Fall 2023

Welcome

EXPERIENCE ENRICH

EXPLORE

This issue of the Activity Guide arrives as summer draws to a close – a time filled with activities and community events. In July, UA Parks & Rec celebrated the National Recreation & Park Association’s Park and Recreation Month and the positive impacts recreation services have on communities, with the theme of “Where Community Grows.” Each summer, our department provides the UA Performance Series, Spring Fling, Summer Celebration, Movies in the Park and Labor Day Arts Festival, along with pools, parks, athletic fields and hundreds of recreation programs. We also serve as the host site for other community events, such as UACA’s Fourth of July Party in the Park and fireworks. Our community gathers, celebrates and grows through each of these experiences. Additionally, as our staff create and modify events, programs, parks and operations, we grow as employees and industry professionals. Our team takes pride in providing these opportunities for our residents and visitors. And there is more to come as we head into the fall season. When visiting our facilities or participating in our programs, you should have come across our new brand: Enrich, Explore, Experience. These three pillars represent our service to the community and are presented through publications, social media, signs and staff uniforms. The pillars also serve as the organization of this Activity Guide : Explore – showcasing the places, facilities and destinations that we can all enjoy in different ways, from our parks, shelters and rental facilities to our outdoor pools and tennis facilities Experience – where people can encounter, meet, view, listen and enjoy our community events, galleries and performing arts activities Enrich – opportunities for education, enhancement, instruction and education available through our recreation program offerings We have received great feedback on the brand and reformatted Activity Guide and plan to continue phasing in use of the pillars and colors for ease in identifying our services. Construction of the Bob Crane Community Center is an exciting time for UA. The layout of the building is taking shape (see the Capital Improvements section on page 5 for updates). We have promoted TJ Putnam to serve as the Community Center Manager; he brings valued experiences to this position and will begin planning operations with our team in preparation for the opening in 2025. Phased renovations continue at

Northam Park with the west portion of the park’s athletic fields underway. In late July and August, we are working with the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board on a community engagement process, as we consider options for a .44-acre portion of the park between Tremont Pool and Northam Tennis that will become available for reuse when the tennis courts are renovated – please see page 5 for details, including how you can participate. The renovations at Northam Park will result in our use of the Northam Park parking lot and Tremont Road for the Labor Day Arts Festival (see pages 24–25 for an event map). Additional upcoming events include our final Movie in the Park, Fall Fest, Cycle UA, and the Songwriter Social – a new event within the UA Performance Series. Look for details in the Experience section, starting on page 20. End of summer pool and tennis schedules are available in the Explore section. The Ameilta Mirolo Barn and park shelters are available for fall rentals – be sure to consider the Barn for your holiday parties. We have something for everyone in our Enrich section. Starting on page 28 you will find a full breakdown of our program offerings. Local day trips are a fun way to get around the region, see new places and try some new food. Our introductory sports programs provide an opportunity for your young ones to try different sports in a fun environment. Our fitness and wellness programs help you maintain or improve your physical and mental health as you head into the holiday season. While this is a fall guide, this edition also includes information on Winter Break Day Camp and Breakfast and Brunch with Santa (pg. 40). Please take a read through all we have to offer this fall and consider joining us for an activity! As a reminder, PLAY UA is a financial assistance program available for residents to offset the cost of recreation programs and facility memberships. In most cases, qualifying residents receive a 50% reduction once registered. Information is available on page 2 of this guide and at upperarlingtonoh.gov/play-ua/. Make it a great fall by seeing how you can Enrich, Experience and Explore with us!

Debbie McLaughlin

parks.uaoh.net | 614-583-5300 | @CityofUAPR

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