A message from City Manager Michelle Crandall:
Happy Holidays from all of us at the City of Hilliard!
You know, I think I have the best job in the world, in large part because of the incredible people I get to work with every day.
To my team and all of the great people here at City Hall, Recreation and Parks, and the Hilliard Division of Police, thank you for making the City of Hilliard such a great place to work, live, and play.
And of course, thank you to our wonderful residents for your feedback and support over the past year. All of us at the City consider it an honor to serve you each and every day.
Wow, what a year it’s been! Here’s a few highlights:
- Part of “Hilliard’s Promise” is our Heart for Service – on display with our growing number of volunteer events. In the spring, we launched our first “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” community cleanup event. We held another one this fall. Over at the Hilliard Division of Police, the annual “Law Enforcement Torch Run” was another big success – our HPD team raised nearly $4,000 for “Special Olympics Ohio”. Plus, over the past few months, “Cram the Cruiser” was bigger and better than ever – with more than 1,000 winter weather items donated to Hilliard City Schools students.
- Speaking of our HPD friends. We had a change in leadership this year, with Chief Eric Grile taking over for the retiring Chief Robert Fisher in May. Then in August, longtime Columbus Police Officer Michael Woods was sworn in as Deputy Chief of Police. He comes to the City with over three decades of experience and will eventually assume the role of Hilliard’s next police chief.
- This summer, the City expanded the DORA to 7 days a week in downtown Old Hilliard, resulting in a big boost for local businesses. We saw some of our biggest crowds yet for “Celebration at the Station” – our Thursday night summer concert series.
- Speaking of great events, our Recreation and Parks staff really outdid themselves this year with another fantastic lineup. From Freedom Fest over 4th of July weekend, to Fall Festival over at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park, and more recently the Tree Lighting down at Hilliard’s Station Park, and many more throughout the year.
- A few other highlights. In August, the Hilliard Recovery Court celebrated its first group of graduates from its intensive two-year program.
- Our Transportation and Mobility department finished up a brand new roundabout at Scioto Darby and Walcutt Roads, making it Hilliard’s 15th roundabout in the past 15 years!
- Plus, our Economic Development team had the chance to spotlight many local businesses in our growing “Choose Hilliard” series, as well as launch a new “Business” page on our City website.
- The Operations department also kept busy. Despite all of the challenges with the pandemic, our crews were able to close out more tickets than ever this year, and keep our City safe and clean for our residents.
- Finally, we want to thank you for supporting Issue 22 and approving permanent funding for a new modern Community Center. The new Wellness Campus will be make its home on the Jerman Property, adjacent to Municipal Park and will become the new hub of Hilliard Recreation and Parks. In fact, the process is already underway with the feedback and design stage beginning in 2022.
Looking back, what a year it was! 2021 certainly presented its challenges. But through it all, our goals at the City of Hilliard are to remain committed to a “Heart for Service, Strength in Teamwork, and a Drive for Excellence” in the year ahead.
So once again, Happy Holidays from all of us here at the City. The future is bright, we’ll see you in 2022!
