Spring Summer 2024

Welcome

EXPERIENCE ENRICH

EXPLORE

EXPERIENCE • Jazz returns to the Amelita Mirolo Barn on April 18. Join us for a perfect fusion of music, drinks, food and a memorable atmosphere. • Spring Fling is Saturday, May 11. Join us for our to celebrate the Spring season in UA. Traditional favorites Touch-A-Truck and the Fishing Derby are paired with fun family activities! • Embrace the spirit of summer and join us for a fun evening filled with fantastic music, delicious food, refreshing drinks and engaging art activities for all ages at Party on the Plaza, June 18 at the Municipal Services Center. • Find information on all our spring and summer events on pages 23-25. ENRICH • Registration for this year’s popular Safety Town sessions has been moved to our regular registration date, beginning at 6 am on March 13 for UA Residents. • Seniors will notice an increase in day trips and lunch outings. These programs are a great way to get out and about in town and around the state. Find more info on page 58. • Youth can explore the great outdoors in a program that highlights the natural areas of a different UA park each week. Adults can explore regional Metro Parks in Hiking Boots & Brunch. Visit our Nature section on page 72. As you look over the program offerings, remember the PLAY UA financial assistance program is available to assist our residents. Eligible individuals and families receive a 50% fee reduction on memberships and most programs. This year, swim lesson fees are reduced 75% to allow families to better afford this life-saving skill. For information, including qualifications and to apply, visit www.UpperArlingtonOH.gov/Play-UA/ . All these services, events and program are made possible due to the work of numerous seasonal employees. Now is a great time for people ages 15 and older to check out opportunities to join our team at www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/UAOH/Seasonal . I hope you take time to enjoy some of our offerings.

The spring and summer seasons are upon us, and this Activity Guide brings many recreational opportunities to EXPLORE , EXPERIENCE and ENRICH . Our team is excited with our line-up of programs and events, park renovations, new equipment for park maintenance and, of course, construction of the Bob Crane Community Center. The vertical construction of the Bob Crane Community Center Construction was celebrated with a topping out ceremony on February 12, with the final structural beam installed. Construction transitions to exterior facade and interior finishes in April, including excavation for the pool. Our team is planning operations and programs for an anticipated Spring/Summer 2025 opening. The community center website is updated frequently to share progress: www.CommunityCenter.UpperArlingtonOH.gov/ Park development projects include replacing the playground in Thompson Park – see page 3 for renderings of the new design. Northam Park improvements consist of a new service building, nine replacement clay tennis courts (which begins in August following a shortened season), and six dedicated pickleball courts. New projects will include planning processes for the Fancyburg Park Master Plan and replacement of the Devon Pool toddler feature – both to include public input opportunities. Park maintenance will be enhanced with new pieces of equipment: a baseball diamond infield groomer to grade and level infields, to improve surfaces and drainage; and an autonomous athletic field painter which will significantly reduce staff and volunteer time, as well as the cost of paint; and autonomous mowers for use in a few small parks. These technologies will help our department become more efficient, while enhancing the customer experience. Our staff continually works to elevate our programs and events, creating new experiences for you to enjoy. The UA Performance Series, Movies in the Park, and seasonal events continue to evolve and utilize park spaces throughout the community. The instruction of swim lessons this summer will be taught by Department staff under the direction of our extensively skilled and experienced Aquatics Manager, Mike Hamer. Lessons now include an evening option parent/child introductory level. Check out lesson information on page 28. EXPLORE • The Northam Tennis Courts will operate in a modified fashion as we undergo construction of the new tennis courts and service building. Get more info on play and hours on page 10. • Our Pool schedule is modified to provide consistent hours, open 11 am-8 pm daily during our regular season. This includes opening an hour earlier on Sundays. We are also adding evening rentals for small groups at Devon Pool.

Debbie McLaughlin CPRP Parks & Recreation Director

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

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