ABOUT
Creekside Arboretum
ACTIVE SENIORS
AQUATICS
Arts & Education
CAMPS
GOLF
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
RENTALS
Recreation & Sports
Trails & BikewaysEggs-hilarating Egg Hunt
Bring your family to Hannah Park for our Eggs-hilarating Egg Hunt on Sat., Apr. 1 at 11 a.m. There will be thousands of eggs filled with candy or toys hidden throughout the park, kid-friendly activities, a visit from Mr. Cottontail, and face painting! Register HERE. This event is free, but registration is required.
Presented by Tina Wedebrook, RE/MAX Connection
2023 Pool Memberships
The 2023 Pool Memberships are on sale now! The first 100 memberships purchased will receive 5 free pool entry passes to enjoy time at the pool with family and friends. All guests must follow the updated admission requirements that can be found here.
Purchase your membership online HERE or complete an application form HERE!
Winter Market
The monthly Winter Market continues on the third Wednesday of the month, through April, at the Gahanna Sanctuary. Look for information on the Summer Market, coming soon, or visit www.makegahannayours.com for more details.
Outdoor Exploration
Gahanna is home to over 750 acres of parkland including fields, woods, streams and trails. Come explore with us in these programs geared towards families but open to anyone interested in getting outdoors.
Several hikes and other activities are planned for spring. Click HERE to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
Parks & Rec Scholarships Available
The 2023 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.
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.
________________________________________________
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.
ParksandRec@gahanna.gov
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
_____________________________________________________
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 City of Gahanna Department of Parks & Recreation offers summer day camp programs for a variety of ages and interests. A day camp experience offers opportunities for children to learn how to interact with others, gain problem-solving skills, develop both independence and teamwork, and connect with nature while staying safe, keeping active and having fun! Periodic part-day programming also offers an option for summer enrichment without the commitment of a full week of camp.
Traditional day camp programs are supervised and staffed by employees of the City of Gahanna. Campers enjoy activities including arts & creativity, sports & games, outdoor education/nature exploration, team building, small group activities and all-camp activities. Camp sessions typically include a visit to the Gahanna Swimming Pool and activities or a presentation by a special guest. Programs included in this category are Camp Hannah, Camp Friendship and Little Adventurers and are accredited by the American Camp Association.
Special Interest camps in partnership with local organizations and businesses offer more specialized programs in areas such as athletics, STEM and life skills development. Programs included in this category are Bally Sports camps, JumpBunch/Amazing Athletes, Minds in Motion and Girls of Destiny, in collaboration with City of Gahanna.
More information about specific camp sessions including dates, themes and fees will be available in mid-February. Refer to our website and online registration portal at webtrac.gahanna.gov for up-to-date information and keep an eye out for our summer day camp brochure.
2023 Registration Dates: March 9 for Gahanna Residents & March 13 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 9 and for non-resident families (including Gahanna Jefferson School District residents who live outside of the City limits) on March 13.
- 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.
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.
Please read through rules and operating protocols listed below. Please note this is not an exhaustive list of rules and protocols. Feel free to contact the pro shop or email krista.johnston@gahanna.gov with any questions, or for clarification.
- Online scheduling to book tee times is preferred. You may also book your tee time by calling (614) 342-4270).
- 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.”
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes early for your tee time. If you are late for your tee time, you may forfeit or lose your spot on the tee. We will do our best to accommodate your group, understand you will need to wait for the next available tee time.
- Riding carts and pull carts are available to rent. With a limited number of carts, one may not be available for your tee time. PLEASE NOTE EQUIPMENT RENTAL CUT OFF TIMES WHEN BOOKING TEE TIMES.
- Please clean trash out of your carts prior to returning them.
- 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.
ParksandRec@gahanna.gov
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
Gahanna Parks & Recreation.
This map is best used in Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, and Edge browsers.
Connect with Gahanna Parks & Recreation
We broke ground on the mult-use recreational trail that goes through Trapp Park and connects Eastchester Dr. and Trapp Dr. The path is being widened and realigned to exceed ADA requirements. The work should be completed prior to the weekend.
This is a great opportunity to drop in on a class and explore some of the activities offered at the Gahanna Senior Center! Several vendors will also be on hand to share information on many of the resources available for seniors in the community. This is a free event.
Did you know that Gahanna’s Friendship Park was the home of the Big Walnut Country Club – one of the first Black country clubs in the nation? Join the community at Friendship Park, THIS Friday at 4 p.m., for the unveiling and dedication of Gahanna’s first historical marker.
Members of the Department of Parks and Recreation will stop by select neighborhood parks for s’more fun! They will provide everything needed for a campfire and a s’more bar. Wednesday, October 5, 6:30-8 p.m., Ashburnham Park with more dates and locations to come.
The pools are closed for the season, but the splash pad at Gahanna Swimming Pool is still open daily for a few more weeks! It’ll be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through October 2.
Business
Visitors
© Copyright 2023 City of Gahanna