Friday, March 12, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

Search Parks & Recreation FAQ's

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Big Splash

• How do I know if the Big Splash is closed because of weather?
  • Call the hotline at 614-277-1818 for closure information.
• How do I sign up my child for swim lessons?
  • You may sign your child up at City Hall, The Big Splash or online.
• I am not going to swim. Do I have to pay admission?
  • Anyone entering the park must have a season pass or pay admission.
• I have a Grove City mailing address, but pay my taxes to Columbus. Am I considered a resident?
  • No, your taxes determine your residency status.
• I have a season pass card from last season. Do I keep it?
  • No, new membership cards will be issued each year.
• May I bring in a cooler/my own food and drinks?
  • Yes. Personal-sized coolers (16”x12” or smaller) are allowed. However, no glass containers, tobacco, alcohol or illegal substances are permitted in the park.
• May I bring in a floatation device for my infant?
  • A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the only acceptable form of floatation device allowed in The Big Splash.
• May we reserve the shelter house located just outside the gates of the Big Splash?
  • The shelter house is open to the public; reservations cannot be made.
• My child is just short of the height limit on the slide; can he/she go down with my permission?
  • The height restrictions are for safety. Riders must be of the proper height to go down, without exception.
• My family member or friend is in the park; can you page them?
  • Unfortunately, no. The messaging system is strictly for emergencies and hourly announcements.
• My family would like to have a birthday party at the Big Splash, to whom should I speak?
  • You may contact a manager at 614-277-1818, and he/she will be happy to guide you through the process.
• What are the hours of operation?
  • The 2010 season begins Saturday, May 29. Season pass holder hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and general admission hours are 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday hours are noon-8 p.m. The facility will close for the day when South-Western City Schools are in session from Monday, May 24 through Thursday, June 3 as well as Wednesday, Aug. 25 through Friday, Sept. 3. The Big Splash will be open on the weekends while school is in session.

 

Childcare

• Does Grove City offer a school-age child care program?
  • Grove City offers the P.A.R.K. (Programmed Afterschool Recreation for Kids) program for school age children. There are also morning and summer programs.

 

General

• Can non-residents sign up for activities?
  • All parks and recreation activities are open to residents and non-residents. Non-residents will be assessed an additional fee.
• How do I know if a city-sponsored event is cancelled?
  • Please call 614-277-3060 for any weather related cancellations.
• Is there any indoor activity space available for public rental?
  • Unfortunately, Grove City only has outdoor shelters available at this time. Please call the Parks and Recreation office at 614-277-3050 for outdoor rental information.
• Schools are closed because of severe weather conditions. Are Parks and Recreation activities cancelled?
  • If South-Western City Schools close due to inclement weather, all classes offered through the Parks and Recreation Department (this includes activities at the Evans Center and Gantz Barn) will be cancelled until 4 p.m. The decision to conduct evening classes and programs will be made by 3 p.m. However, programs scheduled at a South-Western City Schools location will be cancelled for that evening as well. When schools are delayed in the morning, Grove City Parks and Recreation will continue its regular program schedule. Please call the Weather Update/Information Line at 614-277-3060 for cancellations, delays or program-specific details.
• Where can I find information on Parks and Recreation offerings?
  • Grove City offers a wide variety of recreation programs. Information about these programs can be found in The Source, Grove City Parks and Recreation's seasonal activity and event guide. The Source is mailed to every Grove City household three times annually. Free copies are available at the Grove City Library, in City Hall and in the Parks and Recreation drop box located on the parking-lot side of City Hall, just left of the building's entrance. The Source is also posted online. Call the Parks and Recreation Office at 614-277-3050 for more information.
• Where is the Park Annex located?
  • The park annex is located at 4034 1/2 Broadway (above Grandstand Pizza).

 

Senior

• Is there a transportation service that will transport outside of Grove City?
  • COTA Mainstream 614-278-5828 or 614-278-5800; American Red Cross 614-253-6705; Mt. Carmel Connection 614-234-0300.
• Is there senior housing  available in Grove City that is income based?
  • Grovewood Place 614-539-1022 and Melanie Manor 614-871-4509.
• What is the phone number for the LifeCare Alliance meals program at the Center and also for Meals on Wheels?
  • 614-278-3153
• Where do I call for assistance for a senior that lives in Franklin County?
  • Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging 614-645-7250 or 1-800-589-7277; Ohio Department on Aging  614-466-5500 or 1-800-266-4346; Franklin County Senior Options 614-462-6200; AARP 1-866-389-5653.
• Where do I call for assistance with my heating?
  • Impact Community Action 614-453-1701 - Energy Assistance and other low income assistance.

 

Sports

• Does Grove City offer youth team sports?
  • Grove City Parks and Recreation offers soccer for ages 3-5, baseball for ages 5-16, volleyball for grades 4-12, teen dodgeball for those 15 and older, basketball for grades 1-12 and girl's softball. Please contact the Parks and Recreation office at 614-277-3050 for further information.
• Does Grove City own and maintain Murfin Fields?
  • Murfin Fields is owned and maintained by a private organization, the Grove City Kids Association. GCKA organizes youth programs in soccer, football, softball and cheerleading. They can be reached at 614-871-0080 for more information.
• How do I contact the Grove City Kids Association?
  • Contact the Grove City Kids Association by telephone at 614-871-0080, or e-mail gckasports@yahoo.com. You can also visit their Web site
• How do I know if my sport practice or game is cancelled?
  • Please call 614-277-3060 for any weather related cancellations.

 

Youth Baseball

• Do coaches have to be NYSCA certified?
  • Yes. All head coaches in the Grove City Youth Baseball Program are required to be certified through the NYSCA. In order to pick up uniforms, head coaches will need to show proof of certification.
• Do you honor participant requests?
  • It is the philosophy of the City of Grove City Parks and Recreation Department to treat all persons fairly and equally, including offering equal recreational baseball experiences for all leagues and teams. In adhering to this philosophy, there will be a maximum of 4 players that may be automatically assigned to each team. These players consist of the head coach’s child, two assistant coach’s children and the respective sponsor’s child. No other participant requests will be honored. There will no longer be a coach’s draft; players who are not automatically assigned will be placed on teams by the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department.
• How do I know which team my child is on?
  • Coaches will call all team members shortly after the coaches' meeting on Sunday, March 28.
• How much are league fees?
  • • T-Ball: $50 Resident; $60 Non-Resident
    • Peewee 6: $50 Resident; $60 Non-Resident
    • Peewee 7: $50 Resident; $60 Non-Resident
    • Peewee 8: $50 Resident; $60 Non-Resident
    • Minors: $70 Resident; $80 Non-Resident
    • Majors: $70 Resident; $80 Non-Resident
    • Pony: $70 Resident; $80 Non-Resident
• How often do I have to renew my certification?
  • Certification must be renewed every year. Grove City Parks and Recreation will cover the annual $20 renewal fee for each head coach who needs certified or requires a renewed certification. Assistant coaches also are required to participate in the NYSCA program, but will not be required to become official members unless they want to pay the membership fees on their own accord.
• Is it possible to exchange uniforms for a different size?
  • Uniforms will be ordered immediately following the draft. Due to the timely nature of uniform ordering, exchanges cannot be honored, (i.e. no team changes). Please double check the size order to be correct (we will have sample clothing at sign-ups). Uniforms will consist of the following: Grove City Parks and Recreation jersey, hat and socks. Sponsor names will be placed on the back of each jersey. If the customer orders the wrong size, a new jersey can be ordered at the cost of the customer. If unsure, order a larger size.
• What am I required to do as a coach?
  • If you would like to participate as a coach in our program, please visit the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department located in City Hall, 4035 Broadway, to fill out a volunteer coach application. Once you have been approved to be a coach you will need to take online training for coaches through the National Youth Sports Coaches Assocation. Background checks will be performed on every applicant.
• What days will my child play on?
  • All teams practice from the week of April 5 until Opening Day on Saturday, May 8. Once the season begins, only Minor, Major and Pony leagues practice (on Saturdays); T-Ball, Peewee 6, Peewee 7 and Peewee 8 teams play games only. Practice and game days are subject to change depending on the number of teams in each league. Make-up games are played on Saturdays.
    • T-Ball: Monday/Wednesday
    • Peewee 6: Tuesday/Thursday
    • Peewee 7: Monday/Wednesday
    • Peewee 8: Monday/Wednesday
    • Minor: Monday/Wednesday
    • Major: Tuesday/Thursday
    • Pony: Monday
    
    

• What is NYSCA?
  • The National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA) helps volunteers understand the psychology of coaching children. The program gives coaches practical skills to help all participants have fun and maximize their athletic skills. It also provides continuing education, support and valuable resources to help develop coaching skills and enhance relationships with parents, official, and children involved in youth sports programs.
• What size bat should we buy?
  • Please be sure to adhere to the following guidelines when purchasing a bat for your child. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of our participants. Bats for T-Ball, Peewee 6, Peewee 7 and Peewee 8 must be labeled “Little League Approved.” Minor and Major league bats must not exceed a barrel size of 2¼ inches. Pony league players must use a bat with no more than a 3-ounce drop (-3). The drop is the difference between the number of inches in the bat’s length and the number of ounces bat’s weight, i.e. a bat 33-inches long and weighing 30 ounces, has a drop equal to (-3).
• When are observations?
  • The minor, major and pony leagues have pre-season observations at Windsor Park on Saturday, March 20 to evaluate each player’s skills. This assessment helps distribute talent equally among teams. The process is quick and laid back; players will be asked to practice pitching, catching, running and hitting. Children of coaches and assistant coaches also need to attend observations. If observations are cancelled due to inclement weather, players will still be assigned in a blind draft.
    • Pony: 8-9:30 a.m.
    • Major: 9:45-11 a.m.
    • Minor: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • When does the season start and end?
    • Teams will have their first practices during the week of April 5. Practices will be scheduled Monday through Saturday on various nights. Practice schedules will be given to coaches at their meeting. Opening Day is Saturday, May 8. The season will end in mid- to late-June (depending upon weather). Rain-out practices will not be made up.
  • When will teams get their pictures taken?
    • Picture Day for Fall Baseball participants is Saturday, May 15 at Windsor Field 1.
  • Which league will my child play in?

    • League placement is based upon age as of April 30, 2010.

      • Age 5: T-Ball
      • Age 6: Peewee 6
      • Age 7: Peewee 7
      • Age 8: Peewee 8
      • Age 9-10: Minor
      • Age 11-12: Major*
      • Age 13-16: Pony*

      *12-year-olds have the option to play in the Major or Pony league.

 

Youth Basketball

• Can I request for my child to be on a certain team?
  • Balancing talent levels on each team is the primary goal in assembling teams in each division. Unfortunately, we do not accept player’s requests. The only exception is for brothers and sisters and for children living in the same household where age and gender would place them in the same age division. The Parks and Recreation Department has the right to honor certain request that may arise.
• Do all ages participate in observations?
  • No. Only children in grades 4-8 participate in observations.
• How will I know what team my child is placed on?
  • Volunteer coaches will contact each player assigned to their team after the draft. Information concerning practice days and times will be given to players at that point.
• What are observations?
  • The fourth through eighth grade leagues have pre-season observations to evaluate each player’s skills. This assessment helps distribute talent equally among teams. The process is quick and laid back; players will be asked to practice layups, shooting and dribbling. Children of coaches and assistant coaches also need to attend observations.
• What if my child can’t attend the assigned observation time?
  • Participants who cannot attend will be assigned to teams in a blind draft.
• What should players wear?
  • Uniforms will be ordered immediately following the draft. Because of the timely nature of uniform ordering, exchanges cannot be honored. Please double-check the size you ordered to be correct (we will have sample clothing at sign-ups). A reversible mini-mesh jersey will be provided. We ask participants to wear black or navy blue shorts for games.
• When will games be played?
  • Each team will play one game per week. Official schedules will be passed out to each team at practice and posted online before the regular season begins.
• When will my child practice?
  • Practice schedules will be given to each coach at the draft. Teams will practice one hour each week. If schools are cancelled due to inclement weather, practices will not be held. Because of a lack of facility space, some practices will be scheduled from 8:30-9:30 p.m.
• Where can I get information about becoming a coach?
  • We’re always searching for enthusiastic new coaches for every age division. Interested persons must fill out an application form (also available at the Parks and Recreation office) and return it to City Hall, 4035 Broadway. Check out the coaching page for more information.
• Who do I call to check if a game or practice is cancelled?
  • Please call the Sports/Weather Update line at 614-277-3060. Press # 4 for field conditions and then press # 5 for local gym conditions. The hotline is updated daily.

 

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