Explorations of nature, tours of scenic green spaces and waterways and family-friendly fun are the featured themes of the last-day-in-May “Party at the Creek” hosted by the City of Westerville. The community event celebrates the environmental features of the Alum Creek Park North area, which underwent improvements during a lengthy closure related to the 2011 W. Main Street Bridge replacement project. Party at the Creek is scheduled for Thursday, May 31 from 6-8 p.m.
The Party will be set throughout Alum Creek Park North, lined with vendors providing environmentally friendly demonstrations and exhibits. Regional wildlife, including turtles, birds and snakes, will capture the attention and imagination of kids and adults alike, and educational opportunities ranging from arts and crafts to local safety programs will be featured. Free hot dogs, drinks and popcorn will be available for everyone throughout the event. In addition to the shelter house, a large family area will be reserved for picnicking on the lawn.
Two events produced each year by City – WessieFest and the Plan-It Green Exposition – will take place as part of Party at the Creek rather than independently this year. WessieFest traditionally brings groups to Otterbein Lake to explore how nature and wildlife interact in our community. The Plan-It Green Expo is designed to increase awareness of Westerville initiatives, programs and activities that encourage conservation, recycling and eco-friendly practices.
The Westerville Parks and Recreation Department will lead organized games and activities, including Frisbee golf, sand volleyball, and basketball and canoeing. Kids will also enjoy mini-cheerleading clinics provided by Americheer cheerleaders, and music from Matt Ryan Mobile DJ Entertainment plus a special performance by “The Jazz Men”. A special appearance by Ronald McDonald is also planned.
Hands-on activities will be everywhere, including creative art projects using recyclable products. Drop-off containers for recycling eyeglasses and cell phones will be on site, as well as a bin to place retired American flags.
The inaugural “Party at the Creek” Run/Walk 5K will be held in conjunction with the event, beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information, or to register online, visit www.columbusrunning.com and click “Events.” The cost is $25 to participate. The race will start and finish at Alum Creek Park North, just off of the Main Street Bridge in Westerville. Awards will be given to the top 20 males and top 20 female finishers.
Other special events:
Water Treatment Plant Tours: 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tour groups will gather by the Shelter House in Alum Creek Park 10 minutes in advance of each tour (6:20 p.m.; 7:20 p.m.). Tours will lead visitors through the facility that treats 7.5 million gallon a day and explain the water treatment process, including filtration, fluoridation, disinfection, softening and distribution to more than 15,000 homes and businesses in the City.
Boater Safety Demonstrations and Canoeing: Various times. Certified Parks & Recreation staff members will demonstrate boater safety techniques and provide canoe rides down a portion of the creek.
You can bring:
Blanket, chairs and food if you wish to use the lawn for picnicking
Clothes and shoes that can get dirty or muddy
Socks…if kids plan to jump in the bounce house
A bag to carry things home
Community partners for Party at the Creek include Friendship Village, McDonalds, Ohio Health, Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital and Columbus Running Company.
For more information, please contact the Westerville City Manager’s Office at (614) 901-6400 or the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department at (614) 901-6500.
