[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6194214,"mediaKeyId","3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1","parentId",3864726,"title","Gahanna moves forward on multi-part Academy Park renovation, citing parking, trailhead and mountain-bike needs","audioSeconds",1399,"startMs",1037000,"endMs",2436000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1&start=1037&end=2436","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1/thumbnail_1037000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6194214/Gahanna/Franklin-County/Ohio/Gahanna-moves-forward-on-multi-part-Academy-Park-renovation-citing-parking-trailhead-and-mountain-bike-needs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194214-ba2fb651fd79f9e6ed39ee2acb6ca874/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201919&Signature=F7P9u-jMvLciFuobQ3Rr6km5dKb0hMerBJ~04X-3sbtomoIfwFkg8Blb7~CRsyFWacTuz7zv4M7AH42dF4FlAQanlxSNvPr7S7z7X72zA9wy4gXrrOfRLFU2EuR-yPLwTe8TzroGv6QxOmYsLpEbwpITagwDrDEIyNv2b6DipaUhsftN8xd94bicwJGIHsNpQPSA0ca62qYkhcUECEiHIiIj-Nfm4rYqYdwECdNuRyNUkmHbhBWQnP5TNkmCzNocL7xP-oO4u2BGuDgoW4rZQFKBPdcFXoi7Is2vZB37ux13-e44PyVnHj06DgF8d4H4j2wg~hbbFgiwCsh29yWIYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Gahanna, OH ","date","2025-06-19T11:56:50Z","article","City parks staff presented conceptual designs for a multi-component renovation of Academy Park that would add parking, relocate and replace courts and playgrounds, and build a combined shelter/trailhead intended to serve both a new mountain-bike trail and the regional Big Walnut Trail.

Nicole, a Parks & Recreation staff member who led the presentation, said the designs are preliminary. \"These are conceptual images... we are in about 50% of that design, and so there are still elements that need to be finalized and studied in order to come to a final design,\" she said.

Why it matters: the proposal aims to address chronic parking overflow at Academy Park, improve trail and pedestrian circulation, and provide a permanent base for the newly opened mountain-bike trail. Staff told the board the project has partial grant funding but still needs local capital dollars to complete construction.

Most important details: the conceptual plan would add roughly 85 parking spaces west of the existing lot to reduce weekend overflow; maintain enough contiguous turf to allow at least one full-size soccer field layout; and reposition the park path to keep bicycles and pedestrians from cutting through active sports fields. The plan relocates and replaces the park’s basketball courts to reduce trail conflicts with field users and to improve overall circulation.

A combined trailhead and shelter is a central element. Staff said the park secured nearly $96,000 in NatureWorks funding, administered through ODNR, specifically to help build the trailhead, which will also serve as a storage and concession area, restrooms and a pavilion. The draft design lists about 3,500 square feet for the trailhead; staff noted that final square footage and finish materials remain subject to budget and design adjustments.

Mountain-bike amenities: the trailhead concept includes direct trail connections, a bike repair station, seating and water fountains, maps and etiquette signage, and space intended to support a \"Dirt School\" (a skills/instruction program identified by local mountain-bike organizers). Staff said those connections will be added to the design where they were not yet shown on the presentation imagery.

Surfacing and playgrounds: the playground surfacing would use engineered wood fiber compliant with certified fall ratings; staff said construction of the playground and drainage revisions remain in design and are subject to change. The shelter is intended to buffer the playground from the parking area and to consolidate multiple park functions in one building to improve cost efficiency.

Timing and funding: staff said the NatureWorks grant requires the trailhead to be constructed by the end of 2025; the department has been submitting the required twice-yearly status reports to the grant agent and will seek an extension if needed. Staff also said there is a funding gap for the expanded project and that capital funds will be requested in the 2026 capital budget to complete the work.

Board members and staff emphasized coordination with regular user groups to limit disruption during construction. \"We do not have the construction schedule outlined, so I hesitate to give that timeline,\" Nicole said, adding staff will coordinate with recurring park users such as youth baseball to schedule work to minimize conflict.

The design remains at roughly 50% completion; staff said additional study and final design work is needed before the project can be put out to bid. The board did not take formal action on the design at this meeting; staff said they will return with updated imagery and a refined schedule as design progresses.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Parks and Recreation Board - June 18, 2025 - Livestream","oneSentenceSummary","City parks staff presented conceptual designs for a multi-component renovation of Academy Park that would add parking, relocate and replace courts and playgrounds, and build a combined shelter/trailhead intended to serve both a new mountain-bike trail and the regional Big Walnut Trail.","taxTitle","Gahanna, Franklin County, Ohio","taxId",55589,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194194,"Parks staff clarifies e-bike rules: class 1 and 2 allowed on multi-use paths; mountain-bike trail use limited",177,2967000,3144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1&start=2967&end=3144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1/thumbnail_2967000.jpg","/articles/6194194/Gahanna/Franklin-County/Ohio/Parks-staff-clarifies-e-bike-rules-class-1-and-2-allowed-on-multi-use-paths-mountain-bike-trail-use-limited","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194194-598b9c707c7b3706885ea7ff2661ebee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201919&Signature=E2jotVTu6uM3vqQ06qqdo8sGaR-i1OvN8YqexGMFd8tZilkwuOM1vVhSJydmux8OPocEiGhzF9B~bBmCywHrHxAs77F~1o6yFSyKI8wG8E9McQlO0olXi95YrOQBFT3J3gsmQNX6kdHiq-5cKGQKAADqROVmE1c5fqHOGLkbFzal1XJS3Z~UAeUIYU6kuySdjARpjmU7qJYdzZNkQX1BzFfAxs6XZ6jbAa9Bc~Fr-ioRmPIaB-zKSW11hg1vRyHUtWitFuwxTVRO0lh425Zqy8s8NWQ1htkXHNkpfHTo5PbOj-2xPZkdqeudHGfGqiJ9-zOIUL-7S2OV2Ar4biZLVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A board member raised neighborhood concerns about electric-bikes on paved and unpaved trails. Parks staff summarized the city's current rules and how they apply to multi-use and mountain-bike trails.

\"On a multi use trail, only class 1 and class 2 ebikes are allowable. On the mountain bike trail, it's disallowed. However, through communication, a class 1 has been identified as a reasonable accommodation for the mountain bike trail. So we will formalize that role within the usage of the mountain bike trail,\" Nicole said.

Staff clarified that class 1 e-bikes require pedal-assist only, class 2 has a throttle but limited speed, and class 3 bikes (higher-speed e-bikes) are not allowed on multi-use trails. Staff also said mopeds are explicitly not allowed on multi-use or mountain-bike trails.

Why it matters: the clarification addresses resident safety and enforcement concerns and signals staff intent to set a formal rule for limited class-1 use on the mountain-bike trail. Staff said they will coordinate with Gahanna Police Department if patterns of misuse appear and enforcement is needed.

The board did not change local code at this meeting; staff reported the existing ordinance framework and said they will formalize mountain-trail accommodations in a follow-up.","Parks staff explained local rules for electric bicycles: class 1 and class 2 e-bikes are allowed on multi-use trails, class 3 e-bikes are not allowed; the mountain-bike trail currently disallows e-bikes but staff said a class-1 accommodation will be formalized for that trail.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194199,"Parks & Recreation announces internal promotions, hires and vacancies amid program growth",352,2528000,2880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1&start=2528&end=2880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1/thumbnail_2528000.jpg","/articles/6194199/Gahanna/Franklin-County/Ohio/Parks-Recreation-announces-internal-promotions-hires-and-vacancies-amid-program-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194199-ca139e00453089e8c3ce9ea9d3b3da8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201919&Signature=bMZO5xUFafdXYCtA3gFypc7zKLM2gzoy5n63PoGO89W7lDjLMH2cmEjad~lmevFo6AqlbjMEPqY3OuSBaIejXS8xjB3XCBYursU13l-QXYq6VucxLDkIVBns3IAaiGLvK6tvvQoyYdIhe4Yu~mrBtiG5d5oI-G8dbQwEubmX-0MzoTMfcUkKmXfAcny78TRFh~ekduYrze47bLxSC4xiRrIACHGLNl1u-m-I-0xX6J6baERsiEFrcCJYOEndPAcM3Tp1iaSoJL5hKwzz30HIlUeSS2ylcA1trlTfs~3VbKggx~Wgi273QhOn-S7j0SE-DFKXlB~1vVySF4c4z79TOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks & Recreation staff announced multiple personnel changes tied to the department’s expanded programs and succession planning. The board was briefed on promotions, a recent external hire and two recent departures.

Key personnel moves reported by staff included the internal promotion of Zach Guthrie into a parks manager role (previously parks and facilities superintendent) and the promotion of a maintenance worker to parks and facilities superintendent. \"He was formerly a maintenance worker too. He started with the department about 7 years ago... and so he was named the parks and facilities superintendent,\" staff said about the promoted employee.

Other staffing items: Eric Langdon was promoted from maintenance worker 1 to maintenance worker 2; Nathaniel Hartsock was hired as a new foreman for arbor and horticulture after working in Columbus’ golf division; Miranda continues as the department horticulturist. Staff said the maintenance-worker ladder is intended to enable internal succession and training so employees can be promoted as vacancies arise.

Departures and vacancies: Recreation staff reported that Recreation Supervisor Chris Goodmore’s last day was the prior Friday after accepting a recreation director position in Wyoming, Ohio. Recreation Coordinator Amy Moneypenny is moving to an evidence technician position with the police department; she will remain interim supervisor during youth summer camp until a permanent replacement is identified. Staff said the open positions — including a maintenance worker 1 vacancy and the recreation supervisor role — have been posted for recruitment.

Why it matters: staff framed the changes as succession planning tied to program expansion, including a new street-tree program and continued growth in horticulture and recreation offerings. The board acknowledged the departing employees’ service and staff urged the board to help spread word of posted vacancies to attract candidates.","The department promoted staff to fill newly created positions, hired a new arbor/horticulture foreman from Columbus, and reported departures including a recreation supervisor and a recreation coordinator moving to the police department; several vacancies were posted for recruitment.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194204,"Board waives rental fees for school orchestra cookout and marching-band campfire",309,2337000,2646000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1&start=2337&end=2646","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1/thumbnail_2337000.jpg","/articles/6194204/Gahanna/Franklin-County/Ohio/Board-waives-rental-fees-for-school-orchestra-cookout-and-marching-band-campfire","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194204-8df6214c44f5dd0f81baa37fdd9a5d3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201919&Signature=UJHGAJk5sVSmiJaxQ-bzLUuZgtnyjrE30bM4mDiqq149TugJBUw06tba5bVjGmLCpGweR66e35pEqcOZSJ2rzRFlH38835hUptDM58g93ctJE7IDXn2Ke8XK16l6FXZ4mw11ySDvCtY4pd-AlSQb2CHcsTvDU9jsL7wvLmIEPxKJKJxqzRpvJC0UcD7sJwI4nv-cUWMZlv2GtO6pz141yjBBu5H-lahQ51l8JYMfa2Mx7cPy0BlTZFnnuR0cQHcBJHg9-MX0jtgCT47dxz8gy~ylMijgDdWh0Cu2AXfCUGD95xslZ9~uy33arY4bLMFAztvDE537PghG8n7fDA2Reg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks & Recreation Board approved two fee waivers for school music groups: a full waiver of a $200 rental fee for a middle-school orchestra potluck at Hannah Park in May of next year, and a $140 waiver for the high-school marching band’s October 25 campfire at Friendship Park.

Staff described the first request as coming from Kevin Dingle, the schools’ orchestra leader, and said the May event is a Saturday rental from 4 to 8 p.m. \"They are looking to do an afternoon, evening cookout potluck at Hannah Park,\" a staff member told the board.

Why it matters: the waivers reduce out-of-pocket costs for school-affiliated activities and reflect a recurring practice the board has approved previously for youth and school groups.

Vote details: both waivers were approved by roll call with the following votes recorded as \"Yes\": Jean Ross (listed in roll call as Jan/Jean Ross), Eric Miller, Ken Shepherd, Harvey McCluskey, Kevin McGinn and Donna Simmons. The motions carried without recorded dissent.

Staff noted the city opens park reservations one year in advance; the May 16 request opened on May 16 this year, allowing groups to reserve early. No other policy changes were made.","The board approved two fee waivers: a full waiver ($200) for a middle-school orchestra potluck at Hannah Park (May 16 next year) and a $140 waiver for the high-school marching band's October 25 campfire at Friendship Park; both passed by roll call.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6194209,"Gahanna partners with GRIN for pilot community garden on Granville site",374,766000,1140000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1&start=766&end=1140","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864726-cad9b11e3d837b753228f040880117f1/thumbnail_766000.jpg","/articles/6194209/Gahanna/Franklin-County/Ohio/Gahanna-partners-with-GRIN-for-pilot-community-garden-on-Granville-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194209-1bb1d63f42206a92f77a896c8152558e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201919&Signature=T1J9QzWyuLD8DnlwhtmCmmrGB-XExochG4zmwf3jUy2ModaMGIbzNiVOF7O4njGX~q36LnD-36tfJcvmmnNQgOuh2aMAFunIGZwJi7GM-cR5o68Vr4Jqz5tcNkrCZLGSF7OgiAnWkt9hw4GaKwe8-vMXHT1AWdd6g5acoZrarcSVCqz1UfO17JGOwHH~W39uACa-BlKau3ZTDt~Rr3xzakNJchG70m6-HGTZ7y2Htsq~aKmyK75ZA4hNezen~AMm3KUvQJA2-nT0EkPXB4M5cl8QtUvLVxgEtAZZgClI1ChwUw8~lJmM~Tk3pOm3TwCcSugbg6pMgt1dIkO41UvxaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Parks & Recreation Board that a new partnership with GRIN will create a pilot community garden on city-owned property near GRIN’s Granville operation.

\"There is a formal MOU that's been initiated where the, again, partnership with what we do as a city and what GRIN does. But, ultimately, the utilization and the programming of that space is managed by GRIN,\" Nicole said during the meeting.

Why it matters: the site provides raised beds for GRIN participants to grow produce, learn gardening skills and practice self-sufficiency. Staff characterized the plot as a pilot and said program details — such as whether plots will be assigned or run by a first-come, first-served process — are being managed by GRIN and not yet finalized.

Key points: the garden is on city property (the former Sunflower lot off Granville), uses raised beds installed in partnership with GRIN, and is intended primarily for GRIN participants who may not have space to garden at home. Staff described the site as an \"opportunity\" to elevate an underused parcel and said they will ask GRIN to provide a seasonal update to the board to report on how the pilot operates.

Program operations and assignment of beds differ from the city's existing community-plot program, staff said; at Friendship Park and Hannah Park the city assigns plots that residents can purchase, whereas GRIN's approach is intentionally organized differently to meet participants' needs. Staff emphasized that the pilot status means features such as fencing will be reconsidered if the partnership continues beyond the initial season.

The board did not take formal action beyond acknowledging the partnership and asking staff to request an update from GRIN after the growing season.","City staff reported a memorandum of understanding with GRIN to use a former Sunflower lot on Granville as a pilot community garden with raised beds for GRIN participants; the city retains property ownership while GRIN manages program operations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Gahanna moves forward on multi-part Academy Park renovation, citing parking, trailhead and mountain-bike needs

Parks staff clarifies e-bike rules: class 1 and 2 allowed on multi-use paths; mountain-bike trail use limited

Parks & Recreation announces internal promotions, hires and vacancies amid program growth

Board waives rental fees for school orchestra cookout and marching-band campfire

Gahanna partners with GRIN for pilot community garden on Granville site