Media Releases
August 2007
31 - Studio 55 at the Arlington Fitness Studio Grand Opening
31 - City Insight Newsletter Fall Edition
31 - Political Signage Guidelines
24 - Upper Arlington City Council to Consider Repealing Ordinance to Purchase Church on Kenny Road
23 - Volunteer UA - Where Community and Good Causes Connect
23 - City Offices Closed for Labor Day
23 - Upper Arlington Pools End of Season Schedule
23 - Fall Parks & Recreation Program Brochures Available
17 - Studio 55 at the Arlington Fitness Studio Grand Opening
17 - Kenny Road Reconstruction Project Update
17 - Full-Scale Exercise Scheduled for September 6
10 - Upper Arlington Pools to Offer Doggie Dip
10 - Guidelines for Garage/Yard Sales in Upper Arlington
2 - Back to School Shopping in UA
2 - Be Part of the Mosquito Solution
August 31
Studio 55 at the Arlington Fitness Studio Grand Opening
The Senior Center of the City of Upper Arlington is pleased to announce the grand opening of Studio 55 at the Arlington Fitness Studio. The Grand Opening Celebration of Studio 55 takes place Monday, September 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Studio 55 doubles fitness space at the Senior Center and extends hours to better accommodate the 55 and over crowd. Equipment available for use at Studio 55 includes Sportstat XT20, Nu-Step Exerciser, Functional Trainer, Treadmills, Recumbent Bicycles, Ellyptical Exercisers, and Strength Equipment (free weights, multi- station weight machine, stretch bands, etc.).
Effective September 10, Studio 55 hours are:
- Monday, Wednesday: 8 a.m.-Noon, 1-3 p.m., 5-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m.-Noon
- Friday: 8 a.m.-Noon, 1-3 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.-Noon.
The drop-in fee is $5, and Studio 55 also plans to offer fitness classes to seniors ages 55 and up.
Please call 583-5320 or visit www.ua-ohio.net in the Parks, Recreation & Leisure section for more information.
August 31
City Insight Newsletter Fall Edition
If you are looking for detailed information on current issues, events or programs in the City of Upper Arlington, be sure to seek out a copy of City Insight, Upper Arlington’s quarterly resident newsletter. The fall 2007 edition is now available.
Highlights of the fall 2007 edition include:
- Details of the new Studio 55 at the Senior Center, expanding fitness opportunities for the
55-plus crowd.
- An update on City/Regency discussions placing a renewed focus on redeveloping Kingsdale.
- A historical look at the first 80 years of the UA Police Division.
Copies of City Insight can be found at various community locations, including City offices, libraries, Chamber of Commerce and various local grocery stores. It can also be downloaded from the City’s Web site, at www.ua-ohio.net.
For additional details, please call the City Manager’s Office at 583-5040.
August 31
Political Signage Guidelines
During election season the City of Upper Arlington wishes to provide the following information regarding political yard signs:
• Upper Arlington City government is non-partisan. From time to time City Council may endorse specific ballot issues such as school or library issues, however City Council does not endorse political candidates.
• The City is in no position to regulate what language is put on a political sign, since this would infringe upon an individual’s freedom of speech. Please call the Ohio Elections Commission, at 466-3205, or visit www.elc.oh.gov to register your concern.
• The City can only regulate the size and location of political signs. Further, the City can only request that signs be removed from private property if they are in a state of deterioration. If you believe signs have been placed inappropriately in public spaces, or you are concerned about the physical condition of signs in a neighbor’s yard, please call the Code Compliance Division, at 583-5073.
• Political signs placed on private property are themselves private property. Theft charges will be filed against any individual found to be taking such signs.
• The City’s Police Division recommends residents place their name somewhere on their political signs for tracking purposes, so they can be returned to their rightful owner, if stolen and later recovered.
The City respectfully asks residents to be mindful of how such signage can impact the “aesthetics” of our neighborhoods. Upper Arlington is renowned for its beautiful landscaping, immaculate lawns and superior housing stock, and we all play a part in maintaining the look and feel of our community.
August 24
Upper Arlington City Council to Consider Repealing Ordinance to Purchase Church on Kenny Road
At its Monday, August 27, 2007 Meeting, Upper Arlington City Council will consider legislation to repeal a previously approved Ordinance approving the purchase of the Christian Apostolic Church, located at 4065 Kenny Road. This legislation is being brought forward so that community time and effort is not expended on a pending ballot issue that could be rendered meaningless in the event the Church exercises its right to secure a new buyer prior to the election.
In order to promptly notify the Franklin County Board of Elections prior to the printing of ballots for the November 6 election, City Council is being advised to waive the three reading requirement and pass the repeal legislation for Ordinance 73-2007 under emergency clause. This would put the new legislation into effect immediately upon passage.
On July 9, 2007, City Council had voted to support the purchase of the Church for $1.85 million, to be used for Parks & Recreation programming. Council's decision was made after considering associated costs, plans for the facility and how it would fulfill a number of unmet needs for indoor recreation space, and following three public hearings.
A few days following Council's decision, some residents initiated a petition drive calling for a referendum on this issue. The Franklin County Board of Elections has verified there are sufficient signatures for the issue to be placed on the November ballot.
City Council realized the property could be sold to another buyer prior to the election, in light of the nature and timing requirements of real estate purchases and the knowledge that Church representatives had already identified a new site for their Church and were eager to move forward on their next purchase. In addition, Council did not want to adversely affect perceptions of the property’s value in the event part of the community debate continued to focus on the agreed upon purchase price, potentially negatively impacting the Church as it seeks a new buyer at a satisfactory price.
Had the timing issues associated with this real estate purchase not been as important to the seller as they were in this instance, Council would have been in support of the proposed purchase proceeding to the ballot. The City has experienced several referendums in its past, enabling registered voters to make their opinions known on some important Council decisions. Most recently, Council’s decision to rezone a parcel of land on Northwest Boulevard to make way for a Sky Bank in 2005 was ultimately upheld by voters.
The proposed purchase of the Church had been a timely opportunity for the City as it seeks to implement goals of the community driven Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan. Both tangible and evidential results of Strategic Plan research showed a need for more space to support recreation, sporting and leisure programs. With no vacant land available, Upper Arlington is in a challenging position as it seeks ways to enhance and expand public facilities. When such opportunities as the proposed purchase of the Christian Apostolic Church arise, it is the City’s duty to explore them fully.
City Council remains committed to supporting the goals and objectives outlined by the Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan, with many projects proceeding to that end. The City and Schools are scheduled to celebrate the opening of sports fields at Burbank Park on September 24, plans are proceeding for developing a master plan for the Sunny 95/Langston Park, a Field Sports Advisory Group is meeting regularly to facilitate optimal field space programming, and a Northam Park Hub stakeholder group is beginning to consider ways to partner to maximize how this central park location and its many facilities serve the community.
For additional details of the proposed Church purchase history, visit www.ua-ohio.net.
August 23
Volunteer UA - Where Community and Good Causes Connect
Volunteer UA is an exciting new partnership of five Upper Arlington community organizations working to promote and cultivate the many volunteer needs and opportunities that support and enrich our day-to-day-lives. Upper Arlington and Tri-Village residents are invited to attend the first Volunteer UA expo scheduled for Wednesday, September 19, 2007 from 4–7 p.m. at the Upper Arlington Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road.
There are many ways to give back to your community, and Volunteer UA aims to help you find the right match for your interests, with the following activities scheduled:
- Expo 4-7 p.m. – Visit with 20-plus community organizations that provide opportunities for and benefit from volunteerism.
- Volunteer UA Presentation, 5:30 p.m. – With special guest Ellen Tressel, plus other local presenters who will share insight on their personal volunteer experiences.
- Refreshments – Courtesy of various local restaurants.
- Door Prizes – Sign up on arrival to win great community door prizes (you must be present at the presentation to claim your prize).
Volunteer UA is made possible by a partnership of the Upper Arlington Commission on Aging, City of Upper Arlington, Upper Arlington Public Library, TriVillage Mentor League and Northwest Partners (a volunteer component of Northwest Counseling Services).
For full details of Volunteer UA, visit www.ua-ohio.net/volunteer/default.asp. Or call Amy Schossler at 583-5326.
August 23
City Offices Closed for Labor Day
City offices will be closed Monday, September 3, in observance of Labor Day. Refuse and recycling collection will be delayed by one day with no yard waste collection on Friday.
Service resumes its normal schedule the following week.
Additional information on the City’s Solid Waste services can be found at www.ua-ohio.net under Resident Services or by calling 583-5370.
August 23
Upper Arlington Pools End of Season Schedule
The City of Upper Arlington Aquatics Division announces its end of season schedule.
Tremont Pool is now closed.
Devon Pool is currently open weekdays 1 p.m. to Sunset and weekends from Noon to Sunset through Saturday, September 15. The Devon Pool early bird swim is still offered, Monday through Saturday, 6:30 to 8 a.m.
Reed Road Water Park is open weekdays 4 to 8 p.m. and weekends from Noon to 8 p.m. through Labor Day, Monday, September 3.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at
614-583-5300.
August 23
Fall Parks & Recreation Program Brochures Available
Fall programs for the Senior Center, Recreation and LifeLong Learning divisions of the Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation Department begin soon.
The Recreation Division’s Get Rec Get Set Go!, featuring activities for preschoolers, youth, teens and various adult sports activities is currently available, with registration ongoing. Registration can be processed in person, online at www.ua-ohio.net, by phone or by mail.
The LifeLong Learning and Leisure catalog will be available soon, with fun and educational classes for adults. Categories offered include enrichment, health and wellness, cooking, languages fitness and more. The division now offers online courses through “ed2go,” which enables customers to take classes of interest in the comfort of their own home. Visit www.ed2go/uaohio for the online course catalog and to register for classes.
The fall issue of Center Stage will be available early September, detailing the many programs, special events and trips on offer at the Senior Center. The facility has expanded its fitness space and is eagerly awaiting its grand opening event of “Studio 55 at the Arlington Fitness Studio,” scheduled for Monday, September 10, from 5-7 p.m.
Full details of all Parks & Recreation Department offerings can be found at www.ua-ohio.net under the Parks, Recreation & Leisure section of the City’s Web site.
August 17
Studio 55 at the Arlington Fitness Studio Grand Opening
The Senior Center of the City of Upper Arlington is pleased to announce the grand opening of Studio 55 at the Arlington Fitness Studio. The Grand Opening Celebration of Studio 55 takes place Monday, September 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Effective September 10, Studio 55 hours are Monday, Wednesday: 8 a.m.-Noon, 1-3 p.m., 5-8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m.-Noon; Friday: 8 a.m.-Noon, 1-3 p.m.; and Saturday: 9 a.m.-Noon.
The Senior Center is doubling their fitness space and extending their hours to better accommodate the 55 and over crowd. Equipment available for use at Studio 55 includes Sportstat XT20, Nu-Step Exerciser, Functional Trainer, Treadmills, Recumbent Bicycles, Ellyptical Exercisers, and Strength Equipment (free weights, multi- station weight machine, stretch bands, etc.).
The drop-in fee is $5, and Studio 55 also plans to offer fitness classes to seniors ages 55 and up. Please call 583-5320 or visit www.ua-ohio.net in the Parks, Recreation & Leisure section for more information.
August 17
Kenny Road Reconstruction Project Update
Construction is in its final stages on the section of Kenny Road running north from McCoy Road to the City of Upper Arlington boundary.
Currently, the roadway is now open to traffic on all four lanes. Detail work underway includes sidewalk, topsoil, seeding and light pole/foundation/wiring installation. The remaining work will require occasional single lane closures.
With continuing good weather and no unforeseen problems the final detail work should be complete by the beginning of October.
For additional details, visit www.ua-ohio.net or contact the City of Upper Arlington Engineering Division at 583-5360.
August 17
Full-Scale Exercise Scheduled for September 6
On September 6, 2007, Upper Arlington will participate in the Franklin County Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Exercise. This will be the largest full-scale exercise ever conducted in Franklin County.
The purpose of the exercise is to test the response capacity of our area first responders and specialty response teams (such as the bomb squad and tactical teams). A full-scale exercise means that there will be volunteers and actors playing out parts of the exercise while actual police and fire units respond as if it were a true incident.
The exercise will be held in many areas of Franklin County between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. that day. Activity and/or incidents will be occurring in the following areas during these approximate times:
6 a.m. Upper Arlington
7 a.m. Franklin Township
7:30 a.m. N. 17th Avenue area, Columbus
9 a.m. Worthington Kilbourne Middle School
9 a.m. Westerville
10:30 a.m. Whittier Peninsula area, Columbus
2 p.m. Grove City High School
3 p.m. Gahanna High School
4 p.m. Upper Arlington High School
6 p.m. St. Ann's Hospital, Westerville
Area residents are asked to stay clear of the exercise areas that day. All areas will be clearly marked with signage that says “This is an exercise.”
August 10
Upper Arlington Pools to Offer Doggie Dip
The City of Upper Arlington Aquatics Division will host its fifth annual Doggie Dips at the Tremont Pool in Northam Park Thursday, August 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, August 25 and 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event costs $5 per dog per visit.
Filter and chlorination systems will be shut down in preparation of Doggie Dip. Owners are not permitted to swim with their dogs.
Doggie Dip guidelines include:
• Maximum of 100 dogs permitted on site at one time.
• All dogs should be clean and should not be fed within two hours of attending the event.
• All dogs must have a current dog license and proof of a current rabies vaccination.
• Please keep dogs on a leash when out of water.
• A waiver of liability must be signed by the dog owner.
• Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their own pet.
• Please make sure your dog is well exercised before arriving.
• Aggressive dogs are not permitted.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this event, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 614-583-5300 or visit www.ua-ohio.net.
August 10
Guidelines for Garage/Yard Sales in Upper Arlington
The City of Upper Arlington has a series of “good neighbor” guidelines and ordinances in place to help preserve the community’s overall quality of life. The following guidelines pertain to garage or yard sales within City limits.
Residents may conduct one garage/yard sale per residence during any six-month period. A sale should not exceed three consecutive days or two consecutive days on two consecutive weekends and may be conducted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Sale items may only be placed for display in a garage or back yard. No permit is required.
On-site signage must follow these guidelines:
• One sign not to exceed eight square feet may be placed on the property
• The sign may only be posted during the hours of the sale
• Signs may not exceed four feet in height
• No unrelated information is allowed on the sign
• A permit is not required
Temporary off-premise signs are allowed provided:
• Signs can only be posted off-site on Thursdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and all day Friday–Sunday.
• Signs do not obstruct traffic visibility and maneuverability
• Signs are not attached to a right-of-way structure
• Signs must not exceed four square feet (eight square feet for double sided signs)
• Signs must not exceed three feet in height and must be free standing, stable and non-illuminated
• Only one sign per street frontage is allowed (one sign for an interior lot, two signs for a corner lot)
For additional details, please contact the Development Department, at 583-5070.
August 2
Back to School Shopping in UA
It will soon be that time of the year again, time to close the pools and open the books. Be sure to grab all your back-to-school supplies at Upper Arlington’s local retail and service organizations as part of your shopping options.
Our community offers a variety of specialty retail options, and buying in Upper Arlington supports local businesses and helps keep them in our community. In turn, their continued presence here enriches everyone’s lives.
Remember that your shopping dollars make a significant difference if they are spent in our community. If you live in UA, then shop in UA.
Details of the Live in UA? Shop in UA! campaign can be found on the City’s Web site, at www.ua-ohio.net.
August 2
Be Part of the Mosquito Solution
In order to minimize the need for truck based fogging, the City of Upper Arlington wishes to remind residents of what they can do to assist in mosquito prevention efforts.
Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. If there are places around your home or yard where water collects, such as containers, ornamental ponds or low areas of land, you may be raising mosquitoes. Identifying these trouble spots and taking appropriate steps to eliminate or manage these sites can do much to reduce breeding locations. Please follow these tips to help reduce mosquito populations in your neighborhood.
• Empty, remove or upturn receptacles with the potential to hold water.
• Clean bird baths twice weekly.
• Discard old tires or store them indoors.
• Repair leaky plumbing and outside faucets.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are free of blockage and properly draining.
• Fill holes in trees with sand.
• Empty outside pet water dishes daily.
• Drain or fill low areas on your property that hold water for more than three days.
• Prevent larvae from hatching and growing into adult mosquitoes by treating standing water that cannot be eliminated.
It is recommended that you regularly check www.ua-ohio.net for updates on pending mosquito dates since the City may not have adequate time to notify residents.
The City has prepared an informational brochure summarizing this year’s program and offering tips to protect yourself and your family from this inconvenient and potentially life-threatening pest. Please call the Public Services Department at 583-5350 to receive a copy, or visit www.ua-ohio.net to download a copy.
City Manager's Office
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Phone: 614-583-5040
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