Did You Know

cant number of diverse industry sectors located right here in Grove City.

The academy and local industry leaders maintain multiple successful work-based learning programs creating a strong talent pipeline for the community, nourishing the community’s economic well-being.

The City’s community members continue backing education efforts as well. In November 2018, residents overwhelmingly supported the passage of a bond issue giving the school district the go-ahead to construct, expand and improve its middle school buildings. Brookpark Middle School, a building approaching six decades, is among those planned for replacement as a result.

The City of Grove City collaborated early with the master developer of Beulah Park to set aside land for a new Brookpark Middle School. The new facility is under construction near the corner of Demorest and Grove City roads, just south of the new development. The two-story, 117,000-square-foot building is expected to house an enrollment of approximately 800 students. This project is well underway and on schedule to open August 2022.

Planning for a future school was also a collaborative effort in the Farmstead development located off Jackson Pike. The residential community plan allotted approximately 11 acres for an elementary school after discussions with City staff and SWCSD. Following the completion of the Hawthorne Parkway extension between Jackson Pike and Indian Trails, development of the new school may begin within the next five years.

The GroveCity2050 Plan and ongoing successful partnerships among the City of Grove City, SWCSD, local businesses and area developers are a testament to the important role education plays in the development of our community.

A South-Western City School District bus makes its way through the new Farmstead community.

The mural soldier stands for all Grove City Veterans.

Nearly 80 years ago in the spring of 1942, Clyde DeLong was home on furlough from basic training in Europe and paused for a photo in his hometown – Grove City. That moment in history is preserved in a Town Center mural created by Grove City artist David Maple (1950-2018) and serves as a lasting representation of our community’s Veterans.

DeLong joined the Army in January 1942. In September of that year his boots were on the ground in northern Africa with Company I, 9th Infantry Division, fighting in the African theater during World War II. Never in one place very long, he served in Algeria, French Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy and the Rhineland. By May 1945, just 10 days after German forces surrendered, DeLong was ordered home.

In his time of active service, DeLong was injured in battle four times. In June 1944, his family was informed by telegram that he had been “slightly wounded in action in the French area.” Soon after returning to action, DeLong was struck in the chin and neck by shrapnel. After a brief recovery, he was again struck in the face by shrapnel. His fourth injury is not well documented.

According to family members, DeLong completed his service having earned a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (originally known as the EAME Theater Ribbon) with five Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart with three Oak Leaf Clusters.

His image watches over Grove City in the Town Center mural on the corner of Broadway and Grove City Road, a reminder of those past, present and future who protect our freedoms.