We Put the Altogether in adventure adventure

By Rachel Hagenbaugh

Everyone needs a little adventure in their lives, and Grove City takes great pride in helping people discover their #AltogetherAdventure Experiences, programs, and attractions around the city are catered to people of all ages, abilities, and orientations, ensuring the community offers something for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s important for all people to feel a part of the community,” says Leslie Anderson, vice chair of the board for Pride in GC, which formed in 2022 to support diversity in Grove City and bring people together. Earlier this year, the organization hosted its first Pride Weekend. “It was amazing to walk through downtown and see all of the rainbow balloons and banners from all of our supporters. We had a lot of people come out and thank us for starting the event, as it meant so much for them to have this weekend of inclusivity in their town.”

Howdy Lamprecht, a 44-year resident of Grove City, says he and his wife feel blessed to be a part of the community. They have three special needs grandchildren and appreciate Grove City’s dedication to providing experiences for those of all abilities.

“We have such a great parks and recreation system, and they are always improving the facilities for those with different abilities,” he says, highlighting the Dream Field Playground at Windsor Park, which provides a sensory-rich environment filled with activities that support cognitive development, intuitive play, and social interaction. Gantz Park, known as the city’s nature park, also offers an all-purpose experience complete with a bonded surface, ramps, and features like bigger, equipment and a natural

Windsor Park is also to the Grove City Buddy Ball program, which creates opportunities people of all ages to baseball regardless ability. “Buddy Ball barriers that keep and adults with mental disabilities off of the baseball field,” says Lamprecht, one of seven board members who organizes the program. Buddy Ball teams play on Mirolo Dream Field at Mount Carmel Stadium, a custom-designed, tiled, rubberized surface that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices.

“Grove City is an incredible city that continues to have growth,” says Anderson. “It is encouraging to think that with this growth, the inclusivity of Grove City will continue to expand, and everyone will feel welcomed in our city.”