MAYOR'S OFFICE

As your local government, we know how important it is for your tax dollars to be used wisely – and we are committed to ensuring that we are delivering transparent and meaningful results for our residents. Through the past year, we have continued to make great progress in strengthening public safety, updating critical infrastructure, and implementing initiatives that help our community to thrive. Below are some key highlights of how these investments are making a difference:

• Public Safety: Three new police officers and two new communication technicians have been hired thus far in 2025, enhancing our public safety response.
• Infrastructure Improvements:
  • More than $5M is being invested this year in upgrades that will improve approximately 10 miles of streets and over 7 miles of sidewalks - increasing safety, accessibility, and mobility throughout the City.
  • Design work also is underway on Phase 1 of sewer improvements on the City’s west side, which will help to mitigate impacts from wet weather events in the area. Included in this phase of design are roadway improvements to the West Johnstown Road corridor, which will incorporate the addition of sidewalks and multi-use paths. Cost of the Phase 1 design work is in excess of $3M and is expected to be completed in 2026.
  • As ODOT continues its rehabilitation work on the Hamilton Road bridge, the City is investing more than $1M in the project to enhance bridge accessibility for Gahanna residents.
• Expanded City Services: Earlier this year, the City purchased a new street sweeper and launched a citywide street sweeping program, bringing that function in-house and enabling us to expand service year-round while reducing overall costs.
• New Community Spaces: After several years of planning, construction is set to begin this fall on a new Outdoor Exploration Center, transforming an abandoned house along Price Road into a new programming space for the Department of Parks & Recreation that will create increased room for classes and outdoor learning activities, as well as meeting space for residents.
• Civic Engagement: The second annual Gahanna Citizen’s Academy concluded earlier this year, empowering residents to learn more about how their government works and building transparency in local government operations.

Each of these projects represents our continued commitment to making smart, strategic investments that strengthen Gahanna – creating a safer, more connected, and vibrant community for all. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement as we work together to build a bright future for our city.

CREEKSIDE REIMAGINED

Creekside continues to be one of the most talked-about places in Gahanna – a place full of promise and potential. Residents have shared a strong desire to see more energy, activity, and local businesses thrive in this space, and the City has been actively working to make that vision a reality.

Since early 2020, the City has been actively focused on essential flood mitigation efforts in the Creekside parking garage and along the creek embankment. These improvements, being made in coordination with FEMA, aim to protect the area from flooding along Big Walnut Creek and ensure long-term safety and resilience.

While addressing these critical infrastructure needs, new opportunities have emerged to enhance Creekside as a whole. We’ve listened closely – it’s clear Creekside matters to our community. Last fall, we introduced preliminary concepts to spark ideas and gather feedback. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many residents expressing enthusiasm for a more vibrant, accessible, and connected plaza.

As we move forward with these structural improvements, we’re also exploring enhancements to park features, the streetscape, and both the upper and lower plaza areas. Just last month, Mayor Jadwin and Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz shared an update with City Council, presenting both the flood mitigation plans and an early concept for a reimagined Creekside. That discussion can be viewed HERE.

We invite you to join us for a community conversation on Wednesday, September 24, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Creekside Conference & Events Center (101 Mill St., 3rd Floor), as we talk further about the future of Creekside – a true gem in the heart of Gahanna.

OUR GAHANNA

For several months, many of you have shared valuable input to help guide Gahanna's next strategic plan. Now, you can be among the first to share your thoughts on the draft plan and help build a vibrant Gahanna for all! Visit OurGahanna.com for more information on the Our Gahanna Roadshow – a series of events where you can see the draft plan and provide your feedback. Can’t make it to one of those events? No worries! You can share your thoughts through the online survey, accessible at OurGahanna.com through Saturday, September 20.

825 TECH CENTER DRIVE

Exciting progress is underway at the new Gahanna Civic Center – the future home of the Gahanna Division of Police, the Gahanna Senior Center, and City Hall! From the outside, you can already see major changes taking shape. Curbs have been installed, the dedicated police access point is complete, and solar carport footers are now in place on both sides of the building. These solar structures will help protect police and city fleet vehicles while supporting the City’s sustainability goals.

The front parking lot is taking shape, and residents will notice new pedestrian-friendly features, including a multi-use trail and sidewalks along the front of the property – designed to improve access and connectivity.

Inside the facility, progress continues at a steady pace. Flooring and carpeting are being installed throughout, and the building’s backup battery system (UPS) has been put into place to ensure critical operations remain uninterrupted during power outages.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to opening a facility designed to better serve our community for years to come. You can view Council meetings on the City’s YouTube channel (@CityofGahanna), where updates on the new Civic Center are provided at the first Committee of the Whole meeting each month. Detailed information on the project, including all prior presentations, budget discussions, construction updates, and more, can be found at Gahanna.gov/825/.

PUBLIC SAFETY

We’ve recently received several questions about the use of golf carts and other low-speed vehicles on Gahanna’s public streets. Golf carts are considered under-speed vehicles, as they typically weigh under 3,000 pounds and travel at speeds of 20-25 mph. While they may seem like a convenient option for short trips, it is important to note that operating them on city streets in Gahanna is not legal.

As of June 30, 2025, House Bill 54 added new restrictions for under-speed vehicles. The Gahanna Department of Public Safety continues to support the ban, as our roads are not designed to safely accommodate these types of vehicles. Retrofitting streets to allow for low-speed or under-speed vehicles is not a feasible option at this time.

Above all, our primary concern is the safety of all residents – drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. We appreciate your understanding and continued efforts to keep our community safe.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The City’s IT Department reminds you that public Wi-Fi isn’t always public-friendly.

Think of public Wi-Fi like a conversation in a crowded room. You wouldn’t read your bank statement out loud in the middle of a store or restaurant, right? Then don’t log into your bank app on unsecured networks.

Instead:

• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.
• Use your mobile hotspot if you're handling anything sensitive.
• Stick to casual browsing, and save the banking, shopping, and bill-paying for home.

Remember - that free Wi-Fi might not be as safe as you think it is!

PARKS & RECREATION

Friendship Park Survey

Over the last five years, we’ve rebuilt four Gahanna playgrounds to update equipment that was outdated, and we’re now looking ahead to our next project! Friendship Park is due for an update, and we’d love your input! Whether your family visits often or just enjoys an occasional outing, this is your chance to help shape a space that everyone in the community can enjoy.

Take a moment to share your thoughts in the brief survey HERE. The survey will be active through Friday, September 19. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference!

Gahanna Market

Experience the best of local flavor at the last Gahanna Market of the season on Wednesday, September 24! Shop for fresh produce, handmade items, delicious baked treats, and other unique goods from local vendors on the Creekside Plaza from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy live music from the Rotary Stage (presented by Visit Gahanna) and family-friendly activities while connecting with neighbors and supporting local businesses.

Splash Pad

Need a place to cool off as summer comes to a close? The Splash Pad at Gahanna Swimming Pool is open and free to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sunday, September 28, weather permitting.

Golf Memberships

Tee off with a membership to the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Course! Memberships are on sale now and are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Go to Gahanna.gov to buy yours today!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, September 6

CREEKSIDE HOPS & VINES FESTIVAL
Creekside Plaza, 6 – 11 p.m.
Presented by the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation
GahannaPRF.org

Monday, September 8

COFFEE WITH A COP
SGT Coffee Co. Trailer (140 N. High St.), 9 - 10 a.m.
Gahanna.gov

Thursday, September 18

SENIOR EXPO
The Gahanna Sanctuary, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Gahanna.gov

Saturday, September 20

TOUCH A TRUCK
Hannah Park, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Gahanna.gov

Wednesday, September 24 

GAHANNA MARKET
Creekside Plaza, 4 – 7 p.m.
Gahanna.gov

Wednesday, September 24

CREEKSIDE REIMAGINED: A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Creekside Conference & Events Center, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Gahanna.gov

Sunday, September 28

MILL STREET MARKET
Creekside District, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Presented by the Gahanna Historical Society
GahannaHistory.com

Thursday, October 2 through Monday, October 6

THE VIETNAM TRAVELING MEMORIAL WALL
Veterans Memorial Park
Presented by Gahanna American Legion Post 797
GahannaVets.org

Saturday, October 11

BIG WALNUT CREEK & ROCKY FORK CREEK CLEANUP
Friendship Park, 9 – 11 a.m.
VolunteerGahanna.org

Saturday, October 11

BASSETFEST
Pizzurro Dog Park, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Presented by Ohio Basset Hound Rescue
OhioBassetRescue.org

Saturday, October 18

CLEANER GREENER GAHANNA LITTER PICK-UP
Friendship Park, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Presented by Make Gahanna Yours
MakeGahannaYours.com

Friday, October 24

GREAT GAHANNA GOBLIN FEST
Academy Park, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union
Gahanna.gov

Saturday, October 25

FALL SHRED & E-RECYCLE DAY
Gahanna City Hall, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Gahanna.gov

Thursday, October 30

TRICK OR TREAT
6 – 8 p.m.
Gahanna.gov

For more information on upcoming programs and activities happening in the City, check out the latest addition of Uniquely Gahanna and the Fall/Winter Explore Guide from Gahanna Parks & Recreation.