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.  

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!

Columbus Recreation and Parks - Carriage Place Center

The Columbus Recreations and Parks Department offers a variety of programs for children and families. Along the Olentangy 315 Trail, there are quite a few Parks to visit...

Carriage Place Center

Carriage Place Learning Center Entrance

Carriage Place Learning Center

Carriage Place Playground and Walking Trail

Get more information about the programs and opportunities at Carriage Place Center.

The Recreation and Parks Department offers sports, camps, and educational programs. Capital Kids is an after-school and summer program - check out the Capital Kids performance Be Somebody!

Running in Cowtown

From the Olentangy Trail and Antrim Park to downtown paths and races, Columbus offers a variety of paths for its runners.

Columbus hosted a Hot Chocolate 5K and 15K, with proceeds benefiting Ronald McDonald House. The race started at High and State Street downtown. The 5K race path took runners thought downtown, past the Convention Center, around Goodale Park and the North Market. Racers ran their final mile along the Scioto River and the Scioto Mile Park before crossing the finish line near the Columbus Commons park.

Abby and her sister-in-law await the start of the Hot Chocolate 5K

Finishers of the race warmed up with hot chocolate, fondue, music, carousel rides, and  bounce houses at the after-party in Columbus Commons!

 Check out upcoming races in Columbus here: http://www.premierraces.com/.

Olentangy Trail's water hot spots

Columbus Aquatics Center

parks.columbus.gov/Facility.aspx?id=26016

A great place to swim indoors in short north Columbus. Located right next to 5th Avenue Alternative International off 5th Ave. and Hunter Ave. Click here for more information on events, location and opening. Columbus Aquatics Center

Tuttle Pool

parks.columbus.gov/TuttlePool.aspx

Great pool located just north of The Ohio State University off the Olentangy bike trail. Open to during the summer months as an outdoor pool to escape from the heat of the summer. Get access to this pool and find out more information here at Tuttle Pool.

Incredible downtown Columbus Park!

Scioto Mile Columbus Recreation and Parks

sciotomile.com

Right downtown and open to the public. 

sciotomile.com

Great Spot during the summer heat!

sciotomile.com

                                          Community events that are great for family and friends.
For more information on location, events and opening visit Scioto Mile Website