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Trails & BikewaysIndependence Day
The pinnacle of Summer 2022 in Gahanna will be the Independence Day Celebration, which will kick off on Friday, July 1 at the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course. Starting at 5:30 p.m. with food and live music—headlined by the ever-popular Reaganomics—the event will culminate with the fireworks display at 10 p.m. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, KEMBA Financial Credit Union. 
The fun continues on Saturday, July 2, with the 2nd annual Red, White and Blue Block Party, presented by The Gahanna Foundation. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Gahanna Sanctuary and will feature live music. The City’s traditional 4th of July Parade, presented by the Gahanna Lions Club, will take place on Monday, July 4.
Creekside Live
Creekside LIVE will return to Creekside Park and Plaza every other Friday starting June 10, with acts including The Pretty Filth, Honey & Blue, The McCartney Project, and many other local favorites. While enjoying the music, attendees can partake in the Creekside Outdoor Refreshment Area (CORA), which allows guests to grab a beverage-to-go from a participating location and enjoy the beverage within the CORA boundaries. See the full lineup HERE.
Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival
June 17-19
5-11pm Friday, 2-11pm Saturday, 12-5pm Sunday
Creekside District
The Best Blues & Jazz in Ohio returns to Creekside for three days of live music, delicious food and artisan vendors. For info and tickets, visit creeksidebluesandjazz.com
Purchase your tickets today: https://tickets.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/e/2022-creekside-blues-jazz-festival/tickets
Nature Photo Contest
June 15th is Nature Photography Day. To celebrate, we are holding a contest to see your best nature photos in Gahanna!
Rules for Entry:
1. Photo must be taken in Gahanna and be of nature.
2. Must not contain anything inappropriate or offensive.
3. Individuals can submit no more than two photographs for the contest. Each photo should be submitted with the location it was taken and a caption for the picture.
4. The winning photograph will be decided by a combination of social media response and City Staff voting.
5. The photo must be of high-resolution quality to use for print.
*By submitting photographs in this contest, you are granting unlimited usage of the photograph by the City of Gahanna, for potential use in future publications and online.
To submit, email your photo(s) to gahannaparksandrecreation@gmail.com. Be sure to include the location the photo was taken and a caption for each one!
The winner will be contacted and asked to provide a small bio about themselves to include in a future Parks & Rec publication. All photos must be submitted between June 15 – July 15
Parks & Rec Summer Guide
Details about Independence Day and other fun events are available in the new Parks & Rec 2022 Summer Guide. These guides will be arriving at your mailboxes any day! As we return to a full summer calendar, the Guide provides all the information you need to plan for events and activities this summer. Click HERE to view the digital version of the 2022 Summer Guide.
Gahanna Farmers Market
The Gahanna Farmers Market, presented by Make Gahanna Yours, will be back with a NEW time and location. The market will take place at the corner of Town and High Streets from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting June 1. The market now coincides with Midweek at the Creek, giving everyone another reason to hang out at Creekside for some “midweek relief.”
Midweek at the Creek(side)
Returning by popular demand. This Creekside event was created in 2021 to give residents the opportunity to enjoy outdoor entertainment in a safe environment during the pandemic. The free, live music event will be held on the Creekside Plaza every Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m., starting June 1 through August 10 (no event on June 15).
Paddles
Moonlight Kayak Paddle
This series was designed to take advantage of the sights of summer’s unique lunar events, including full moons and super moons! Certified instructors will provide a Paddling SmartStart introduction to kayaking. Kayaks (solo or tandem), life vests, and paddles will be provided and guides will assist participants along the float. Register HERE.
Kayak Float
Relax and enjoy the beauty of the Big Walnut Creek waterway right here in our backyard on June 28. ACA-certified instructors will provide a Paddling SmartStart introduction to kayaking. After the brief paddling lesson, participants will travel down the Big Walnut Creek, beginning at Friendship Park and concluding at Pizzurro Park. Kayaks, life vests, and paddles will be provided. Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are responsible for their own transportation (to Friendship/from Pizzurro). Register HERE.
Kayaking 101
Learn the basics of paddling and get more comfortable exploring Gahanna’s waterways through this introduction to kayaking. ACA-certified instructors will provide a thorough dive into the techniques and skills needed to be confident – and safe – kayaker. Participants will practice these skills in the water and have time to give paddling their best shot! Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Kayaks, life vests, and paddles will be provided. This program is for educational purposes, not certification.Register HERE.
Parks & Rec Scholarships Available
The 2022 Parks & Recreation Scholarship Award is determined by eligibility in the National School Lunch Program, which is based on household size and overall income guidelines. If you do not participate in this program, a letter of financial need/hardship will be required.
Work with Our Crew in 2022
Now is the perfect time to line up your summer job! Gahanna Parks & Rec is hiring for multiple seasonal positions for the 2022 late spring/summer season. Make money, learn new skills, meet friends and make great memories. Go HERE to apply today!
Gahanna Mobile Activities Center
Did you know that Gahanna Parks & Recreation has a self-contained party trailer available to rent for your next neighborhood block party or community event? The GMAC (Gahanna Mobile Activities Center) provides the opportunity to celebrate the Gahanna community with friends and neighbors. The GMAC contains all you need to share an afternoon of laughs and fun with neighbors, create life long memories with an outdoor movie under the stars, a backyard cookout, games and music!
What’s inside?
- 4 (6′) Tables
- Sound System
- Snow Cone Machine
- Popcorn Machine
- DVD Player
- Projector & 120″ Movie Screen
- Inflatable Gaga Pit
- Yard Games
- Play Equipment
- Coolers
- 2 (10′ x 10′) Pop Up Tents
- Extension Cords & MORE!
The GMAC is made possible through a partnership with the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation, Gahanna Lincoln High School FAB Lab Class and Funtrail Vehicle Accessories. To learn more about renting the GMAC, visit: www.gahanna.gov/gmac
Gahanna Parks
There’s a park in Gahanna for you if you want to take a walk, fish, explore nature, escape the city-life, climb on a playground, play a sport, or just sit back and relax. Find your park here.
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Download our Parks & Trails Map
Our Gahanna Parks & Trails Guide will help you navigate our amazing natural resource areas. Download the digital version NOW!
The City of Gahanna is home to 750+ acres of beautiful parks and trails that provide an invaluable resource for physical and mental wellness, outdoor exploration, education and fun! Request a print copy HERE.
Scan & download the digital version:
Mission Statement: The Mission of the Department of Parks & Recreation is to provide parks, trails, and recreational opportunities to all people of Gahanna so they can be healthy and well while they explore and learn in our community.
Contact Information
Gahanna Parks & Recreation
200 S. Hamilton Rd.
614-342-4250
Hours: M-F, 8 am-5 pm
CREEKSIDE ARBORETUM
The City of Gahanna is proud to announce the Arboretum Accreditation at Level I for Creekside Arboretum, as recognized by the Morton Register of Arboreta. This recognition of professional standards and capabilities represents the advancement of goals specific to tree-focused public gardens, exemplifying standards of excellence in the arboretum community.
The Creekside Arboretum (located in Gahanna’s Creekside Park, 117 Mill St.) includes 40+ different species of trees, identified with placards noting specific characteristics such as height, seed and leaf information, and fun facts. Visitors are encouraged to wander the arboretum, learning more about the history, natural beauty and benefits of the trees. The Arboretum offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate nature, while teaching us how to become better stewards for our environment.
American Beech
Scientific: Fagus grandifolia
Mature Height: 50-70 feet
Mature Spread: 40 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: bronze
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: edible, hard, brown nut
Fun Fact: bark is light gray and resembles concrete
American Hophornbeam
Scientific Name: Ostrya virginiana agus
Mature Height: 30 feet
Mature Spread: 30 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: green, yellow, brown
Flower: male catkins
Fruit/Nut: hop-like that turn from green to brown Fun Fact: member of the birch family
American Sycamore
Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis
Mature Height: 75-100 feet
Mature Spread: 80 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: alkaline, wet
Fall Color: bronze
Flower: small and red
Fruit/Nut: ball-like clusters
Fun Fact: bark is mottled gray, brown, and white
Bald Cypress
Scientific Name: Taxodium distichum
Mature Height: 50-70 feet
Mature Spread: 25 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: tolerant of most conditions
Fall Color: orange to brown
Flower: male catkins
Fruit/Nut: round, green cones
Fun Fact: only produces cypress knees in wet areas
Bitternut Hickory
Scientific Name: Carya cordiformis
Mature Height: 50-70 feet
Mature Spread: 40-50 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to full shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: four-part nut
Fun Fact: buds resemble a yellow candle flame
Black Cherry
Scientific Name: Prunus serotina
Mature Height: 50-60 feet
Mature Spread: 20-30 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow to orange
Flower: white drooping clusters
Fruit/Nut: dark, pea-sized cherries
Fun Fact: bark is rough and dark brown to gray
Black Locust
Scientific Name: Robinia pseudoacacia
Mature Height: 30-50 feet
Mature Spread: 20-35 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade Soil Type: moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow
Flower: white, hanging, showy clusters Fruit/Nut: flat, brown pods
Fun Fact: notorious for having brittle wood
Black Maple
Scientific Name: Acer saccharum subsp. nigrum
Mature Height: 60-75 feet
Mature Spread: 40-50 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to full shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow to orange
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: winged seeds in pairs
Fun Fact: leaves are drooped with hairy undersides
Black Walnut
Scientific Name: Juglans nigra
Mature Height: 50-75 feet
Mature Spread: 30-50 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: alkaline, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: round, green husk containing edible nut Fun Fact: produces juglone, a chemical that is toxic to many other plants
Blackgum
Scientific Name: Nyssa sylvatica
Mature Height: 30-50 feet
Mature Spread: 20-30 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: orange to red
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: small, dark fruit on female trees
Fun Fact: one of the first trees to turn color in fall
American Bladdernut
Scientific Name: Staphylea trifolia
Mature Height: 10-15 feet
Mature Spread: 10-15 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to full shade
Soil Type: alkaline, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow
Flower: white, bell-shaped in clusters
Fruit/Nut: inflated, papery seed capsule
Fun Fact: naturally grow near water so seed capsules will fall and float downstream
Boxelder
Scientific Name: Acer negundo
Mature Height: 30-50 feet
Mature Spread: 30-50 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: moist, wet, well-drained
Fall Color: light green to yellow
Flower: Insignificant
Fruit/Nut: winged pairs of seeds on female trees Fun Fact: can be tapped to make sugar
Bur Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus macrocarpa
Mature Height: 70-80 feet
Mature Spread: 70-80 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: alkaline, dry, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow to brown
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: large, 2 inch, heavily fringed acorns
Fun Fact: one of the most stately looking shade trees
Buttonbush
Scientific Name: Cephalanthus occidentalis
Mature Height: 6-12 feet
Mature Spread: 12-18 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: moist, wet, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow to brown
Flower: fragrant, white, ball-like clusters Fruit/Nut: hard, 1-inch spheres
Fun Fact: excellent native plant for pollinators
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
Scientific Name: Cornus mas
Mature Height: 20-25 feet
Mature Spread: 15-20 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: alkaline, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: red to purple
Flower: small, yellow, clustered
Fruit/Nut: oval, bright red drupes
Fun Fact: native to Europe and Asia
Eastern Cottonwood
Scientific Name: Populus deltoides
Mature Height: 75-100 feet
Mature Spread: 50-75 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: moist, wet, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow to brown
Flower: Insignificant
Fruit/Nut: dangling cluster of capsules that release white fluff and seeds
extremely fast growing and weak wooded
Eastern Redbud
Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis
Mature Height: 20-30 feet
Mature Spread: 25-35 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: moist, well-drained
Fall Color: light green to yellow
Flower: small, pink to magenta clusters Fruit/Nut: 2-3 inch long pods
Fun Fact: cultivars available with white flowers
Gray Dogwood
Scientific Name: Cornus racemosa
Mature Height: 10-15 feet
Mature Spread: 10-15 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to full shade
Soil Type: dry or wet
Fall Color: red to purple
Flower: white, flat clusters
Fruit/Nut: white berries on red stalks
Fun Fact: good for mass plantings and shrub borders
Common Hackberry
Scientific Name: Celtis occidentalis
Mature Height: 40-60 feet
Mature Spread: 40-50 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: alkaline, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: pea-sized, purple to brown drupes
Fun Fact: host plant for many butterfly species
American Basswood
Scientific Name: Tilia americana Cultivar: Redmond
Mature Height: 60-80 feet
Mature Spread: 30-60 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: moist, well-drained
Fall Color: pale yellow
Flower: fragrant, yellow clusters
Fruit/Nut: small, round nutlets attached to bract
Fun Fact: ‘Redmond’ is a dense and pyramidal variety
Northern Red Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus rubra
Mature Height: 60-75 feet
Mature Spread: 60-75 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: red
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: barrel-shaped, 1-inch acorn with flat cap
Fun Fact: one of the fastest growing oaks
Northern Spicebush
Scientific Name: Lindera benzoin
Mature Height: 6-12 feet
Mature Spread: 6-12 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, wet, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow
Flower: bright yellow clusters
Fruit/Nut: bright red drupes on female plants
Fun Fact: great food and nectar source for wildlife
Ohio Buckeye
Scientific Name: Aesculus glabra
Mature Height: 20-40 feet
Mature Spread: 20-40 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow to orange
Flower: yellow-green, 12-inch clusters
Fruit/Nut: buckeye inside prickly husk
Fun Fact: state tree of Ohio
Osage-Orange
Scientific Name: Maclura pomifera
Mature Height: 20-40 feet
Mature Spread: 20-40 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: moist, well-drained
Fall Color: light green to yellow
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: yellow-green, 6-inch circular fruit
Fun Fact: commonly known as hedge apples
Pawpaw
Scientific Name: Asimina triloba
Mature Height: 15-20 feet
Mature Spread: 15-20 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: moist, wet, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow-green to yellow
Flower: purple, cup-shaped, nodding
Fruit/Nut: large, edible, yellow-green fruit
Fun Fact: pollinated by flies
Pin Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus palustris
Mature Height: 60-70 feet
Mature Spread: 40-50 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: acidic, wet
Fall Color: red
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: small, ½-inch acorn with flat cap
Fun Fact: low branches sweep down
Red Maple
Scientific Name: Acer rubrum
Cultivar: Red Sunset
Mature Height: 40-50 feet
Mature Spread: 25-30 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: red
Flower: red petaled clusters
Fruit/Nut: winged seeds in pairs
Fun Fact: ‘Red Sunset’ is a round-shaped variety
Sawtooth Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus acutissima
Mature Height: 40-60 feet
Mature Spread: 40-60 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow to brown
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: oval, 1-inch acorns with prickly caps
Fun Fact: introduced from Asia
Apple Serviceberry
Scientific Name: Amelanchier x grandiflora
Cultivar: Robin Hill
Mature Height: 20-25 feet
Mature Spread: 12-15 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic
Fall Color: red to yellow
Flower: white, 5-petaled
Fruit/Nut: edible, change from red to blue
Fun Fact: ‘Robin Hill’ is an upright, rounded variety
Shagbark Hickory
Scientific Names: Carya ovata
Mature Height: 60-80 feet
Mature Spread: 30-50 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: moist, well-drained
Fall Color: golden brown
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: edible nut with 4-part husk
Fun Fact: the shaggy bark is habitat for roosting bats
Shellbark Hickory
Scientific Name: Carya laciniosa
Mature Height: 75-100 feet
Mature Spread: 50-75 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: wet
Fall Color: golden brown
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: edible nut with 5-6-part husk
Fun Fact: similar looking to shagbark hickories but naturally found in wetter conditions
Sugar Maple
Scientific Name: Acer saccharum
Mature Height: 60-75 feet
Mature Spread: 40-50 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to full shade
Soil Type: moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow, orange, and red
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: winged seeds in pairs
Fun Fact: used to make maple syrup
Swamp White Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus bicolor
Mature Height: 50-60 feet
Mature Spread: 50-60 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: gold to brown
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: 1-inch acorn half enclosed in a bumpy cap
Fun Fact: leaves are green on top and silver below
Sweetgum
Scientific Name: Liquidambar styraciflua
Mature Height: 60-75 feet
Mature Spread: 40-75 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun
Soil Type: acidic, moist, wet, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow, red, and purple
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: green or brown, spiny spheres
Fun Fact: trees often show more than one fall color
Tuliptree
Scientific Name: Liriodendron tulipifera
Mature Height: 70-90 feet
Mature Spread: 35-50 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: golden yellow
Flower: yellow-green, 2-inch, tulip-like blooms
Fruit/Nut: cone-shaped, 2-inch seed clusters
Fun Fact: seeds persist through winter and stand upright on branches
Weeping Willow
Scientific Name: Salix babylonica
Mature Height: 30-40 feet
Mature Spread: 35 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: moist, wet
Fall Color: light green to yellow
Flower: yellow on catkins
Fruit/Nut: brown, 1/4 -inch fruit
Fun Fact: branch cuttings can sprout into new trees
White Mulberry
Scientific Name: Morus alba
Mature Height: 30-50 feet
Mature Spread: 30-50 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: edible berry ranging from white to purple
Fun Fact: native to China
American Witchhazel
Scientific Name: Hamamelis virginiana
Mature Height: 15-25 feet
Mature Spread: 15-20 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to full shade
Soil Type: moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow
Flower: stringy, 1-inch, yellow blooms
Fruit/Nut: green-brown seed capsules
Fun Fact: flowers bloom from October to December
Yellow Buckeye
Scientific Name: Aesculus flava
Mature Height: 60-80 feet
Mature Spread: 25-35 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow to orange
Flower: upright clusters of yellow blooms
Fruit/Nut: buckeyes in a smooth husk
Fun Fact: buckeyes are poisonous to humans
Common Winterberry
Scientific Name: Ilex verticillata
Mature Height: 6-10 feet
Mature Spread: 6-10 feet
Sun Exposure: full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: acidic, moist, wet, well-drained
Fall Color: yellow-green
Flower: insignificant
Fruit/Nut: bright red drupes that last through winter
Fun Fact: both male and female plants are needed to produce fruit
Welcome to the Senior Center, home of our Active Senior Programs!
(Note: Gahanna Senior Center is currently closed due to COVID-19 mandates.)
We are proud to offer a variety of online/virtual and drive-thru programs and activities to meet the growing needs and interests of our community. Get started with your membership today and begin participating any of our programs right away! We look forward to getting to know you.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gahanna Senior Center
480 Rocky Fork Blvd.
Active Senior Program Operating Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
614-342-4265
Learn more about the Senior Center
Sign up to receive our weekly e-Newsletter by emailing Annette Rundio: Annette.rundio@gahanna.gov
Gahanna Swimming Pools
For a list of pool hours, membership information, scholarship applications and policies, visit THIS PAGE of our website.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gahanna Parks & Recreation
200 S. Hamilton Rd.
614-342-4250
Hunters Ridge Pool
341 Harrow Blvd.
614-342-4269
Gahanna Swimming Pool
148 Parkland Ave.
614-342-4272
Learn More About Gahanna Aquatics
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Water Safety Tips at Home: Staying Safe This Summer When Enjoying Lakes, Creeks, Backyard Pools/Water Features and Visits to the Beach
Do you know that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between 1-4 years old? And it’s the third leading cause of death among all children. Whether your kids will be swimming in a backyard pool, wading in a creek or headed to the beach––check this Water Safety Checklist to make sure you’re prepared to prevent drownings. The checklist is provided by Stop Drowning Now a national 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to save lives through water safety education.
Arts & Education!
Increase your knowledge and learn a new skill by participating in programs that focus on arts and education. Programs span a variety of interests and ages, from in-house Parks and Recreation programs to those run by third party organizations
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gahanna Parks & Recreation
200 S. Hamilton Rd.
614-342-4250
Hours: M-F, 8 am-5 pm
Summer Camps in Gahanna
The Gahanna Parks & Recreation team is planning to return to more typical operations in 2022 and will continually monitor COVID-19 related recommendations from state and local health agencies and the American Camp Association and will update operations, accordingly.
Payment Options
Installment Billing will be offered for all camp sessions, as well as Summer Kick-Off and Summer Wrap-Up. Installment Billing allows households to pay for camp registrations in installments of the following pre-defined dates and amounts. This option is available for participants registering prior to June 1.
Register before April 1: 1/3 total fees due at time of registration w/ payments on May 1, June 1
Register May 1 – May 31: 1/2 fees due at time of registration with payment on June 1
Pay-In-Full: Complete session fees due at time of registration
Refund and Credit Policy
One change in enrollment (session transfer or cancellation) is allowed per camper per season at no additional cost. Changes must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance of the first date of the session in order to receive full credit for a transfer to another session or a refund in the form of household credit, which expire one year from the date issued. Cash refunds are not issued.
Additional customer requested cancellations and changes are subject to a $25 administrative fee.
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- This includes transferring from one week of camp to another.
- If changes to registration are made more than one time, multiple administrative fees will apply.
- Changes within 2 weeks of the first date of the session will result in forfeiture of the session fee. No credits or transfers will be issued for customer requested cancellations within 2 weeks of the start of the camp session. Refund requests for extenuating circumstances must be presented in writing and are fulfilled at the discretion of the Department Director.
2022 Registration Info: What You Need to Know
Registration Dates: March 10 for Gahanna Residents & March 14 for non-residents.
- “Gahanna Residents” are those that pay City of Gahanna income tax or are employed within the City of Gahanna and have submitted proof of employment verification to Parks & Recreation.
- Registration will open for residents on March 10, and for non-resident families (including Gahanna Jefferson School District residents who live outside of the City limits) on March 14
- Pre-Registration/Pre-Requisite: Not needed this year. It is requested that families login to their WebTrac account to review their Household & Member Account details prior to registering for camp. (Alternatively, you may call us at 614.342.4250 for assistance)
- Navigate to https://webtrac.gahanna.gov/
- Click “Login” in the top right corner.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, please call 614.342.4250 to retrieve your information.
- If you do not have an account, please select “register for a new account.”
- In the top menu bar, under “My Account,” and “Update” choose “Household & Member”
- Please review and update information as necessary. A current phone number, email address and physical address are important for receiving important communications. Make sure all children registering for camp are listed in the household with an accurate birthdate.
- Recreation team members will contact families to confirm that household details are accurate.
Gahanna Municipal Golf Course
Located along the serene Big Walnut Creek, the golf course is a challenging 9-hole course open March-November, weather permitting. Please call ahead or book your tee times online and arrive 10 minutes prior to your time. Tee times are not available during league play hours.
As the health and safety of the community remains our priority, the following restrictions and precautions will be in place to best limit community spread and protect our staff and customers::
- Online scheduling or calling ( 614/342-4270) to book Tee Times is preferred.
- All members are required to check in at service window with ID and/or proof of purchase prior to play
- To cancel a tee time booked online, click on “Search” at the top of the page, go over to “Golf” and click on “Tee Time Cancel.”
- Do not arrive earlier than needed for your tee time.
- Riding carts and pull carts are available to rent. Both are sanitized after each use. With a limited number of carts, one may not be available for your tee time.
- Please clean trash out of your carts prior to returning them.
- Tee times are spaced out 10 minutes to accommodate an increase in walkers and to discourage stacking on tee boxes.
- GENERAL PUBLIC hours are 8 am – 7:30 pm.
- Course is open 7:30–8 am ONLY for golfers 55+ Monday thru Friday.
- No rental equipment after 5:30 pm.
- Bunker rakes and ball washers have been removed from the course.
- All transactions will take place through a service window connected to the Pro Shop.
- Pro Shop will be closed to entry (except for restroom facilities).
- Please do not participate if you are, or have been in close contact with someone, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gahanna Municipal Golf Course
220 Olde Ridenour Road
Pro Shop: 614-342-4270
Seasonal Hours of Operation: 7:30 am to Sunset, Weather Permitting, and Excluding League Play
National Get Outdoors Day Activities
Bike the Big Walnut Trail
Bike the Big Walnut Trail
Benefits of Biking:
- Increase Muscle Strength and Flexibility
- Increased Cardiovascular Fitness
- Improves Mental Well-Being
- Strengthens your Immune System
- Boosts your Brain Power
The Big Walnut Trail:
- 6 Miles Long
- Follows the Big Walnut Creek through Westerville, Gahanna, and Whitehall, OH
- Stops along the way: Hoover Reservoir, Creekside Metropark, Innwood Metropark, Gahanna Swimming Pool, Academy Park, Woodside Green Park, Gahanna Golf Course
Getting on the Trail:
- Hoover Reservoir Park to Innwood Park= 1.4mi
- Innwood Park to Academy Park= 7.5mi
- Academy Park to Woodside Green Park= 1.0mi
- Woodside Green to Gahanna Golf Course= 1.7mi
- Gahanna Golf Course to Creekside Park= 0.5mi
- Creekside Park to Gahanna Pool= 0.5mi
- Gahanna Pool to Friendship Park= 1.1mi
Gardening
How Can Gardening Help The Environment?
- Help Reduce Landfills
- Improve Air and Soil Quality
- Plants Add Moisture and Nutrients to the Soil
- Protects Local Wildlife and Pollinators
- Helps Decrease Global Warming
How Can Gardening Be Helpful For Humans?
- Helps Reduce Stress
- Develop Independence
- Learn Responsibility
- Staying Healthy by Eating Fruits and Vegetables
- Increase Vitamin D Intake
What Do You Need To Make Your Own Garden?
- Pick a Spot in Your Yard: You want your garden in a 6×8 area
- Start Digging: Use a rake to dig up the ground to break up the soil, remove stones, grass, and weeds
- Choose the Plants: Pick the plants you would like to grow in your garden. (Examples: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers)
- Watch them Grow: Water them when needed, make sure they have plenty of sunshine
- Harvest and Enjoy: Harvest the vegetables when they are ripe to get the full flavor and health benefits. Eat your fruits and vegetables to grow big and strong
Kayaking
Click HERE to learn more about Kayaking!
Pollinators
Click the link below for some examples of what we as humans can do to help the pollinators keep our ecosystem healthy. Also you’ll find a worksheet of examples of different animals that are pollinators. You can print this out at home and take it to Gahanna Woods to keep track of how many pollinators you can find. Click HERE to learn more about Pollinators!
Fish vs. Humans
Did you know that fish and humans have similarities? Click the link to see how humans are similar to fish and how fish and humans are different and find a list of fish you can find in Ohio. Click HERE to learn more about fish!
National Get Outdoors Day! (June 11)
June 11, 2022 National Get Outdoors Day
- Today is the Day National Get Outdoors Day. Go out and visit all of Gahanna’s local parks to celebrate by learning about the different ways you can celebrate by getting outdoors.
- Go biking on the Big Walnut Creek Trail to improve your mental and physical health. While biking along the Big Walnut Creek Trail be sure to visit various parks and locations around the central Ohio area.
- Visit the Garden at Hannah Park to learn about the different ways a garden can make you healthy and get inspired about the different ways you could start your own garden in your backyard.
- Plan a day at Gahanna Woods to see how many pollinators you can find on that list and learn about what you can do to help these pollinators sustain our ecosystems.
- Visit Friendship Park and Hoover Reservoir to learn more techniques about how to be an expert kayaker. Into to Kayaking is Wednesday June 1 and Thursday July 28 4pm-6pm $15 Residents $20 Non-Residents. Kayak Floats is Tuesday June 28 5pm-6pm starting at Friendship Park and ending at Pizzurro Park 5pm-7pm $15 Residents $20 Non-Residents. Moonlight Paddle is Tuesday June 14 & Wednesday July 13 at 7:30pm and Thursday August 11 at 7pm and Friday September 9 at 6pm. Located at Hoover Reservoir Oxbow Road Boat Ramp $20 Residents and $25 for Non-Residents.
Get Active in Gahanna’s Great Outdoors!
Explore parks and neighborhoods throughout Gahanna on a connected bikeway or trail and enjoy the scenic views along the Big Walnut Trail. The Gahanna Department of Parks & Recreation maintains of the bikeways, nature trails and multi-purpose trails in Gahanna. These trails are located in many public parks within Gahanna, and the vast majority are paved, conveniently located near parking lots, and are handicapped-accessible.
During the warm weather months, Gahanna Parks & Rec offers the opportunity to discover our water resources with a kayak and paddleboat rental program.
The 2021 paddleboat and kayak rental season has ended. Check back in spring 2022!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gahanna Parks & Recreation
200 S. Hamilton Rd.
614-342-4250
Hours: M-F, 8 am-5 pm
Learn More About Gahanna’s Outdoor Experiences
Paddles
Moonlight Kayak Paddle
This series was designed to take advantage of the sights of summer’s unique lunar events, including full moons and super moons! Certified instructors will provide a Paddling SmartStart introduction to kayaking. Kayaks (solo or tandem), life vests, and paddles will be provided and guides will assist participants along the float. Register HERE.
Kayak Float
Relax and enjoy the beauty of the Big Walnut Creek waterway right here in our backyard on June 28. ACA-certified instructors will provide a Paddling SmartStart introduction to kayaking. After the brief paddling lesson, participants will travel down the Big Walnut Creek, beginning at Friendship Park and concluding at Pizzurro Park. Kayaks, life vests, and paddles will be provided. Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are responsible for their own transportation (to Friendship/from Pizzurro). Register HERE.
Kayaking 101
Learn the basics of paddling and get more comfortable exploring Gahanna’s waterways through this introduction to kayaking. ACA-certified instructors will provide a thorough dive into the techniques and skills needed to be confident – and safe – kayaker. Participants will practice these skills in the water and have time to give paddling their best shot! Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Kayaks, life vests, and paddles will be provided. This program is for educational purposes, not certification.Register HERE.
Welcome!
The Gahanna Department of Parks & Recreation maintains park shelters available for public rental at Friendship, Hannah, and Woodside Green parks. Shelters are also available at Hunters Ridge Pool and Gahanna Swimming Pool. Indoor space is available at the clubhouse at the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course. Please contact us if you are interested in renting the Rotary Stage on the back, upper plaza area at Creekside Plaza overlooking the Big Walnut Creek.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gahanna Parks & Recreation
200 S. Hamilton Rd.
614-342-4250
Hours: M-F, 8 am-5 pm
Recreation & Sports
Get active with these programs designed to keep you moving all year long! Programs span all activity levels and ages, from in-house Parks and Recreation programs to those run by third-party organizations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gahanna Parks & Recreation
200 S. Hamilton Road
614-342-4250
Trails & Bikeways
Gahanna Parks & Rec has a new Parks & Trails Guide available to help you navigate our amazing natural resource areas. Whether you are a frequent parks and trails enthusiast or just beginning your journey, we hope this map serves as a useful tool for your next adventure. The City of Gahanna is home to 750+ acres of beautiful parks and trails that provide an invaluable resource for physical and mental wellness, outdoor exploration, education and fun! We encourage you to navigate all 4.6 miles of the Big Walnut trail or visit a park across town that you may not have considered attending before. The vast majority of our trails are paved, conveniently located near parking lots, and are handicapped-accessible. Enjoy the journey!
Pick up a copy of the Trails map at Gahanna City Hall or the Gahanna Library
If you live outside the area, you can request a print copy of the guide be mailed to you by completing this for
m. (LINK)
Download a digital copy now by clicking this LINK, or scanning this QR Code:
Watch this video (below) for some fun insider tips about our Gahanna Parks & Trails!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gahanna Parks & Recreation
200 S. Hamilton Road
614-342-4250
Events
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