Sat., 6/7; 9-10 a.m. (Fryer Park)

Thu., 6/19; 6-7 p.m. (Windsor Park)

Experience a free walking program led by a healthcare provider as you safely walk/roll, learn about current health topics, and meet new people.

• Adaptive Gardening Club Ages: 18/up

Wed., 5/28 to 7/2; 10-11 a.m.

Adults with developmental disabilities explore the joys of handson gardening, learning fundamentals while nurturing raised beds during an engaging experience.

For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 4/28

• Adaptive Craft Ages: 5/up

Wed., 5/21; 6-7 p.m.

Wed., 6/18; 6-7 p.m.

Creativity meets inclusivity as all skill levels and abilities make crafts that reflect the season.

• VIP Social Dances

Join us for dancing and refreshments in honor of autistic individuals and their "Very Important Person."

Parents, grandparents, aides and other caregivers are welcome with kids of all ages.

Ages: All Ages

Fri., 5/9; 6-8 p.m. Ages: All Ages Fri., 6/13; 6-8 p.m.

Adaptive Fitness Ages: 8/up

All ability levels are welcome including family and friends with classes offered in partnership The Fitness Movement. If 1:1 assistance is needed, please have a parent or caregiver stay to assist.

• Adaptive Circuit Training Thu.; 5/1 to 5/22; 6-7 p.m.

Rotate through a variety of workout stations that target different major muscle groups.

• Adaptive POUND Thu., 6/5 to 6/26; 6-7 p.m.

POUND fuses cardio interval training with up-and-down drumming for a challenging, heart-pumping workout.

Adaptive Social Club

This vibrant, supportive group is designed for adults with developmental disabilities. An inclusive space fosters meaningful friendships, learning essential life skills, health and wellness, and active engagement in the community. Over three months, participants enjoy three each of social, skill-building and interestspurring events.

Visit bit.ly/GCPRAdaptiveProg for more information.

Fitness, Dance & Music

Keeping your mind and body active is important for health for all ages. Whether you are into self-guided activities like utilizing bike paths or enjoy group classes, Grove City Parks & Rec. has something for you!

Lead-up Sports and Fitness

Preschoolers build social skills while learning the fundamentals of sports.

• Jump Bunch

Ages: 1½-2; Wed., 5/7 to 6/11; 6-6:30 p.m.

Ages: 2-3; Wed., 5/7 to 6/11; 6:30-7 p.m.

Toddlers build coordination, balance, teamwork and motor skills during coachled activities that introduce sports-readiness skills and foundations of fitness.

• Sporties for Shorties Ages: 3-5

Wed., 5/7 to 6/11; 7-7:45 p.m.

Young children develop kicking, running, throwing and team skills through exciting lead-up sports activities and group games.

Gymnastics

• Gymnastic Age: 3

Tue., 5/13 to 6/10; 5-5:30 p.m.

Thu., 5/15 to 6/12; 5-5:30 p.m.

• Gymnastic Age: 4

Tue., 5/13 to 6/10; 5:30-6 p.m.

Thu., 5/15 to 6/12; 5:30-6 p.m.

• Gymnastics Ages: 5-6

Tue., 5/13 to 6/10; 6-6:30 p.m.

Thu., 5/15 to 6/12; 6-6:30 p.m.

• Gymnastics Ages: 7-8

Tue., 5/13 to 6/10; 6:30-7 p.m.

Thu., 5/15 to 6/12; 6:30-7 p.m.

• Zumba Toning

Thu., 5/1 to 5/29; 6-7 p.m.

Tone and sculpt muscles through cardio, muscle conditioning and toning with rhythm and coordination.

Karate

• Peewee Beginner Ages: 4-7 Mon., 5/12 to 6/23; 5-5:30 p.m. Wed., 5/14 to 6/18; 5-5:30 p.m.

• Peewee Advanced Ages: 4-7 Mon., 5/12 to 6/23; 5:30-6 p.m. Wed., 5/14 to 6/18; 5:30-6 p.m.

• Beginner Ages: 8/up Mon., 5/12 to 6/23; 6-7 p.m. Wed., 5/14 to 6/18; 6-7 p.m.

• Advanced Ages: 8/up Mon., 5/12 to 6/23; 7-8 p.m. Wed., 5/14 to 6/18; 7-8 p.m.

• Yoga

Tue., 5/6 to 5/27; 6-7 p.m. Tue., 6/10 to 6/24; 6-7 p.m.

Relax the body and calm the mind through Hatha yoga posture with breathing techniques.

Tennis

• Tennis Peewee Beginner Ages: 4-7

Mon., Tue., Thu., 6/16 to 6/26; 8-8:45 a.m.

Mon., Tue., Thu., 6/16 to 6/26; 8:45-9:30 a.m.

Learn basics like forehand, backhand, volley and serve.

• Tennis Youth Beginner Ages: 8-15

Mon., Tue., Thu., 6/16 to 6/26; 9:30-10:30 a.m.

New players learn fundamentals such as forehand, backhand, volley, serve, score keeping and footwork.

• Tennis Youth Intermediate Ages: 10-17

Mon., Tue., Thu., 6/16 to 6/26; 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Further develop stroke techniques such as forehand, backhand, volley, serve and overhead.

Program Age Groups

õ Adaptive õ Preschool (1-4) õ Youth (5-17)

õ Adult (18+) õ 55+/Senior

Be Creative!

Grove City is full of creativity! Much like physical activity improves health, making things with your hands and performing, especially in a group, offers personal benefits that extend beyond the final product.

• School’s Out, Camp’s In! Ages: 5-12

Tue., 5/6; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Take an action-packed adventure featuring thrilling group games, Lego challenges and art projects.

• Space Explorers Ages: 6-11

Mon.-Fri., 6/9 to 6/13; 9 a.m.-Noon

Journey through time and space in your imagination to meet the great explorers.

• Slimetopia Ages: 6-11

Mon.-Fri., 6/9 to 6/13; 1-4 p.m.

Turn favorite children’s books into fantastical, slimy adventures.

For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 4/28

Program Age Groups

õ Adaptive

õ Preschool (1-4)

õ Youth (5-17)

õ Adult (18+)

õ 55+/Senior

• Gifts for Mom Ages: 5-10 Wed., 5/7; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Show Mom how much you care this Mother’s Day with a homemade gift to cherish forever.

• Gifts for Dad Ages: 5-10 Wed., 6/11; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Make Dad a special gift for Father’s Day to show him he is your hero!

• Parents’ Night Out Glow Party! Ages: 5-10 Fri., 6/27; 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Play games, make crafts, and dance the night away. Wear neon clothes for a bright night of fun!

Kids in the Kitchen

Learn kitchen safety, recipe vocabulary, basic cooking techniques and responsibility in a hands-on class. Prepare and sample dishes then take home a personal cookbook to recreate them at home.

• KinderCooks Ages: 5-6

Tue.-Thu., 6/17 to 6/19; 9-10 a.m.

• Cooking Camp Ages: 6-7

Tue.-Thu., 6/17 to 6/19; 10:30 a.m.-Noon

Preschool Music

• First Steps in Music Ages: 3-5 Tue., 5/6 to 5/20; 6:15-7 p.m.

A Feierabend Music instructor leads developmentally appropriate movement, dance and music.

• KinderMusik Tue.-Thu., 6/17-6/19

Ages: 1-3 with Adult: 9:30-10 a.m. Ages: 4-5: 10-10:45 a.m. Interactive musical experiences support whole-child development.

Nature Kids

Children discover the wonders of nature in Gantz Park! Kids and teachers meet in the Gantz Preschool Center classroom adventuring to the park. Weekly projects extend learning about nature. Participants must be toilet-trained and dressed for play and exploration.

• Wings in the Garden Ages: 4-5½ Fri., 6/6; 9-10:30 a.m.

• Beneath our Feet Ages: 4-5½ Fri., 6/13; 9-10:30 a.m.

• Birds of a Feather Ages: 4-5½ Fri., 6/20; 9-10:30 a.m.

Nature and Herb Classes

Herb Classes

Combining creativity with nature is just one way the Gardens at Gantz Farm staff and volunteers share their knowledge. Join an upcoming class to create beautiful, useful items or learn a new approach to gardening.

• Fairy Gardens Ages: 6-9 Wed., 5/14; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Use fairy plants to create a special bower for your garden fairies.

• Frog Water Feature Ages: 6-9 Tue., 6/10; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Create a terracotta water dish for pollinators.

• A Midsummer’s Eve Fairy Gathering Ages: 6-9 Fri., 6/20; 6:30-8 p.m.

Make fairy wands and dust, listen to stories, and taste fairy cakes.

• 8 Herbs You Can’t Live Without Tue., 5/6; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Learn the history, uses, folklore and growing tips for the eight most useful herbs for home gardeners.

• Create a Meadow Garden in Your Yard Thu., 5/15; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Diverse and relaxed meadow gardens attract wildlife and support pollinators. Learn to integrate one into your backyard plantings.

• Fresh Herb Bowl Garden Sat., 5/17; 10:30 a.m.-Noon

Grow fresh herbs on your patio or doorstep in a bowl planter.

• Start a Tea Garden Tue., 5/20; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Tea gardens are an interesting, rewarding way to use herbs. Learn to grow, harvest and preserve them. Prepare a tea blend.

• Drinking Shrubs Wed., 5/28; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Prepare a shrub (vinegar syrup) using fruits, herbs and a sweetener.

• Distill Floral Waters with a Copper Still Sat., 5/31; 10 a.m.-Noon

Extract essential oil and floral waters from early flowers using an alembic copper still.

• Early Summer Home Canning Thu., 6/12; 6:30-8 p.m.

Learn to safely preserve fruits and pickles.

• Frog Water Feature Thu., 6/12; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Construct a terracotta water dish for pollinators.

• Elderflower Cordials Tue., 6/24; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Use elderflower in a drink for a delicious, refreshing taste of summer.

Gantz Kids Gardening Program

Experience hands-on learning in an operating vegetable and flower garden or make creations that celebrate summer garden cycles.

• Kids’ Community Garden Grownup-Child Hour

Ages: 3-9 with Adult Thu., 6/5 to 6/26; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Child and adult perform handson garden tasks together in a community garden.

Garden Sprouts Workshops

Enjoy seasonal garden work: make and enjoy a garden snack, and sow a container plant to nurture and watch grow through the season at home.

• Let’s Get Planting (Preschool)

Ages: 3-5 with Adult Fri., 6/6; 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wed., 6/25; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Let’s Get Planting (Youth)

Ages: 6-9

Wed., 6/11; 6:30-8 p.m. Fri., 6/20; 9:30-11 a.m.

⎘See page 12 for a agegroup-based index of Parks & Rec. classes.

Evans Center

The Evans Center offers older residents of Grove City a variety of opportunities to stay active physically, mentally and socially. Offerings include parties, trips to restaurants and cultural sites, and classes that teach skills for navigating the challenges that come with aging.

On-site Fun

• Summertime Cookout Fri., 5/30; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dive into a world of fun with lively games and food fresh off the grill.

• Movie Fun: Unstoppable Fri., 5/23; 1-3 p.m. (PG-13; 2024) A man pursues his dream of being a championship wrestler despite having only one leg.

Dining Trips ¤$♦

Lunch Bunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Nutcracker Wed., 5/21

• Firebirds Woodfire Grill Thu., 5/29

• Carfagna’s Wed., 6/18 Supper Club: 4-8 p.m.

• Rusty Keg Wed., 5/7

• Matt the Miller’s Mon., 6/9

• Ann & Tony’s Thu., 6/26

• LifeCare Alliance Lunch $ Ages: 60/up Tue.-Thu.; 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Enjoy a nutritious lunch ($1.50). Reserve in advance: 614-277-1067

Off-site Day Trips ¤$

Travel by minibus to off-site tours, shopping or entertainment. Be prepared for walking.

• Ballet Met: Sleeping Beauty¤$ Fri., 5/2; 10:15 a.m.-5 p.m.

The fairy tale of a cursed princess is brought to life through dance.

• ProMusica Orchestra ¤$ Fri., 5/9; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Jazz pianist Aaron Diehl performs a new work commemorating Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

Mystery Day Trip

Fri., 6/12; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Explore new places, share unforgettable experiences, and make wonderful memories.

Support Groups

• Life After Loss/Grief Wed., 5/14; 10-11 a.m. Wed., 6/11; 10-11 a.m.

• Alzheimer’s/Dementia Tue., 5/20; 7 p.m. Tue., 6/17; 7 p.m.

• Parkinson’s Disease Mon., 5/5; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mon., 6/2; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Annual MembershipMaximize Your Benefits

Be a part of something special with an annual membership to the Evans Center! For a $15 annual fee (covers January-December), enjoy:

• Early access to register for 55+ classes (Friday before the public).

• Full access to the Fitness Room ($120 per year value!)

• Discounted fee for select classes.

For more information, stop in the Evans Center or call 614-277-1060.

Education Classes

Developing new skills is important at all life stages. Learn tips for technology, safety, health and more.

• S.A.L.T. Thu., 5/8; 10-11 a.m. Thu., 6/12; 10-11 a.m.

Grove City Police provide resources, raise awareness and share tips.

• Franklin Co. Office on Aging Mon., 5/14; 1-2 p.m.

Learn about resources that empower independent living.

• Managing Diabetes Fri., 6/13; 11 a.m.-Noon

Understand risk factors, symptoms and treatment options.

• Reptiles & Amphibians Mon., 6/23; 11 a.m.-Noon

Explore the world of Ohio’s reptiles and amphibians with Metro Parks. Lunch & Learns

• Downsizing 101 Fri., 5/16; 11 a.m.-Noon

Pick up strategies to sort belongings, set goals and organize.

• Emergency Binder Fri., 5/23; 11 a.m.-Noon

Create a binder of essential documents and information.

• Dispelling Hospice Myths Fri., 6/20; 11 a.m.-Noon

Separate fact from fiction on hospice care and end-of-life support.

Health Checks

Take advantage of free checks to monitor your health and senses.

• Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar Thu., 5/8 & 6/12; 11 a.m.-Noon Adam Gatten with Jackson Township CARES measures these important health indicators.

Stay Active

Exercise designed with seniors in mind helps keep you active, healthy, balanced and feeling good!

• Senior Yoga $ Thu., 5/1-5/22; 11 a.m.-Noon Thu., 6/12 & 6/26; 11 a.m.-Noon

• Senior Exercise $ Mon., Wed., 5/5-5/28; 9-10 a.m. Mon., Wed., 6/2-6/30; 9-10 a.m.

• Tai Chi $ Tue., 5/6-5/27; 10-11 a.m. Tue., 6/10-6/24; 10-11 a.m.

• Chair Volleyball Mon., Wed., 5/5-6/30; 1-2 p.m.

• Water Walk for Seniors $ Wed., 6/4 to 7/2; 9-10:45 a.m. Walk at your own pace in the water at The Big Splash as a low-impact way to improve circulation and endurance.

• Center Updates with Q & A Wed., 5/7; Noon

Tammy Jefferson shares updates and news regarding the Center. Guest speakers may also share info on topics of interest to area seniors.

• Hearing Checks Tue., 5/13 & 6/10; 11 a.m.-Noon Catherine Grewell with Hearing Life screens for hearing loss and answers questions.

Be Creative

Keep your mind active and your fingers agile by creating beautiful art.

• Greeting Cards $ Thu., 5/15; 10 a.m.-Noon Celebrate memorable moments in life by making stunning, useful greeting cards ($10 material fee).

• Crafts, Creativity & Conversations $ Wed., 5/28; 10 a.m.-Noon Wed., 6/25; 10 a.m.-Noon

Complete a new fun art project with step-by-step guidance.

• Bead Artwork $ Mon., 5/5-6/30; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Use beads to create handcrafted items perfect for sharing.

Showstoppers

The Center acting group offers two productions annually. New members are welcome.

• The Old Man’s Money

Tue.-Thu., 6/3-6/5; 1 p.m. Wed., 6/4; 7 p.m.

An original whodunit “dramedy” set in the ’30s that features a plot twist.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

MONDAY-FRIDAY

12:30 p.m. Bridge $ Associated Fee ¤ Minibus transportation; must be able  to get on/off without staff assistance

♦ Member discount

Walking/Easy

Walking/Moderate Walking/Active

For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 4/28

PRESCHOOL (Ages 1-5)

RecCamp

Ages: 3-4

Mon.-Thu., 6/9-6/12; 9-10:45 a.m.

Mon.-Thu., 6/23-6/26; 9-10:45 a.m.

$62 (NR: $70)

Nature Kids

Ages: 4-5 ½

$16 (NR: $20)

• Wings in the Garden Fri., 6/6; 9-10:30 a.m.

• Beneath our Feet Fri., 6/13; 9-10:30 a.m.

• Birds of a Feather Fri., 6/20; 9-10:30 a.m.

Kids’ Community Garden GrownupChild Hour

Ages: 3-9 with Adult Thu., 6/5-6/26; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

YOUTH (Ages 4-17)

Fall Youth Baseball Games start Aug. 9

• T-Ball, Minor 6, Minor 7-8

$45 (NR: $50)

• Minor 9, Major, Junior, Big

$65 (NR: $70)

Fall Youth Softball Games start Aug. 11

$45 (NR: $50)

• League: 8U

• Leagues: 10U, 12U, 14U

Pickleball League: Teen Summer Ages: 14-18

Mon., 6/9-7/14; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$25

School’s Out, Camp’s In! Ages: 5-12

Tue., 5/6; 5 a.m.-8 a.m.

$55 (NR: $60)

Gifts for Mom Ages: 5-10

Wed., 5/7; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$15 (NR: $17)

Gifts for Dad Ages: 5-10

Wed., 6/11; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$15 (NR: $17)

Parents’ Night Out Glow Party! Ages: 5-10

Fri., 6/27; 6:30-9:30 p.m.

$20 (NR: $22)

Fairy Gardens Ages: 6-9

Wed., 5/14; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$25 (NR: $30)

MAY-JUNE CLASS INDEX

$60 (NR: $65)

Garden Sprouts Workshop: Let’s Get Planting

Ages: 3-5 with Adult Fri., 6/6; 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Wed., 6/25; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$15 (NR: $20)

First Steps in Music

Ages: 3-5

Tue., 5/6-5/20; 6:15-7 p.m.

$52 (NR: $60)

KinderMusik

$66 (NR: $74)

Ages: 1-3

Tue.-Thu., 6/17-6/19; 9:30-10 a.m.

Ages: 4-5

Tue.-Thu., 6/17-6/19; 10-10:45 a.m.

Frog Water Feature Ages: 6-9

Tue., 6/10; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$18 (NR: $23)

A Midsummer’s Eve Fairy Gathering Ages: 6-9

Fri., 6/20; 6:30-8 p.m.

$20 (NR: $25)

KinderCooks Ages: 5-6

Tue.-Thu., 6/17-6/19; 9-10 a.m.

$50 (NR: $55)

Cooking Camp Ages: 6-7

Tue.-Thu., 6/17-6/19; 10:30 a.m.-Noon

$55 (NR: $60)

Community Garden Grownup-Child Ages: 3-9 with Adult

Thu., 6/5-6/26; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$60 (NR: $65)

Garden Sprouts: Get Planting Ages: 6-9

Wed., 6/11; 6:30-8 p.m.

Fri., 6/20; 9:30-11 a.m.

$15 (NR: $20)

Tennis Peewee Beginner Ages: 4-7

Mon., Tue., Thu., 6/23-7/3; 8-8:45 a.m.

Mon., Tue., Thu., 6/23-7/3; 8:45-9:30 a.m.

$45 (NR: $50)

Tennis Youth Beginner Ages: 8-15

Mon., Tue., Thu., 6/23-7/3; 9:30-10:30 a.m.

$60 (NR: $65)

Jump Bunch

$78 (NR: $86)

Ages: 18-24 months

Wed.; 5/7-6/11; 6-6:30 p.m.

Ages: 2-3

Wed.; 5/7-6/11; 6:30-7 p.m.

Sporties for Shorties

Ages: 3-5

Wed., 5/7-6/11; 7-7:45 p.m.

$78 (NR: $86)

Gymnastics

$40 (NR: $45)

Age: 3

Tue., 5/13-6/10; 5-5:30 p.m.

Thu., 5/15-6/12; 5-5:30 p.m.

Age: 4

Tue., 5/13-6/10; 5:30-6 p.m. Thu., 5/15-6/12; 5:30-6 p.m.

Tennis Youth Intermediate Ages: 10-17

Mon., Tue., Thu., 6/23-7/3; 10:30-11:30 a.m.

$60 (NR: $65)

Gymnastics

$40 (NR: $45) Ages: 5-6

Tue., 5/13-6/10; 6-6:30 p.m. Thu., 5/15-6/12; 6-6:30 p.m. Ages: 7-8

Tue., 5/13-6/10; 6:30-7 p.m. Thu., 5/15-6/12; 6:30-7 p.m.

Karate Peewee Beginner Ages: 4-7

Mon., 5/12-6/23; 5-5:30 p.m. Wed., 5/14-6/18; 5-5:30 p.m.

$45 (NR: $50)

Karate Peewee Advanced Ages: 4-7

Mon., 5/12-6/23; 5:30-6 p.m. Wed., 5/14-6/18; 5:30-6 p.m.

$45 (NR: $50)

Karate Beginner Ages: 8/up

Mon.; 5/12-6/23; 6-7 p.m. Wed., 5/14-6/18; 6-7 p.m.

$60 (NR: $65)

Karate Advanced Ages: 8/up

Mon., 5/12-6/23; 7-8 p.m. Wed., 5/14-6/18; 7-8 p.m.

$60 (NR: $65)

ADAPTIVE

Adaptive Pickleball Lessons

Ages: 8/up

Wed., 5/7-5/28; 6-7 p.m.

$40

Adaptive Crafts

Ages: 5/up

Mon., 5/19; 6-7 p.m. Mon., 6/16; 6-7 p.m.

$12

ADULT (18+

Adaptive Parent-Child Social Dances

Ages: All Ages

$5

• Mother-Son Dance Fri., 5/9; 6-8 p.m.

• Father-Daughter Dance Fri., 6/13; 6-8 p.m.

Adaptive Gardening Club Ages: 18/up

unless otherwise indicated)

8 Herbs You Can’t Live Without Tue., 5/6; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$15 (NR: $20)

Create a Meadow Garden in Your Yard Thu., 5/15; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$15 (NR: $20)

Fresh Herb Bowl Garden Sat., 5/17; 10:30 a.m.-Noon

$30 (NR: $35)

Start a Tea Garden

Tue., 5/20; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$15 (NR: $20)

Drinking Shrubs Wed., 5/28; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$20 (NR: $25)

Distill Floral Waters with a Still

Sat., 5/31; 10 a.m.-Noon

$25 (NR: $30)

Early Summer Home Canning Thu., 6/12; 6:30-8 p.m.

$35 (NR: $40)

Frog Water Feature Thu., 6/12; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$20 (NR: $25)

Elderflower Cordials Tue., 6/24; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$20 (NR: $25)

Zumba Toning Thu., 5/1-5/29; 6-7 p.m.

$20 (NR: $22)

55+ (55+ unless otherwise indicated)

Summertime Cookout

Fri., 5/30; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

$17

Center Updates with Q & A Wed., 5/7; Noon

Movie Fun: Unstoppable Fri., 5/23; 1-3 p.m.

Ballet Met: Sleeping Beauty

Fri., 5/2; 10:15 a.m.-5 p.m.

$37

ProMusica Orchestra

Fri., 5/9; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

$25

Mystery Day Trip

Fri., 6/12; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

$32

Water Walk for Seniors $

Wed., 6/4 to 7/2; 9-10:45 a.m.

$20

Lunch Bunch

$10

• Nutcracker Restaurant Wed., 5/21; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Firebirds Woodfire Grill Thu., 5/29; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Lunch Bunch: Carfagna’s Wed., 6/18; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Supper Club

$10

• Rusty Keg Tavern Wed., 5/7; 4-8 p.m.

• Matt the Millers Mon., 6/9; 4-8 p.m.

• Ann & Tony’s Thu., 6/26; 4-8 p.m.

Chair Volleyball

Mon., Wed., 5/5-6/30; 1-2 p.m.

Water Walk for Seniors

Wed., 6/4-7/2; 10-10:45 a.m.

$25

Senior Exercise

Mon., Wed., 5/5-5/28; 9-10 a.m. Mon., Wed., 6/2-6/30; 9-10 a.m.

$15

Senior Yoga

Thu., 5/1-5/22; 11 a.m.-Noon

$20

Thu., 6/12-6/26; 11 a.m.-Noon

$10

Tai Chi

Tue., 5/6-5/27; 10-11 a.m.

$18

Tue., 6/10-6/24; 10-11 a.m.

$14

Blood Pressure and Sugar Checks

Thu., 5/8 & 6/12; 11 a.m.-Noon

Wed., 5/28-7/2; 10-11 a.m.

$35 (NR: $35)

Adaptive Fitness

Ages: 8/up

$30 (NR: $30)

• Adaptive Circuit Training Thu.; 5/1-5/22; 6-7 p.m.

• Adaptive POUND Thu., 6/5-6/26; 6-7 p.m.

Yoga

Tue., 5/6-5/27; 6-7 p.m.

$22 (NR: $24) Tue., 6/10-6/24; 6-7 p.m.

$17 (NR: $19)

Karate Beginner Ages: 8/up Mon.; 5/12-6/23; 6-7 p.m. Wed., 5/14-6/18; 6-7 p.m.

$60 (NR: $65)

Karate Advanced Ages: 8/up Mon., 5/12-6/23; 7-8 p.m. Wed., 5/14-6/18; 7-8 p.m.

$60 (NR: $65)

Hearing Checks

Tue., 5/13 & 6/12; 11 a.m.-Noon

Franklin County Office on Aging Mon., 5/14; 1-2 p.m.

Managing Diabetes

Fri., 6/13; 11 a.m.-Noon

Reptiles & Amphibians Mon., 6/23; 11 a.m.-Noon

S.A.L.T.

Thu., 5/8; 10-11 a.m. Thu., 6/12; 10-11 a.m.

Lunch & Learn

$5

• Downsizing 101 Fri., 5/16; 11 a.m.-Noon

• Emergency Binder Fri., 5/23; 11 a.m.-Noon

• Dispelling Hospice Myths Fri., 6/20; 11 a.m.-Noon

Greeting Cards

Thu., 5/15; 10 a.m.-Noon

Free; bring $10 material fee

Crafts, Creativity & Conversations

Wed., 5/28; 10 a.m.-Noon Wed., 6/25; 10 a.m.-Noon

$14

Bead Artwork

Mon., 5/5-6/30; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Grove City Parks

Murfin Memorial Field

Park

" The Big Splash/Evans 2831 Southwest Blvd. # Blodwen 2352 Blodwen Circle $ Breck Community 3005 Demorest Rd. % Concord Lakes 3606 Lake Mead Dr. & Cread Lawless 3401 Kingston Ave.

Creekside 2410 Holton Rd.

Fryer 3899 Orders Rd.

Gantz

2255 Home Rd.

Henceroth 2075 Mallow Lane

Hennigans Grove 5804 Paul Talbott Circle

Holton Run 5301 Demorest Dr.

Hoover Crossing 2880 Wynridge Dr./ Murfin Trail

Indian Trails 6190 Buckeye Pkwy.

Keller Farms 1904 Michelle Ct.

Scioto Meadows 432 Scioto Meadows Blvd.

Sesquicentennial 3247 Park St.

Skate 3728 Hoover Road

Swearingen 2601 Columbus Street

Town Center Park 3359 Park Street

Walden Bluff Walden Bluff Ct.

Westgrove 3580 Magnolia St.

Windsor 4330 Dudley Ave./ 4408 Broadway/ Dreamfield: 3400 Ventura Blvd. B Century Village 4185 Orders Rd.

C Eagle Pavilion 3670 Discovery Dr.

Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave. E Gantz Farmhouse & Gardens 2255 Home Rd. F George Edge Music Broadway at Park St. G Grant-Sawyer Home 4126 Haughn Road

H Grove City Gold Star Families Memorial 3964 Columbus St.

I Grove City Visitors Center & Museum

3378 Park St. J Kingston Center

3226 Kingston Ave.

Scioto Grove Metro Park

Pinnacle Golf Club

Quarry Park Ä

Grove City Parks and Rec. Outdoor Shelter Rentals

Windsor and Gantz parks feature shelters large enough for gatherings available to the public year-round, dawn to dusk, and are open for walk-up usage if not already reserved. Reservations for May 1 through Sept. 30 opened Tuesday, Jan. 21. All other shelters and gazebos are accessible on a first-come basis and are not available for reservation by the public. The Eagle Pavilion and Beulah Pavilion have separate policies from open shelters including no walk-up usage. For more information, call 614-277-3050 or visit GroveCityOhio.gov.

GANTZ PARK LARGE 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)

GANTZ PARK SMALL SHELTER

Size 850 square feet

Picnic Tables 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)

Parks with Walk-up Shelters

• Blodwen

• Cread Lawless

• Creekside

• Fryer

WINDSOR PARK LARGE SHELTER

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)

GANTZ PARK GAZEBO

Size 500 square feet

Picnic Tables 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)

• Indian Trails

• Keller Farms

• Meadowgrove

• The Park at Beulah

• Scioto Meadows

• Swearingen

• Westgrove

• Windsor

WINDSOR PARK BASEBALL FOR ALL/DREAM FIELD SHELTER

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)

Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)

Outdoor Shelter Reminders

• Reservations are available for May 1-Sept. 30.

• Refunds only granted 30 or more days before reservation date.

• Water fountains/flushing toilets are turned off seasonally to protect pipes (approximately Oct. 1-May 1).

• Restrooms are open to all park users.

• Reservations have priority. Police will assist if walk-up occupants refuse to leave. Call the non-emergency 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.

Registration

bit.ly/gcpReg

24-7

Credit card only

Drop Box, 3226 Kingston Ave. (Rear) 24-7

Check or money order

Payment Methods

• Due to security concerns, payments are not accepted by phone

• Online using a credit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card).

Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Credit card, cash, money order, check Ages 1-54

Evans Center, 4330 Dudley Ave.

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Credit card, cash, money order, check Ages 55+

• 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

• Please 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 before the 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.

The Source

• Every attempt is made to print accurate, complete information. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the publication and the timeline for printing, the guide may include incorrect or incomplete information.

• We apologize for any errors or omissions and encourage you to visit the website and review online offerings for the most up-to-date information.

Photos and Videos

The City of Grove City reserves the right to photograph or otherwise record activities, participants, spectators and park visitors. Images may be used in social media, website, catalogs, brochures, magazines, ads or other print or electronic communications or promotions.

Looking for your photo?

Did you see someone taking photos and want to view them?

• Check EQ@GroveCityParks and EQ@GroveCityOhio.

• Browse the Discover Grove City magazine.

• 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 the admission or access to programs or activities. An ADA Coordinator is designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Justice regulations implementing Subtitle A of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability by public agencies.

Call 614-277-3050 for information.

Public Service Department

Public Works Appreciation Week: May 18 to 24

Despite often wearing bright shirts, public works employees often go unnoticed. But they are the cornerstone of a well-maintained city.

Seldom front of mind until things go wrong, they do the dirty work filling pot holes, clearing sewers, cleaning restrooms and more.

These problem solvers are among the first to respond during weather events and emergencies to plow and patch roads, mark and secure safety hazards, and clear fallen trees and debris.

Essential during community events, they prepare venues, set up and tear down, and close and reopen roads quickly.

They mow, paint, clean, plant, prune, weed and pick up trash in all kinds of weather to keep sports fields, playgrounds and parks ready for citizens and visitors.

During Public Works Week, celebrate these individuals who advance the quality of life for everyone and keep Grove City running from behind the scenes. The annual celebration is the third week of May, before Memorial Day weekend kicks off the busy summer season.

Touch-A-Truck

Sat., 5/17, 10 a.m.-noon

Town Center Park

Celebrate Public Works

Appreciation Week with Grove City Public Service!

Meet Public Service representatives and learn about what these incredible professionals do, enjoy activities and climb aboard and experience the equipment used to maintain the city.

Enhanced Meter Project (EMP)

The City of Columbus Division of Water provides municipal water service to most of Franklin County, including Grove City. All customers are being upgraded to meters that are more efficient and accurate including leak detection.

The free meter replacement, performed by VEPO Metering technicians, takes 30-60 minutes.

If your home or small business was constructed before 2023, please schedule an appointment for a time convenient for you -daytime, evening and weekend times are available. Your water will be shut off for a brief period.

Find more information and schedule an appointment at ColumbusEMP.org.

Reminder: trash collection is delayed one day for Memorial Day, Mon., 5/26.

Contact

Grove City Public Service 3262 Ventura Blvd. Grove City, OH 43123 614-277-1100

Hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Grove City Division of Police

National Police Week: May 11-17

National Police Week honors law enforcement who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of others. Thank you to all our law enforcement brothers and sisters for your dedication to the job!

May Is National Bicycle Safety Month

Drivers should be responsible and on the lookout for cyclists and pedestrians as summer weather approaches.

Bikers should also take action to stay safe while riding:

• Always wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Never ride distracted.

• Follow all traffic laws

• Make eye contact with motorists before passing or turning in front of them to ensure they see you.

Watch Grove City social media pages for more information regarding upcoming Bike Bus events with the local schools.

To learn more, visit bit.ly/NHTSABicycleSafety

National Heatstroke Prevention Day Is May 1

As summer approaches, it is important to remember the dangers of high heat Parked vehicles can get extremely hot, rising 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. This can lead to heat stroke, potentially fatal, especially for children, the elderly and pets, as their bodies are less able to regulate heat.

If you often travel with a child or pet, develop a strategy to ensure you check the back seat before leaving your car, e.g., also leave a purse in the back or place an item on the front seat that prompts you to check the back.

To learn more, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke.

Request a House Check

Traveling this summer? The Grove City Division of Police can provide a home check to give residents increased peace of mind while out of town. While you’re gone, officers will check your home, as time permits, and notify you if something is disturbed. Complete the form online bit.ly/GCPDHouseCheck

Consider a Career with the Grove City Division of Police

Have you ever thought about a career with the Grove City Division of Police?

If interested, complete a job interest form indicating positions related to the Division of Police at bit.ly/gcjobinterestcard.

For 12 months after submitting the form, you receive email notifications each time a position opens with the City of Grove City in a category that matches your indicated interest areas.

For questions regarding the hiring process with the Grove City Division of Police, send an email to: PoliceRecruitment@ GroveCityOhio.gov.

Contact

Grove City Safety Complex 3360 Park St.

Grove City, OH 43123

• Emergency: 911

• Non-emergency: 614-277-1710

• Public Records: 614-277-1714

• Mayor’s Court: 614-277-1715