September - December Explore Guide

The September - December Explore Guide is here! This issue is packed with holiday favorites like our Spook Up Gahanna Contest and Great Goblin Fest, chances to explore Gahanna parks like Toad Abodes and Bike the Big Walnut, and so much more! Scroll through and be sure to sign up for your favorites before they sell out!

The digital version is available now at ExploreGahannaParks.com.

Friendship Park Playground Survey

Exciting things are happening at Friendship Park playground! We want to create a space for ALL to enjoy, so whether you're an occasional visitor or frequent the park, we want to hear from YOU! Take the Friendship Park Playground Survey before the deadline, September 19, and help us design a space with you in mind.

Arts & Education

LEGO Robot BattleBot Class

Calling all LEGO fans! Build LEGO robots for an epic BattleBot showdown! Students build LEGO robots to compete in a BattleBot championship and other friendly competitions to win prizes. Save your spot today!

• Saturday, September 27 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
• Golf Course Clubhouse

KinderDance & KinderTots

KinderDance is a developmental dance, motor skill, and fitness program, blended with academics specifically designed for children ages 3 - 5. Students will learn the basics of Ballet, Tap, Acrobatics, and Creative Movement while blending educational concepts designed to teach the total child.

• Session 1: Mondays, September 8 - October 13
  
• Session 2: Mondays, November 3 - December 2
• 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
• Senior Center

KinderTots allows a two-year-old's natural curiosity to flourish with an emphasis on movement exploration. This program is designed to develop gross motor skills, movement creativity, physical development, and body awareness while learning colors, shapes, and songs. 

• Session 1: Mondays, September 8 - October 13
  
• Session 2: Mondays, November 3 - December 2
• 5 - 5:30 p.m.
• Senior Center

Drama Kids

It's show time! With a mix of fun theater games and improv activities, students ages 9 - 12 will boost self-expression, social skills, and creativity. Participants will prepare a short scene to be performed on the final class to showcase all they've learned.

• Wednesdays, September 10 - October 29
• 6 - 7 p.m.
• Senior Center

Adult & Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training

This American Red Cross program will help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies. Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a digital certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.

Full In-Person course

Course Date Options: 

• Saturday, September 27
• Sunday, November 23
• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  

Blended Learning Course
The blended course format contains an online component that must be completed prior to arrival on the dates listed but reduces class time.

Course Date Options:

• Thursday, September 18
• Wednesday, October 8
• Thursday, November 20
• Tuesday, December 16
• 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Recreation & Sports

Bally Sports

Mini Soccer Stars

Learn the basics of dribbling, passing, scoring, and the concept of game play with proper sportsmanship. Each week includes developmentally appropriate instruction and recreational, non-competitive game play.

• Fridays, September 5 - October 3
• Ages 3 - 4 from 5 - 6 p.m.
  
• Ages 5 - 6 from 6 - 7 p.m.

Minor League Baseball

This introduction to coach pitch baseball, for children ages 5 - 7, teaches skills of the game, including batting, fielding, throwing, and catching. Participants will play a modified, non-competitive game each week.

• Thursdays, September 11 - October 9
• 6 - 7 p.m.
• Woodside Green Park

Little Sluggers T-Ball

This introduction to baseball is for young children, ages 3 - 4. Players are introduced to the fundamentals of baseball in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

• Thursdays, September 11 - October 9
• 5 - 6 p.m.
• Woodside Green Park

Adult Pickleball

Our adult pickleball lesson is tailored for beginners and intermediate players looking to learn the fundamentals or enhance their skills. Openings are available for the following:

• Beginner Lessons: Fridays, September 12 - October 17 from 4 - 5:30 p.m.
• Intermediate Lessons: Mondays, September 8 - October 13, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Friendship Park

Fitness & Wellness

Slow Flow Yoga

Balance, stretch, and strengthen the body in a slow, meditative way that links breath and movement for an integrated mind, body, and spirit practice.

• Session 1: Tuesdays, September 9 - October 15
• Session 2: Tuesdays, November 4 - December 16
• 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
• Golf Course Clubhouse

Chair Yoga

Practice mind body breath awareness through seated, standing, and optional mat sequences all done with the support of a chair.

• Session 1: Wednesdays, September 10 - October 15
• Session 2: Wednesdays, November 5 - December 17
• 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
• Golf Course Clubhouse

Bike the Big Walnut

Grab your helmet and join the Gahanna Bicycle and Trail Advisory Committee (BTAC) for group trail rides this fall! These rides are ages 8+ and cover approximately 10 miles at a comfortable pace.

• August 24, September 7, September 21, October 19, October 26
• 1 - 3 p.m.
• Veteran's Memorial Park

Outdoor Exploration

Toad Abodes with MAD Scientist

Make your own toad abode to take home as you learn about toad life cycles, where to find them, and their ecologic significance.

• Saturday, September 20
• 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
• Friendship Park
• Ages 5+

Backyard Biologists

This free, family-friendly program provides participants with a Backyard Biologist Passport to use as they explore four interactive learning stations, offering hands-on activities and guided experiences focused on local wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation.

• Thursday, October 2
• 5 - 6:30 p.m.
• Woodside Green Park

Celestial Paddle

Join us for a unique paddling adventure to view the Harvest Moon! We provide PFD's, kayaks and paddles, you bring your sense of adventure!

• Monday, October 6
• 6 - 8 p.m.
• Hoover Reservoir Oxbow Boat Ramp

Upcoming Events

Creekside Hops and Vines

Hosted by the Gahanna Parks and Recreation Foundation

Sample your way through Central Ohio breweries, national and Ohio wineries, Ohio distilleries, and local restaurant favorites! Your night out, presented by Kemba Financial, supports recreation events, programs, scholarships, and park improvements in Gahanna. Go to GahannaPRF.org for details and to grab your ticket before they sell out!

• Saturday, September 6
• 6 - 11 p.m.
• Creekside Park and Plaza

Touch-a-Truck

Get ready to honk, climb, and explore the amazing vehicles that keep Gahanna running smoothly, from ambulances and police cruisers to snowplows and dump trucks. Enjoy a day of family fun, sponsored by Tina Wedebrook, RE/MAX Connection, including food trucks, arts and crafts, and more!

• Saturday, September 20
• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Hannah Park

Gahanna Market - FINAL DATE!

Don't miss your last chance to shop quality, local goods from fresh produce to handmade treats and unique finds. Bring a chair and wrap up your shopping with live music, presented by Visit Gahanna, on the Rotary Stage.

• Wednesday, September 24
• 4 - 7 p.m.
• Creekside Plaza

Aquatics

Doggy Dip

Celebrate the end of summer with your furry friend! Pool chemicals are adjusted to be safe for dogs, so your pup can have a paw-some time splashing around. All pups need a current Franklin County dog license (grab yours here) and proof of vaccines to participate.

• Sunday, September 7
• Small Dogs (40lbs or less) 1 - 2 p.m.
• Large Dogs (40lbs or more) 2 - 4 p.m.
• Hunters Ridge Pool

Splash Pad

You can still make a splash as summer transitions to fall at the Gahanna Splash Pad! The Splash Pad is open from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. until September 28 (weather permitting) and FREE to the public.

Gahanna Senior Center

Gahanna Senior Expo

Join us at the Gahanna Sanctuary for a day filled with all things senior! Meet with a variety of vendors, visit with our Senior Center instructors, and discover the variety of programs offered at the Senior Center. This event is FREE and open to the public so bring your friends and neighbors along!

Our Gahanna Road Show

Over the past several months, residents like you have shared valuable input to help guide our Strategic Plan. Now, it’s time to see how your feedback has come to life. Join us at the Our Gahanna Road Show throughout September as we unveil the draft Strategic Plan!

• September 8, 3 - 7 p.m.: Gahanna Library (Room #1)
• September 9, 9 - 10 a.m.: Gahanna Senior Center
• September 12, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: YMCA
• September 20, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Touch a Truck at Hannah Park

Can't make the Road Show? You can still share your thoughts through the online survey, available at OurGahanna.com  through September 20!