WCT Guide 2017

Ohiocommunity guide2017

west chester parkswest chester township Welcome to West Chester Township one of America’s “Best Places to Live.” West Chester is humbled to be counted among the country’s premier communities for a fifth time by Money Magazine, a publication of TIME, Inc. The magazine gave West Chester a “straight A” report card in 2016 across all three major categories: Economy, Jobs and Education. What sets West Chester apart? The investment and commitment of residents and corporate stakeholders who envisioned the community West Chester has become and continuously commit to its success. Combining an urban feel and a large economic footprint within a traditional suburban setting, West Chester offers the best of all worlds to families making a home, young professionals settling in, and the generations who came before them, fulfilling the promise of the region. The community is home to more than 61,000 residents and nearly 3,500 businesses. Nearly 37% of West Chester’s residents are between the ages of 35 and 54, with an average household income of $107,000. The median home value is $204,000 and of West Chester’s more than 22,000 housing units, more than 78% are owner-occupied. West Chester is served by the Lakota Local Schools with an enrollment of nearly 17,000 students in 22 buildings. Lakota Local Schools ranks among the state’s top school districts for academic excellence. West Chester seeks to provide exceptional customer service with emphasis on integrity, fiscal responsibility, and open communication. Please let us know how we’re doing and stay connected to your community at WestChesterOH.org, on Facebook and on Twitter. west chester township 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester, OH 45069 513-777-5900 Board of Trustees Fiscal Officer George Lang Bruce Jones Mark Welch Lee Wong Township Administrator Judi Boyko|2

west chester parks west chester townshipWest Chester…A Community with Heart!West Chester salutes the dedicated residents and corporatecitizens of the community who volunteer for a wide range ofprograms serving the needs of the community. This spirit ofvolunteerism demonstrates that West Chester is a communitywith heart.Many volunteer opportunities are available with localorganizations depending upon interest, personal talentsand available time. Please consider getting to know theseorganizations in our community.Throughout the 2017 Community Guide, heart-shaped iconsdesignate events and activities for which volunteers are needed.Consider these hearts as an open invitation to give back!For more information about volunteer opportunities, reachout to the event contact or call 513-777-5900 or visit:WestChesterOH.org/residents/volunteer-opportunities.RASKALSMay 6 and Nov 11Call 759-7312 for details.Random Acts of Simple Kindness Affecting Local Seniors(RASKALS) is a community-wide service program matchinglocal senior citizens with volunteer teams to complete simpleyard clean-up and outdoor home chores. RASKALS eventsare offered twice each year and offer a great opportunity forfamilies, scout groups, corporate teams and others to have apersonal impact on people’s lives.Senior Van Transportation ServiceVolunteers manage and operate a community-widetransportation service available to West Chester residents age60 and older and handicapped adults. The service providestransportation to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store& pharmacy, and for recreational and social gatherings. TheSenior Van Transportation Service is a lifeline to otherwisehome-bound residents of the community and is a rewardingvolunteer opportunity.Video Camera OperatorsWest Chester TV captures important moments in thecommunity including high school sporting events, musicprograms, concerts and more. Experience operatingprofessional video equipment to capture these moments byjoining the West Chester TV volunteer camera crew. WestChesterOH.org | 3

the square @ union centre presented by First Financial Bank 9285 Centre Pointe Drive Thursdays, 6 to 9 pm Free event, rain cancels. Alcohol cannot be brought into the event. Proceeds from beverage sales benefit hosting non- profit organizations. The weekend starts on Thursday in West Chester! The Takeover presented by First Financial Bank takes nightlife in the ‘burbs to the next level. Bring a friend, make it a date or fly solo and mingle every summer Thursday night at the clock tower. Enjoy great food, cold beer and free, live music as some of the area’s trendiest local vendors and hottest musical acts take over The Square! For all the latest updates on The Takeover, connect with West Chester on Facebook, Twitter and at WestChesterOH.org. Schedule Jul 20 Billy Brown Band Jul 27 Naked Karate Girls Jun 1 SWAGG Aug 3 Jamison Road Jun 8 DV8 Aug 10 Zack Attack Jun 15 3 Piece Revival Aug 17 LDNL Jun 22 Color Blind Aug 24 3 Piece Revival Jun 29 LDNL Aug 31 Color Blind Jul 6 The Menus Jul 13 The Sly Band The Square @ Union Centre is a fun, high- energy gathering space. Located in the heart of West Chester’s Downtown, The Square features the First Financial Bank clock tower and is a great place to meet for morning coffee, lunchtime breaks and after-work parties. The Square is open to everyone with seating, fountains and green space.|4

West Chester Farmers Market the square @ union centrePresented by First Financial BankSaturdays year roundApr 1, 15 and 29, 2 to 4 pm | The Square @ Union CentreEvery Sat, May 20 to Oct 28, 9 am to 1 pm |The Square @ Union CentreNov 18, Dec 2, 16 and 30, 2 to 4 pm | The Muhlhauser BarnRain or shine!Enjoy the freshest food in town year round at West Chester’sown Farmers Market. Local growers and makers of finefoods and arts are on hand at this one-of-a-kind market thatalso features fun activities for the family and entertainment.Soak up the atmosphere and get to know the growers,bakers and artisans who embrace the spirit of “fresh is best”.Vendors must demonstrate their products are grown and/orproduced locally to gain entry to this market.Fresh produce (in season), eggs, meats, honey, artisan breads,jams, cookies, cupcakes, popcorn, dog treats, salsas, sauces,soaps, lotions, candles, handmade jewelry, and so muchmore!To learn more about the vendors and how to become avendor, please visit WestChesterOhioFarmersMarket.orgBuckeye BBQ FestHosted by The Rotary Club of West Chester & LibertyThe Square @ Union CentreFri, May 19, 5 pm to 11 pm & Sat, May 20, noon to 11 pm |BuckeyeBBQFest.orgBlues, Brews and BBQ are the themes of this annual event.The Cincy Blues Society will offer some of the best liveentertainment in the region for the event. There will be beerand wine, a cigar lounge, a car show and a kids’ zone for thefamily.Food Truck RallyHosted by the Union Centre Boulevard MerchantAssociationFri, Aug 11 | 11:30 am to 10:30 pm | UCBMA.comConsidered one of Butler County’s top five events of theyear. Stop by on your lunch break, come back for dinner andstay through the fireworks. This event features nearly 40of the area’s best gourmet food trucks, beer and wine, andlive music. WestChesterOH.org | 5

WEST CHESTER Concert Series presented by west chester’s preferred energy supplierkeehner park Select summer Saturdays, 7 to 9 pm Keehner Park Amphitheatre, 7211 Barret Road Outdoor concerts at Keehner Park are a summertime staple in West Chester. Enjoy free, live music almost every weekend beginning after Memorial Day through Labor Day. Guests are invited to pack a picnic for the evening, but alcohol is not permitted. Jun 3 Blue Stone Ivory Jun 10 Mad River Railroad Jun 17 Stagger Lee Band Jun 24 Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band Jul 1 West Chester Symphony – Ice cream social Jul 8 Fillmore Brass Band Jul 15 Miami University Steel Band Jul 22 Bob Gray Orchestra Jul 29 Reload Aug 5 Shut Up & Drive Aug 12 Big Trouble Blues Band Aug 19 No Concert – Shakespeare Aug 26 Naz Band Mon, Sep 4 West Chester Symphony Keehner Park 7211 and 7411 Barret Road Keehner Park is a 123-acre property nestled along the east fork of the Mill Creek, offering active and passive recreational opportunities including two playgrounds, tennis/basket- ball courts, picnic shelters (available for rent) and creekside wooded trails. Keehner Park’s trail system offers stunning wooded views with the unspoiled beauty of the creek. Please keep dogs on leash and don’t litter. Baseball/softball fields: scheduled by the Pisgah Youth Organization. Call 513-755-6500 or visit www.pyobaseball.org|6

The Great Pumpkin Fest keehner parkOct 14, 2 to 6 pm | Keehner Park, 7211 Barret RoadFree family-friendly fall event features a costume contest,horse-and-wagon rides, petting zoos, a not-so-scary hauntedtrail and more.StargazingThree Saturdays | April, May and Sep (one night per month)Dates, times TBAView the stars and planets up close at the Keehner Parktennis court area. Members of the Cincinnati AstronomicalSociety will set up their powerful telescopes for viewing ofthe night sky. Bring plenty of questions and learn about theplanets, stars and other heavenly bodies.Easter Egg HuntPresented by West Chester Fire Department Associationand Kroger (Tylersville Road)Sat, Apr 15, 1 pm SHARP | Keehner Park tennis court areaArrive early to this free community event at Keehner Park.Children ages 8 and under will be organized into age groupsto search for eggs. Bring a bag or basket to collect eggs.Acoustic JamFirst Sunday of the month, May – Oct, 3 to 5 pmKeehner Park AmphitheatreFor more information, call 513-608-4109Join local musicians in an informal jam session once amonth. All talent levels welcome.Second Sunday Arts in the ParkSecond Sunday of every month Jun 11, Jul 9 and Aug 13Times TBA | ArtsCouncilWCL.orgThe Arts Council of West Chester/Liberty brings music, danceand visual arts to the community. Visit the Arts Councilwebsite to get details of each month’s activities.Shakespeare in the ParkSat, Aug 19, 7 pm | Keehner Park AmphitheaterArtsCouncilWCL.org | Free eventThe Arts Council delivers a presentation of William Shake-speare’s work under the starts, performed by the CincinnatiShakespeare Company.Pioneer ChristmasDec 10, 1 to 4 pm | Keehner Park Log CabinCelebrate the holidays just like the pioneers would have!The Cabin in the Clearing will be decorated for a traditionalholiday celebration as Santa visits and traditional pioneerfare is featured. WestChesterOH.org | 7

beckett park Beckett Park 8682 and 8630 Beckett Road A 150-acre property in the Union Centre area, Beckett Park is situated both to the east and west of Beckett Road at the foot of Beckett Ridge. With active and passive recreational opportunities, Beckett Park has something for everyone, including a boundless playground accessible for children of all abilities, paved and natural walking trails and a play feature designed from natural elements. Two fishing ponds: Located on the west side of Beckett Road, are stocked by nature and are open to free, catch-and- release fishing. Picnic shelter with fireplace: Located on the west side of Beckett Road and is available to rent. The shelter features a wood-burning fireplace (wood is not provided). Visit www. WestCheseterOH.org for availability and to reserve. Ice Rink at Beckett Park Dawn until dusk, seven days a week when conditions allow The concrete water basin that provides a tranquil setting in warm-weather months is designed to freeze naturally for use as an ice skating rink in the winter months. The feature is located near the picnic shelter on the west side of Beckett Park. The rink relies on the outdoor temperatures for freezing and is “skate at your own risk.” Please follow all posted rules. The Muhlhauser Barn at Beckett Park 8558 Beckett Road | 513-759-3960 A restored 1881 timber-frame barn is available for rent from April 1 through November 15. The historic barn featuring a traditional beam construction was once part of the Muhlhauser family farm and can accommodate up to 220 guests for a variety of events such as weddings and receptions, family reunions, birthday parties, meetings and more. The facility is neither heated nor air conditioned. Call for availability and rates. The West Chester Baseball Complex at Beckett Park 8650 Union Centre Boulevard | [email protected] WCBCbaseball.com Attracting some of the finest youth baseball players in the world, the West Chester Baseball Complex features four tournament quality fields, a concession stand and a press box. This world-class facility hosts traveling tournaments as well as local team play and is located near great hotels and restaurants. Tournaments offer residents an opportunity to enjoy exceptional youth baseball and the general public is encouraged to stop in and cheer on the teams! |8

Programming for Young People programming|young peopleRegistration is required for all programs. Call 513-759-7312or email [email protected] and leavename, home phone number, the program attending andthe number of children who will attend. There is no chargeassociated with Township programming.Nature Basket ProgramMar 8, Apr 5, Dec 13 | Station Road Schoolhouse |6670 Station RoadMay 10, Jun 7, Aug 9, Sep 13 and Oct 18 | Keehner Park OwlShelter | 7211 Barret RoadNov 15 | Keehner Park Log Cabin | 7211 Barret RoadAll sessions will begin at 10:30 amNature Basket programs are suited for preschool children,ages 3 to 5, and their adult companions. All programs includea story, a talk about seasonal nature and a craft. Adult helpwith the craft is required.WOLF ProgramWednesdays | Jun 28; Jul 5, 12, 19 and 26; and Aug 210:30 am and 1 pm | Deer Shelter at Keehner Park |7211 Barret RoadThe WOLF (World of Land, Forest and Friends) program is forchildren ages 5 to 12 and focuses attention on a specific topicrelated to nature and the environment. Each of the classes forthe WOLF Program will be offered at throughout the summer.Participants who attend five of six sessions will earn a prize. WestChesterOH.org | 9

voice of america park The Voice of America MetroPark Ronald Reagan Lodge and VOA Park Athletic Complex 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester, OH 45069 513-867-5835 | YourMetroParks.net Open daily from 7 am until dark The 435 acres that make up the Voice of America MetroPark was originally conveyed to the community through a Federal Lands to Park program. Since that time MetroParks has developed a Conceptual Master Plan for VOA, with significant community and stakeholder input. Park amenities include: • The Ronald Reagan Lodge with three rentable rooms for small or large social/business events. • A 35 acre stocked fishing lake – daily fishing permits only. • Row Boat, Paddle Boat, Stand Up Paddle Board, Kayak and Bike Rentals at The Wheelhouse Outdoor Recreation & Rental Center. • 2.4 miles of Paved Bike & Pedestrian Path • 6.6 miles of Cross Country Course with natural running and walking paths. • Chill Hill – rated as one of the best sledding hills in Cincinnati. • Natural meadow areas designated as an “important birding area” by the National Audubon Society and home to many wildlife species • Wiggly Field Dog Park • The Voice of America Park Athletic Complex with 20 natural grass and two turf fields. • The future West Chester Hospital/UC Health Fieldhouse Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta Jul 15, 11 am to 3 pm – VOA Park | YourMetroparks.net MetroParks of Butler County hosts the 8th annual Crazy Cardboard Regatta. At this fun and exciting event, teams build boats made of cardboard and race in them around the lake. Build a boat or enjoy the show from the comforts of the shore. This family-friendly event includes vendors, entertainment, activities and more! USA Triathlon Youth and Junior National Championships Aug 5 & 6 | VOA Park West Chester first hosted rising youth and junior triathlon stars in 2012 and continues to serve as the backdrop for this elite youth sporting event. The event has sold out for the last four years, with more than 700 athletes ages 7–19 competing for national titles annually. *This event impacts nearby roads and availability of VOA Park facilties for the general public. | 10

The Butler County Visitors Bureau olde west chesterGetToTheBC.comThe Butler County Visitors Bureau workswith Butler County agencies, tourismvenues and communities to attract greatevents and programming that supportthe local economy and provide countlessentertainment options. Please visit ourwebsite to learn about the Donut Trailand much more. Pick up you Butler CountyVisitors Guide at 8756 Union CentreBoulevard.Olde West ChesterNestled along a stretch of Cincinnati Dayton Road betweenInterstate 75 and West Chester Road, Olde West Chesterfeatures a quaint shopping district with historic characterand charm. Like the other small villages of then UnionTownship, Olde West Chester grew as a center for commerceas a result of rail lines and featured a general store, amilliner’s shop and much more.West Chester Memorial Day ParadeMay 29, 10 am | Cincinnati Dayton RoadTraditional community parade presented by VFW Post 7696to honor those who have served and continue to serve in ourmilitary. The parade on Cincinnati Dayton Road concludeswith a ceremony at West Chester Cemetery on West ChesterRoad.Olde West Chester Christmas WalkNov 18, 2 to 9 pm | Cincinnati Dayton RoadA day of holiday fun in the Olde West Chester communityfeatures special deals at local shops, pictures with Santa,kids’ games and crafts, food and beverage, horse-and-wagonrides, a night-time holiday parade, community tree lightingand more.Armchair ProgramSelect Fridays | Jan thru Mar, 7 to 8 pmWest Chester Township Hall | 9113 Cincinnati Dayton RoadChase away the winter blues and dream of faraway placesas local travelers share pictures and stories from theirfavorite adventures. Check our website each winter for datesand details. WestChesterOH.org | 11

community activities Touch a Truck Presented by First Financial Bank Jun 23, 11 am to 3 pm | The Square @ Union Centre Cool trucks bring out the kid in all of us. Each year, West Chester flings open the garage doors and shares with the community all of the cool trucks and vehicles that serve our community every day. Fire trucks, police vehicles, snow plows, military vehicles, helicopters, rescue boats and more line the streets. Climb behind the wheel, sit in the shovel of the backhoe and speak with the men and women who operate the equipment. This event is free. Plan to spend a couple hours and then enjoy lunch at one of West Chester’s nearby restaurants. CPR/First Aid Classes | West Chester Fire Dept 513 777-1133 The West Chester Fire Department offers First Aid and CPR training to individuals and local businesses. CPR classes follow the American Heart Association guidelines and are conducted at the Fire Department Headquarters’ training facility. Find details online or call. Citizen Police Academy | West Chester Police Dept 513 759-7260 | Spring & Fall Ever wonder what it’s like to be a police officer? Experience the inner workings of the West Chester Police Department through Citizen Police Academy. The 10-week program is offered twice each year. Applicants must be 21 or older, a West Chester resident or business representative. Self-Defense Classes | West Chester Police Dept 513 759-7260 The West Chester Police Department offers a wide range of self-defense classes for individuals and groups. Classes are designed to train civilians to react confidently and effectively when personal safety is at risk. Classes are scheduled once a month. Call for details. | 12

West Chester Township west chester townshipWest Chester Township voters elect three members whoserve on the Board of Trustees. They make decisions and setpriorities with regard to West Chester Township. The electedTownship Fiscal Officer is responsible for recording theproceedings of the Board of Trustees meetings and providesoversight of the fiscal matters of the Township.The daily operations of the Township are managed by anAdministrator, hired by the Board of Trustees.The West Chester Township Board of Trustees meets at 6pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month atTownship Hall, 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road. Meeting datesare typically adjusted in November and December due tothe holidays.West Chester Fire Department | 513-777-11339119 Cincinnati Dayton RoadWest Chester Township Fire Department operates five fullyoperational fire stations to provide efficient response timesto all residents. The full-time professional Fire Departmentoffers fire suppression and emergency medical services tothe community, while focusing on prevention and education.The West Chester Fire Department is funded through adedicated tax levy for fire/EMS services and receives morethan 6,000 calls for service each year.West Chester Police Department | 513-777-22319577 Beckett Road, Suite 500Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017, the West ChesterPolice Department was established in 1967 to protect andserve the residents and businesses of West Chester. ThePolice Department is funded through a dedicated tax levyfor police services. Officers make more than 200 communityappearances each year in an effort to promote and educatethe public on safety.West Chester Community Services | 513-777-61459113 Cincinnati Dayton RoadThe Community Services Department oversees theTownship’s road and infrastructure system, projects, parks,facilities and vehicle maintenance, and cemetery. The WestChester Roads Division maintains 220 miles of roadwaywith responsibilities including snow removal, sweeping andpaving, as well as drainage systems and catch basins.West Chester Community Development | 513-777-42149577 Beckett Road, Suite 100The Community Development Department offers one-stop shopping for residents and businesses with questionsrelated to zoning, permitting, code enforcement andeconomic development. Staff supports residents, prospectivebusinesses and the nearly 3,500 existing businesses. WestChesterOH.org | 13

west chester facilities Recycling in West Chester | WestChesterOH.org The Midpointe Library – West Chester | 513-777-3131 9363 Centre Pointe Drive | MidpointeLibrary.org The Midpointe Library in West Chester offers nearly 50,000 square feet of space with wireless internet, a vending café, a computer lab, plenty of comfortable seating, meeting rooms and more. The library opened in 2009 in West Chester’s Downtown and has been recognized with architectural awards and noted in national library publications. Operated by the Midpointe Library System, the West Chester branch offers a wide range of programs for all ages, including book clubs and story times. The West Chester Activity Center | 513-779-7360 7900 Cox Road | WestChesterActivityCenter.org Operated by Community First, the West Chester Activity Center is a hub of activity for all ages, featuring programming for senior citizens during the daytime and activities for all others during evenings and weekends. Activities include dance classes, wellness programs, art classes, personal enrichment programs and more. Rooms at the center are also available to rent to area residents, businesses and organizations for private events. The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting | 513-777-0027 | 8070 Tylersville Road VOAMuseum.org The former Voice of America Bethany Relay Station building played a vital role in the delivery of news of freedom and democracy to faraway lands from 1944 to 1994. The 1940s art deco building is being developed as The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting featuring the collections of Media Heritage, Inc. and Gray History of Wireless Museum, as well as an operating amateur radio station. The museum is open for tours every third Saturday of the month from 1 to 4 pm. Visit WestChesterOH.org or call 513-777-5900 | 14

West Chester Township 513-777-5900 contacts 911Emergency 513-777-2231 513-777-1133Police Department —non-emergency 513-777-8765 513-777-4214Fire Department—non-emergency 513-860-4194Roads Department 888-462-2282 513-874-5450Community Development 513-874-5505Zoning permits, development assistance, 513-867-5835code enforcement 513-777-3131 513-759-7208Arts Council of West Chester & Liberty 513-755-4402ArtsCouncilWCL.org 513-779-7360 513-777-3600Butler County Visitors Bureau GetToTheBC.com Community Foundation of West Chester/LibertyWCLFoundation.comLakota Schools LakotaOnline.comMetroParks of Butler County YourMetroParks.netMidpointe Library, West Chester MidPointeLibrary.orgSenior Transportation Services Union Centre BoulevardMerchants AssociationUCBMA.comVoice of America Park/ Ronald Reagan LodgeWest Chester Activity Center WestChesterActivityCenter.orgWest Chester • Liberty Chamber Alliance TheChamberAlliance.comDo you rely on a cell phone or have an unlisted number?If so, please register your contact information atWestChesterOH.org/departments/administration/notifications directly to your phone.This service is only used in case of emergencies. | 15

Follow WestChester on Twitter @WestChesterTwpStay Connected to Your Communitywcehsetsteroh .orgLike WestChester on Facebook West Chester TownshipWest Chester Township West Chester Township