The Gahanna City Council meeting on September 29, 2025, focused on the ambitious "Creekside Reimagined" project, which aims to enhance accessibility, improve flood protection, and revitalize public spaces along the creek. Key discussions highlighted the need for improved ADA access, particularly around the stage and pedestrian bridge, as well as enhancements to lighting along the creek bank.
One of the primary goals of the project is to address the disconnect between the lower trail area and the upper plaza. Plans include constructing a secondary staircase and ramp to facilitate easier movement between these areas, thereby creating a more open and accessible environment. The design also aims to reduce the size of the lagoon in the lower plaza, allowing for better programming space and the addition of amphitheater-style seating for events.
The upper plaza will see significant improvements, including the removal of problematic brick pavers that have caused water infiltration issues in the parking garage. This presents an opportunity to enhance landscaping and lighting throughout the area. The streetscape along Mill Street will be unified to create a cohesive pedestrian experience, incorporating traffic calming measures to improve safety.
Renderings presented during the meeting showcased a redesigned lower plaza that maintains the iconic waterfall feature while enhancing views and access to the creek. An interactive water feature, often referred to as a splash pad, is also planned to engage visitors, particularly children.
Overall, the "Creekside Reimagined" project represents a significant investment in Gahanna's public spaces, aiming to create a more functional, accessible, and visually appealing environment for residents and visitors alike. The next steps will involve finalizing designs and moving towards implementation, with a focus on community engagement throughout the process.