March 30 - April 5, 2020 Updates

April 3, 2020 - Parks Updates

See the video message from Parks & Recreation Director about how to enjoy Worthington’s parks during this period of social distancing. (right)

Godown Dog Park to Close

After consultation with our partners from Columbus Recreation and Parks, we are going to close Godown Dog Park due to social distancing concerns related to COVID-19. The dog park is very popular and continues to attract large crowds and while some spacing is possible, we are observing many who are not and access to the park requires touching of two gates at any entrance which is another concern for patrons. The closure will be in effect first thing tomorrow morning, Saturday, April 4 and will be until further notice.

Virtual City Council Meeting planned for Monday, April 6

Due to Stay at Home Orders and the cancellation of public gatherings, the April 6, 2020 Worthington City Council meeting will be held virtually. Council members and City staff will connect through the Microsoft Teams application and the entire meeting will be streamed online at Worthington.org/live.

The public has two options for providing comments. First, comments can be submitted by email at council@worthington.org. Comments will be read by the Clerk of Council during the meeting. Another option is to call in with comments. The number to call is 567-249-0063. You will be asked to enter your conference ID, which is 894-456-406. Telephone comments will be taken in the order in which they are received. Callers should be aware that there is a 25-second delay in the live stream online. Callers should turn their computer audio down when it is their turn to speak. April 6, 2020 Agenda Packet

April 2, 2020 - State of Ohio issues new Stay at Home order effective through May 1

Governor Mike DeWine is extending the Ohio Stay at Home Order through at least May 1. The Order, which was signed by State Health Commissioner Dr. Amy Acton, will take effect Monday night when the previous order is due to expire. The new order is similar but does contain some updates, including direction for people traveling from out of Ohio into the state to self-quarantine for 14 days.
View the New Stay at Home Order here

Virtual City Council Meeting planned for April 6th

The Worthington City Council is continuing to meet virtually during this time of social distancing. Council members will be meeting on Monday, April 6th via Microsoft Teams. The meeting will be streamed live beginning at 7:30 here: https://www.worthington.org/live

If you would like to submit comments on agenda items, or items not on the agenda, please email them in advance of the meeting to council@worthington.org. A telephone number will be provided on the Our Government page for individuals that would like to submit comments via telephone. Please include your name and address with your comments.

4-6-2020 Agenda Packet

April 1, 2020

Beware of Scams

Fear and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic could give rise to an outbreak of scams. Officials are warning to be aware of possible scams that aim to take advantage of you during this crisis. Report COVID-19 fraud by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov
See additional information and resources from the Ohio Attorney General’s office
See scam alert information from AEP Ohio

SuperGames Donates Face Shields for First Responders

Many thanks to Worthington business SuperGames for getting much needed safety gear in the hands of our Worthington first responders. SuperGames is a 501 3-C nonprofit corporation with a Board of Trustees that specializes in large family events for schools colleges, and city recreation departments. During this pandemic emergency, Gary Moore, of SuperGames, is shifting gears from special events to helping to distribute face shields to protect emergency crews from the threat of COVID-19 when working out in the field. Moore’s brother Tim, who owns Waterford Signs in Delaware, Ohio, manufactures the shields, which have also been donated to area first responders. Gary Moore purchased the shields from Waterford Signs and donated them to the Worthington Division of Fire and EMS. The equipment is now housed on our medic vehicles, to be used in conjunction with existing masks and glasses. Not only will the face shields offer more protection, but they may help extend the life of safety masks. When Moore dropped off the face shields he stayed “socially distant” and did not get in the photo. Pictured L. to R.: Firefighter/Paramedic Billy Rings; Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Fredieu; Lieutenant Mark Lundy

Please help support our local restaurants and businesses

See updated closures and cancellations

March 31, 2020

Due to continued social distancing concerns, additional Worthington Parks and Recreation facilities are now closed. Today, all tennis courts and the skate park are closed to prevent large gatherings of people, which increases the risk of spreading COVID-19 in our community. The Godown Dog Park is under observation and we are working with our partners at the City of Columbus to evaluate whether this facility should also be closed. We remind you to please be vigilant in practicing social distancing and do not gather in groups. This puts our entire community at risk.

To date, the following parks facilities are closed:

Godown Dog Park closed as of 4/4/2020
Tennis Courts
Basketball Courts
Pickleball Courts
Sports Fields (baseball and soccer)
Skatepark
Playgrounds
Restrooms
Community Center
Griswold Center
Selby Park Shelter

Scroll down to the March 26 update for a list of outdoor activities you can do at safe distances, or with your immediate household.

More information is available from Parks and Recreation about program registration and refunds.

Additional closures and cancellations

March 30, 2020 - Back to School date extended + Worthington Confirmed Cases Updated

Today Governor DeWine announced that all school districts across Ohio will remain closed to in-person learning through Friday, May 1st. Schools will continue virtual learning until at least May 1st, when the current situation will be reevaluated. Visit Worthington Schools here

Amended Ohio Department of Health Order

Worthington Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

As of March 30, 2020, there are currently six confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Worthington. Worthington cases are included in the Columbus Public Health statistics because they are our contracted public health provider. As of March 30, 2020, there are currently 197 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in the Columbus Public Health jurisdiction.

Parks Facility Update

Due to continued social distancing concerns, the Worthington Skatepark at Olentangy Parklands is closed until further notice beginning Tuesday, March 31. The Community Center and Griswold Center will remain closed until further notice.

Tax Deadline Delayed until July 15

The tax deadline for local, state, and federal taxes has been extended until July 15th. See more information and tax resources below.