Gahanna · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gahanna public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Senior center nominal-stakes card games ban
Seniors lost their beloved low-stakes card games (euchre, Texas Hold'em) when the senior center moved to the new Civic Center and the city enforced a zero-cash policy. Multiple members testified the ban is hurting attendance, fellowship, and senior wellness, and asked council to refer their proposal to committee. Council agreed to a public update on the legal analysis at the November 23 Committee of the Whole.
Action Sports Park restored to Capital Improvement Plan
Five residents, including a teen with a 254-signature petition, asked council to restore the skate park/action sports park to the 2027-2031 CIP. Council postponed the CIP vote to November 2 and will send the item back to committee to figure out how to add the project back responsibly.
Academy Park inclusive playground renovation
The city's biggest park project to date — new playground, shelter, trails, and parking — needs professional construction management. Bidding expected by year-end.
Gahanna Swimming Pool site assessment
Three firms responded to the RFP for the Southwest aquatic site; staff are evaluating and will pick who to move forward with.
Friendship Park playground improvements
The city is replacing the Friendship Park playground with a larger, fully fenced, inclusive design costing just over $860,000. Council authorization is expected July 6; construction could start this fall or slip to spring 2027 due to weather and equipment lead times. The park — a busy one — would close for roughly 12 weeks.
Youth & Family camp and program growth
City camps are booming — 1,750 campers last year with record staffing — and summer registration opens soon. A new Behavior Specialist will help support campers with extra needs, and new teen and homeschool programs are coming as the city gains new facility space.