Ohio
Where to find splash pads, pools in central Ohio during heat wave
Child drowning deaths peak in summer: Tips to keep your kid safe
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages one to four, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Scott L. Hall, USA TODAY
As central Ohio braces for a stretch of warm temperatures this week, families looking to cool off will soon have more options as splash pads, spraygrounds and public pools begin to reopen across the Columbus area.
A heat wave is expected to build across the region this week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s by midweek, according to the National Weather Service.
While many community pools and water features won’t fully open until Memorial Day weekend, several splash pads are already operating or scheduled to reopen within the next several days.
Here’s where to find splash pads, fountains and public pools around central Ohio this summer:
Scioto Mile Fountain reopening May 22
The popular Scioto Mile Fountain at 233 S. Civic Center Drive is scheduled to reopen May 22 and operate through Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Downtown Columbus’ annual Fountain Fest celebration is scheduled for May 23 from noon to 4 p.m. at Bicentennial Park. Organizers also plan to offer sensory-friendly hours Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon.
Hilliard splash pad open
The splash pad at Hilliard’s Station Park, 4021 Main St., opened May 18 and operates daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the summer season.
Delaware, Dublin and Powell splash pads opening for season
The Spray and Play splash pad at Veterans Park, 1121 S. Houk Road, Delaware, is expected to open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The spray fountains at Ballantrae Community Park, 6350 Woerner Temple Road, Dublin, are scheduled to operate May 23 through Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
The splash pad at Village Green Park, 47 Hall St., Powell, is expected to run daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Other central Ohio splash pads and fountains
- Easton Town Center fountain area, 160 Easton Town Center, generally operates during shopping center hours, typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
- The splash pad at Hanby Park, 115 E. Park St., Westerville, is expected to open later in May from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
- The splash pad at the Plain City Aquatic Center, 160 W. 2nd St., will open Memorial Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., then will officially open for the season May 30 until Sept. 7.
- Obetz Splash Pad, 4390 Lancaster Ave., is expected to open Memorial Day weekend through late August from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for children 12 and younger. Nonresident admission is $5.
- Gahanna Swimming Pool and splash pad opened May 1. The splash area is free from 8 a.m. to noon, while admission or memberships are required from noon to 8 p.m.
Columbus city pools opening in phases
According to Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, city pools will open in phases this summer.
Dodge, Driving, Glenwood and Tuttle parks pools are scheduled to open May 23 before transitioning to full summer hours June 6. Lincoln Park, Maryland and Windsor pools are set to open June 6. Marion Franklin pool remains under construction this summer.
General admission to Columbus city pools is $3.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
Ohio
Power restored after powerlines spark fire
WARREN TWP., Ohio (WKBN) — Nearly 1,400 people in Warren were without power Sunday evening after a vehicle crashed into a utility pole.
People in the affected area were without power for about three hours until it was restored around 11:30 p.m.
Police told our crew on scene that a Toyota had driven into a utility pole on Mahoning Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Officers said two people left the vehicle and left the scene on foot.
Impact from the crash caused power lines to spark about 100 yards away, just within the City of Warren. The sparking powerlines lit surrounding bushes on fire, and crews worked to quickly put out the flames.
Part of Mahoning Avenue is closed off at this time.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Dominic O’Brien contributed to this report.
Ohio
Body found during search for missing kayaker
NEW RICHMOND, Ohio (WXIX) – Rescue crews have located a body in their search of the Ohio River for a kayaker who vanished in the water Thursday afternoon, according to the New Richmond Fire and EMS.
Around 12 p.m. Sunday, New Richmond Fire and EMS says they located a body during the search.
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The discovery comes after a 28-year-old man went missing in the Ohio River when a boat flipped around 4 p.m., just off U.S. Route 52 in New Richmond, according to the fire department.
The body was found near Mile Marker 449.1 in the area of the 800 block of Washington Street.
Officials say the scene was immediately turned over to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
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Ohio
At least 12 people shot at an Ohio festival
National News
No suspects were in custody hours afterward, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said.
Gunfire erupted Saturday near a busy street festival in Ohio, wounding at least 12 people and sending some eventgoers scrambling for cover while others rushed to help the victims.
No suspects were in custody hours afterward, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said, and officials urged people who were at the festival to come forward with any photos or videos on their phones for possible leads.
The shooting happened near the Old West End Festival, an annual gathering of live music and home tours.
Heffernan said it appeared that at least two people fired weapons and they were “probably shooting at each other.”
Two of the victims were in critical condition, Heffernan added. The ages of the victims ranged from 14 to 61, with most of them in their early 20s.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
Multiple videos posted to social media showed people running amid the sound of gunshots and emergency officials tending to others who appeared wounded.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said it was difficult to get to the hospital due to closed roads and traffic from people leaving the festival, but emergency responders were able to transport all patients from the scene within an hour.
Kevin Berry was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with friends when he heard a handful of gunshots ring out.
“Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
When Berry looked back up, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 meters) away from him. Officers who were already on site for the festival responded immediately.
Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, walked around looking for anyone who might need help and saw at least five people with gunshot wounds.
“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.
The Old West End Festival is a two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that includes live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping. Berry described it as the “kick-off to Toledo’s summer festival season.”
George Kral, safety director for the city, said officials were discussing with organizers whether it would continue through the weekend.
“This is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo,” he said, “and it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it.”
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