News from BG: August 10, 2022
2022 Party for the Parks

The Bowling Green Parks & Recreation Foundation is excited to announce its annual fundraiser. The Party for the Parks, formerly the Wine and Cheese Social and Auction, will be held on September 23, 2022, from 5-8 pm at the Veterans Memorial Building in City Park.

The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation exists to support the programs and activities of the Parks and Recreation Department in Bowling Green. This year the proceeds from the event will, in part, benefit the creation of outdoor pickleball courts.

This year’s event will feature catering by SamBs, craft beers from four Bowling Green microbreweries, and wines from Norm Heineman. There will be a raffle for a Becky McOmber handcrafted purse, a Solo Stove firepit, and a silent auction featuring “The Best of BG” items. There will be a presentation of the annual Spirit of the Foundation Award given to a person or entity who goes above and beyond to support the great BG Parks & Recreation Department.

Tickets are $75 per person before September 9 and $85 after. For ticket information, please call the Parks and Recreation Business Office at 419-354-6297 or email infoBGparksfoundation@gmail.com. To purchase tickets online, go to the Foundation’s PayPal site and indicate the number of PFTP tickets needed and attendees’ names.
Efficiency Smart’s Picture of Efficiency Contest

Have you saved energy thanks to Efficiency Smart’s online tips or advice by phone? Received a rebate on
a new appliance? Purchased an energy-saving item from our online store? Efficiency Smart would love to hear your story.

Send a photo and a caption that details your Efficiency Smart experience. When you do, you’ll be automatically entered to win one of five prizes. We’re betting you’re the very picture of efficiency!

Win up to $100 and an energy efficiency kit! Submit a photo and caption showing how Efficiency Smart has helped you or your family save energy by August 31 for a chance to win!

Last Splash Week
City Pool

The City of Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce its activities for Last Splash week at Bowling Green City Pool & Water Park, which occurs from August 15th-August 19th.

Monday: The Cardboard Canoe Regatta
Youth ages 5 & up, teens, adults, and families are invited to participate in the return of the Cardboard Canoe Regatta. To participate, you can construct (and decorate if you wish) a large canoe made entirely of cardboard and duct tape that you will race in City Pool.  Check-In/Registration begins at 7:00pm and concludes at 7:25pm. The competition will begin at approximately 7:30 pm. There is no cost to participate.

AMP's Electric Vehicle WattPlan Tool

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric vehicles (EV) can reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, improving public health and reducing ecological damage. Charging your EV on renewable energy such as solar or wind minimizes these emissions even more! They cost less to operate and can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles. To learn more, check out the At a Glance: Electric Vehicles (PDF).

If you are considering an EV, use AMP’s WattPlan tool to provide valuable information and help you make an informed decision on your next vehicle purchase. The tool provides a customized plan detailing your savings, available incentives, carbon reductions and more based on your driving habits, budget and electricity usage.
Community Center Closed for Annual Maintenance

The Bowling Green Community Center will be closed to facility users from August 8-August 12th for its Annual Shut-Down for maintenance. If you need to conduct business with the Parks & Recreation Department, the Simpson Building Administrative Offices (1291 Conneaut Avenue) will remain open on a limited basis from 8:00 am-4:00 pm during the shutdown period to accept and process program registrations, rental reservations and payments, and other related business transactions.

During this time, BG Community Center pass holders can use the BGSU Student Recreation Center as part of our reciprocal agreement. More information about the reciprocal usage and parking permits for permitted parking near the BGSU Recreation Center will be emailed to current pass holders later this week. Hard copies of each will also be available for pickup at the Community Center front desk from Friday, August 5th through Sunday, August 7th.

The BG Community Center will reopen for use on Saturday, August 13th.
Oak St./City Administration Building Parking Lot Closure: Began July 6
In order to relocate a combined sewer, in preparation of the construction of the new City Building, Oak St. will be closed and vehicle access to the City Administration Building Parking Lot will be blocked beginning Wednesday, July 6th. It’s expected that this work will continue through the end of the month.

Those visiting the City Administration Building should park in the north section of the Wood County Library’s Parking Lot or in Public Parking Lot #4. Pedestrian access to the City Administration Building will be maintained via the crosswalk/sidewalk at Oak and Church. Concrete barriers will be placed along the sidewalk for safety.

As the work progresses, the Church St. and W. Oak St. intersection will be closed to through traffic for a few days as well. A lane closure on Main St. will also be necessary.

The timeframe of this closure is dependent on weather and progress of work. Crews will be working 10-hour days and Saturdays to complete this portion of the project as quickly and efficiently as possible.