Brookside Woods Civic Association

President's Report

Jun 30, 2003

Spring is here, and your Brookside Woods Civic Association (BWCA) has been busy. We held a very successful Spring Cleanup where many neighbors helped rake and plant 15 new trees at our Oakfair/Maplebrook park. We survived another neighborhood garage sale and raised some money toward our Park Improvements Fund for Brookside Woods Park with a garage sale, hotdog sale and Pig Roast in the Park.

We have other spring activities planned: Bed improvement and flower planting at North Entrances on May 14 (how can you participate? ?– read on); Sidewalk repair & replacement at Thistlewood Entrance & Oakfair/Maplebrook Park; Golf Outing organized for June, Camp in the Park being planned for July/August.

Here is a quick update on my five areas of focus this year:

1) Improving the safety of our neighborhood: We have been working with the Columbus Division of Traffic to reduce the speed limit on 161. We just heard that they agree with us and are working on a resolution for Columbus City Council that will lower the speed limit to 35 mph from Federated Boulevard to Sawmill Road. A second resolution will lower the speed limit to 45 mph from Federated Boulevard to the Linworth Corporate Limit. These resolutions, if approved by Council, asks the Ohio Department of Transportation to review the City?’s speed analysis. If ODOT agrees, the City will install new speed limit signs.

2) Improving the appearance of our Oakfair/Maplebrook Park: The City of Columbus has planted three new Black Gum Trees in the curb lawn. With materials paid for by BWCA, your neighbors have planted 15 new trees and have spread 28 yards of dirt and 16 yards of mulch. We will repair the sidewalk this month (want to repair your sidewalk this month? - read on).

3) Improving the safety, usefulness and esthetics of our Brookside Woods City Park: The Brookside Woods Park Committee has earned $385.00 toward the purchase of a new soccer goal for the park. We need about $600.00 more to make this purchase. How are we going to get there? - a raffle ?– please participate - read on. We will also accept direct donations. If we are successful with our fund raising, we will purchase additional items (benches, drinking fountain) for the park.

We have a wonderful neighbor (Rick Gutter) who has volunteered his time and talented lawn tractor to mow the park every other week. The Recreation and Parks mowing schedule is once every 14 days. Without Rick?’s help, the park would look like a hay field again this year. Your Civic Association is paying for weed control at the Park this year. Stop by the Park and enjoy!

4) Improving the communication within our neighborhood: with regular publication of the Woods?’ Lore and the creation of a neighborhood web site.

www.neighborhoodlink.com/columbus/brooksidewoods

5) Improve the percentage of neighbors who join Brookside Woods Civic Association: The association membership to date totals 225 out of 299 families (75% - while our goal is 90% participation or 270 Families ?– PLEASE JOIN). Of those families that have joined, 35% have also contributed to our Capital fund. Thank you very much for your participation and generosity.

Have a great spring! - Mark Gresham