Olentangy River: Not the Same as it Used to Be

With the removal of the 5th Avenue dam in early August, the Olentangy River looks quite different than it used to.  My dad came to a football game earlier this year and was shocked at how low the water level was.  The water levels  especially near campus, have receded and exposed the river's rocky bed, along with a great deal of trash and debris.  Those walking over the bridges to The Ohio State University campus have seen many shopping carts and other items stuck in the bed of the river.  The removal of the dam has also caused construction along the Olentangy Trail.  There is a detour near the towers on Cannon Drive on campus.

Exposed river bed along the Olentangy River
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/11/21/oh-man-the-river.html

According to an article from The Columbus Dispatch, "The river restoration has already begun. The plan is to create a new channel for the flowing water along a 2-mile stretch north of the dam.

The channel will be narrower, so crews will shore up the riverbank, planting trees, shrubs and grasses, and creating wetlands and parkland, said Bryon Ringley, senior principal for Stantec, the project’s design engineer.  Officials want to create a more natural-flowing river that will improve conditions for fish and other wildlife. They also hope the restored river will attract more visitors to the river’s edge. OSU faculty members plan to use the river and wetlands for research and education." (Ferenchik, 2012).

Although it does not look pretty now, in a few years, the natural growth will return and it should become a more aesthetically pleasing part of Columbus.  

On a more positive note, Dodridge Street is now open!  This allows much easier traffic flow in this area because all drivers do not have to solely use Lane Avenue to get from Olentangy River Road to High Street.  Also, the Dodridge Bridge has reopened allowing avid cyclists using the trail to not have to be rerouted.  

Family owned restaurants - Gables Elementary Families

Support the Families of Gables Elementary students by visiting these locally owned restaurants:
 

Cafe Kabul

2831 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43202

Cafe Kable Pallow

CuCos Tacqueria and Grill

2162 Henderson Road
Columbus, Ohio 43220

Tacos at Cucos

Sources for Community project postings by Drew Gattermeyer:

Happy Holidays by Andy Williams video-credit to youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz7FYPQp7v0

Reddit-Columbussubreddit-credit to reddit.com
Reddit.com/r/columbus

Columbus Commons event calendar post- credit to Columbus Commons.

Self-created playlist- credit to Drew Gattermeyer.

Photos of Tai's Asian Bistro- credit to Drew Gattermeyer and Reube.

Ohio State vs. Illinois Game- credit to Abby Kyle for supplying the photos.

Dissection photos-credit to Abby Kyle for supplying the photos.

Find a Good Book & Get Help with Homework!

The Columbus Metropolitan Library has been consistently ranked as one of the top library systems in the country. (http://www.haplr-index.com/HAPLR100.htm)

Conveniently located in the Olentangy River area are both the Northside and Whetstone Branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.  Not only do these libraries have great books to check out, both branches have Homework Help Centers, where students can get assistance with homework after school.  Students can also use the computers and print at the libraries.  Those looking for jobs can use the Job Help Center at both libraries as well.

Visit the Northside Branch at 1423 N. High St.

 

Photo courtesy of Amy Hoffmeister

Photo courtesy of Amy Hoffmeister

Homework Help Center Hours:

Monday-Thursday

3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Job Help Center Hours:

Monday- 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Wednesday- 12 p.m.-2 p.m.

Visit the Whetstone Branch at 3909 N. High St.

http://www.columbuslibrary.org/locations/Whetstone

  Homework Help Center Hours:

  

  Monday-Thursday: 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

  Sunday: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

  Job Help Center Hours:

  

  Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

  Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.                                        

Old-School Social Media...

 Check out some of the postings from the Community Board at Panera on Bethel and Olentangy River Road:

  

  

Columbus Recreation and Parks - Tuttle Park and Community Center

Another Columbus Park to check out...

Tuttle Park and Community Center

The Tuttle Community Center features a gym, activity rooms, and a playground.

Tuttle Park offers a walking path, access to the Olentangy Bike Path, basketball courts, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds.

A mural of downtown Columbus at the Tuttle Park basketball courts.

Tuttle Park and Community Center are just north of campus and just south of the Tuttle Pool that Reuben posted about in a previous post. Learn more about the Park and Community Center.

COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM

www.colszoo.org

Polar bear at the zoo!
photo courtesy of Amy Hoffmeister

                                                  

I worked with a teacher who was planning a trip to the zoo.  It was a great, educational experience which the students really enjoyed!  Our 4th and 5th grade class participated in the Treasure Quest program, where students used a handheld computer device to solve a mystery while doing activities along the way.  They loved it!

There are numerous other opportunities for all grade levels.  They hit many science standards as well.

Polar bear spending time in the sun
photo courtesy of Amy Hoffmeister

We are very lucky to have this great resource so close to home!  According to travelchannel.com, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the top zoos in the country.

Information for future teachers who would like to take their students to the zoo:

The programs do not include the cost of admission.  The cost of admission for school groups inside Franklin County, is $2 per person.  

Also, check out the Learning is Wild Scholarship!  It will fund up to 75% of the trip's cost and is available to public schools in Central Ohio where 30% or more students are on free and reduced lunch or private school students who are on scholarship.

Visit colszoo.org for great information about this wonderful resource in Central Ohio and near the Olentangy River area!

Interview with a Parent from 5th Avenue International K-8

Q: Why do you like to live in the community near the Olentangy River?

 I like to live in this community for a variety of reasons:

A: There are many great doctors within a 5 mile radius in which I am able to

    select the best care for my family.

A: We enjoy the parks and recreation areas.  We love having parks involving

    the Olentangy River and creeks.  My son likes to hike the "forests."

A: We like the neighborhoods.  They are very friendly and community oriented.

A: We like the school systems.  We are able to choose which schools we 

    would like our son to attend.

~Marcy S., parent, 5th Avenue International K-8


In response to the same question, the grandmother of another student mentioned:

A: The neighborhoods are great!  When we first moved here, we had block 
    parties and really got to know our neighbors.

A: Everything is very convenient.  We enjoy being able to walk to the grocery 
    store.

A: The trails along the Olentangy River are beautiful and great for hiking and 
    biking.

~Karen L., grandmother, 5th Avenue International K-8