New physical display allows citizens to "try it before you drive it."  

In preparation for the Hamilton Road Central Widening project, the City of Gahanna is taking an innovative approach to help drivers safely navigate the two roundabouts that will be completed in the Fall of 2017.  The interactive display featured on the floor of Gahanna City Hall allows individuals to simulate a driving experience through a roundabout.  The 24 ft. by 24 ft. display features visible arrows and written directions on how to enter and exit a roundabout.

"During multiple public engagement meetings, some citizens expressed unfamiliarity with how to properly drive through a roundabout," said Rob Priestas, city engineer for the City of Gahanna.

"We felt that this type of display would offer a more interactive approach to help educate motorists on how to safely navigate a roundabout without having to operate a vehicle. With this approach, we hope to reduce discomfort a driver may feel when entering this type of intersection."

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Gahanna Parks & Recreation will host a unique Earth Day trail ribbon cutting and tree planting ceremony on Friday, April 22 at 10 a.m. to open the newest section of the Big Walnut Trail near the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course at 220 Olde Ridenour Road. 

Section 5 of the Big Walnut Trail connects McCorkle Park to the existing Creekside Park trail that runs along Olde Ridenour Road and the Big Walnut Creek. The majority of the trail cost was funded through a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, specifically the Clean Ohio Trail Fund. 

Program highlights include a student race to break the ribbon and a tree planting ceremony in recognition of Earth Day. The new trees will shade pedestrians as they walk along the trail. 

"We are looking forward to a fun event to showcase the newest section of the Big Walnut Trail," said Director of Gahanna Parks & Recreation Troy Euton. "Gahanna residents have consistently told us that trails should be our number one priority and this addition reaffirms that commitment." 

The event will kick-off with a welcome by Parks and Recreation Director Troy Euton; followed by remarks from City of Gahanna Mayor Tom Kneeland; State Representative Anne Gonzales (OH-19) and State Representative Heather Bishoff (OH-20). 

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Join Gahanna Parks & Recreation for an herbal preview with An Herbal Affair,  Friday, May 6 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Ohio Herb Education Center, 110 Mill St. Attendees may preview and select herbs early while sampling local brews, wines, and spirits paired with hors d'oeuvres and desserts. This event is presented by the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation.

Tickets are $30 before May 4; On May 5 & at the door, $35 (each ticket includes 9 tastings and food). Online registration will close at 11:59 pm on May 4, tickets only available at the door on May 6. Click here for details.

 

The annual Herb Day, presented by Andrea Taylor, State Farm Agent, once again highlights our community as the Herb Capital of Ohio. This year's event will take place Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in at Creekside Plaza, 117 Mill St.

Headlined with a plant sale with over a 100 different varieties of herbs, Herb Day is a free learning event with six different speakers who cover topics of culinary, craft, traditional medicines and gardening. Visit local vendors who make their own herb-based products.

 

This year's herb selection variety is 30 percent bigger than 2015 and includes and over 4100 plants, including Sweet Mimosa Geranium, Sweet Lemon Mint, Berries and Cream Mint, Strawberry Mint, Basil Genovese Red Freddy, and of course, Rosemary.

 

New this year are wellness sessions offered by the Y at Clark Hall.