Update: May 13, 2020
The  BG Economic Development Office  has developed a campaign to send a clear, consolidated message throughout the community and to provide some resources to businesses. The campaign is entitled #movingforwardBG. Posters, yard signs (for businesses with frontage), and floor decals (for social distancing) have been developed and will be distributed to local businesses. A banner is also being displayed over Main Street.
The message:

We are open.
We are safe.
We are strong.
We are #movingforwardBG.

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts have all been created under the same name: Moving Forward BG. Here’s how to get involved... MORE
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR ASPACHER: COVID-19 UPDATE

The past few months have been trying times for residents and businesses alike, but we have worked together to make the best of a bad situation. The Bowling Green community has come together in ways that demonstrate that we are a close knit community, all working together and helping each other. As your mayor I have been very proud with the numerous stories of businesses thinking outside the box to continue to operate and residents continuing to patronize those businesses. Governor DeWine’s announcement allowing businesses to reopen is a welcome one – we soon will be able to head to our favorite restaurant, store or get a haircut! As the State continues to allow for the opening of businesses, it will be paramount that we maintain our discipline and adhere to the continually evolving guidance. We need to wear masks when required, keep our distance, and continue good hygiene by washing hands and staying home when feeling sick.

These few months have also been a good demonstration that your city is here for you. Since March, City staff has been working tirelessly to maintain those essential services we all rely on. The following has also occurred to help our community:

  • Municipal Court Judge Reddin has suspended eviction proceedings
  • Proactively discontinued utility shutoffs due to non-payment
  • Suspended utility late payment penalties
  • Reserved on-street parking within the downtown for business carryout service
  • Continued the parking holiday, making it free to park in City-owned parking lots
  • Worked with businesses to allow for increased signage and waiving the permit fee requirement for additional signs
  • BG Transit is offering free passenger fares
  • Explored new and different ways to have public meetings and allow for public input
  • Business Revolving Loan Fund – 18 month loans with no interest, no payments for the first 6 months.

On May 15, our restaurants will be opening to outdoor dining, followed shortly by modified indoor dining. In response, the City is working with businesses to allow for more outdoor dining. This includes allowing for tables along the sidewalks within the downtown and in the parking areas outside the downtown.

We, as a community, need to continue to work together to determine how we can best make our way through these unusual times. Let’s work together so that when our businesses are able to open, everyone feels comfortable getting out and supporting them.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Use. Trusted. Sources.
Don’t believe every rumor you see online. Remember to use trusted sources.
Follow the links below for reliable and up to date information:


Remember, a call center to answer questions regarding COVID-19 is now open.
The call center will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

1-833-4-ASK-ODH
CLOTH FACE COVERINGS
Public health experts want us to continue social distancing and recommend wearing masks in public. Please comply with Ohio Department of Health (ODH) orders for the safety of the entire community. The links below provide more information on wearing/making cloth face coverings:
DONATE. The  Wood County EMA  is collecting donations of cloth masks, N95 masks, and other PPE items for health care workers and first responders. Please drop off at the Wood County Courthouse main entrance and leave with security. Questions? Call: 419-354-9269

Locally,  Grounds for Thought  is coordinating “BG Sews for Health” email bgsews@yahoo.com for more information.
REOPENING WATER SYSTEMS
As businesses in Wood County begin to reopen, water systems that have not been in use could be at increased risk for Legionella and other bacteria that cause illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created guidelines to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other water-associated diseases. For more information, call your local water authority or health department or go to CDC WEBSITE . If your facility does not have a Water Management Program in place, you can access a toolkit on how to create one.

Stagnant water must be flushed from systems to remove the risk of illness. Run faucets until the maximum water temperature has been reached. Additional guidance for specific facilities is provided HERE .
Click HERE to take the 2020 Census!
2020 Farmers' Market

The 2020 Bowling Green Farmers’ Market kicks off on Wednesday, May 13 th from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. The first hour of shopping will be dedicated weekly for vulnerable shoppers. Vulnerable shoppers include the elderly and those with a compromised immune system.

Guidance from the Ohio Department of Agriculture is being followed and Market Managers are taking all the mandated and suggested procedures to help ensure the safety of all vendors, volunteers, and consumers.

Although the market may look a little different this year, rest assured that there will still be the same great products that you have grown accustomed to.  For more information and to follow this year’s market, visit the Farmers' Market Bowling Green, OH Facebook Page.
Virtual Talent Show

Get creative and share some fun as a community with a new activity for everyone to work on from home. The Bowling Green Parks & Recreation Department will be holding its first Virtual Talent Show! Details can be found HERE .

Videos must be submitted by Thursday, May 14th.

Visit the Virtual Parks & Recreation Community for more ideas on how you can stay active and entertained from home.
Annual Ride of Silence

On Wednesday, May 20th, cyclists across Ohio will again take to the road, joining globally in the 2020 Ride of Silence, a silent procession to honor and celebrate the lives of family and friends injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. Due to the impacts of COVID-19, this year’s event will be a virtual/remote event .

The program will be live-streamed at 6:45 PM to remember those injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. Participants are asked to ride alone or with family on a route of their choosing, with a start time of ~7:00 PM. Riders are encouraged to take photos and use the hashtag #RideofSilence2020 when posting on social media. Posting to the Ride of Silence Facebook page is also encouraged.... MORE
MAY BRUSH COLLECTION
The window to register your address for the City's May Brush Collection has closed. The next opportunity to register will be in October.

For those who registered, the collection will begin on May 18. Brush will only be collected from registered addresses. For addresses on the list, please follow the guidelines posted  HERE.

If you missed the registration window, or find yourself in need of getting rid of brush later, the Wood County Landfill accepts brush at their Yard Waste Recycling area. The brush is  not  added to the landfill itself, it is added to the yard waste pile that will be turned into mulch next year! Click HERE for guidance.
Donuts Not Volcanoes!

Applying mulch is one of the best ways to care for your trees. However, if done improperly, it can greatly shorten the life of your tree. Avoid creating mulch volcanoes or piles of mulch against the trunk of the tree. This causes the trunk to rot and girdling roots to form. Instead create donuts of mulch that keep the transition from the trunk to the roots visible. As the mulch extends out it should be 2-4 inches in depth. This will keep your trees’ healthy and extend their life in your landscape. Remember, donuts not volcanoes.
**ALL PARKS REMAIN OPEN**

March & April Park Board Meeting: Cancelled
Training & Community Center: Closed
Programs & Classes: Postponed or Cancelled
Building Reservations: Suspended Until Further Notice
Wintergarden Nature Center: Closed
Playgrounds: Closed
Public Restrooms: Closed
Skatepark: Closed
Inline Rink: Closed
Horse Shoe Pits: Closed
Basketball Courts: Closed

Check out the Wintergarden/St. John's Woods Facebook Group Page or the BG Virtual Parks & Recreation Community Page for fun activities & ways to stay engaged with our Parks and Rec employees!
Parks & Recreation
Not Closed: The Great Outdoors

You MUST maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and others utilizing trails and other public spaces.

Our trails are still open, but please:

  • Avoid crowds.
  • Keep a 6 ft. distance between you and other park users.
  • It is okay to step off the trail to allow distance.
  • When passing, call out, "On your left!", to notify those on the trail in front of you.

During this period of precautionary social distancing, The Great Outdoors remains open. There are almost 400 acres of parkland in the City; a park within 1.5 miles of every resident. Bowling Green Parks and Recreation encourages individuals to explore the parks, get some fresh air, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural world. Playgrounds and public restrooms remain closed.

The Bowling Green Training & Community Center remains closed. Parks and Recreation business may still be conducted online or via phone. Pass holders will be credited for this disruption once the full extent of this fluid situation is known.

Questions? 419.354.6223