Hilliard’s New Recreation Center

Written by Taylor Gyurko

After an income tax increase was approved by Hilliard voters in early November, the planning started for a new recreation and wellness center in the community. The income tax increase, Issue 22, will begin on January 1 and the $7.5 million, resulting from the 0.5% increase, will be used for funding the new recreation center.

In an interview with the Columbus Dispatch, vice president of a group created to advocate Issue 22, called Healthy Hilliard, Peggy Hale said, “The new community center will be a great asset to our community, and we will now have dedicated funding for our recreation and parks.”

A detailed concept plan will be developed in early 2022, but some planning has already begun. This includes the site where the recreation center will be built, which will be on 125 acres near Scioto Darby and Cosgray Roads. After planning is finished, building should begin by late 2022 and should be open for the public by late 2024.

Map of recreation center plan, photo from the City of Hilliard

An early plan created in September displays some of the things that this development will feature, including a community recreation and wellness center, fire station, recreation trail, athletic parks, sports fields, medical offices and retail centers.

Director of the Hilliard Recreation and Parks Department, Ed Merritt said to the Columbus Dispatch that, “These funds will provide that [a community center of the same caliber seen in nearby communities], while also promoting economic growth, an aesthetically beautiful community and active lifestyle choices for older adults, community art programs, historic preservation and much more."

Although Hilliard’s new recreation center is still in the early stages of planning, many believe that it will be very beneficial to the city and its residents.