News from BG: May 25, 2022
Bowling Green Memorial Day Parade and Service
Monday, May 30th

In conjunction with the Memorial Day Parade, scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 30th, several Bowling Green streets will be temporarily closed while the parade is in motion.

Street closures will be “rolling” meaning that roads will be closed shortly before the parade goes by and will re-open once the parade is past. The following parade route will be taken:

  • Parade starts at Washington Street;
  • Parade will travel on North Main Street from Washington to Court Street;
  • At Court, the parade will turn east and proceed to Thurstin Avenue;
  • Parade will turn north on Thurstin and proceed to Ridge Street for pedestrians and Merry Avenue for vehicles;
  • Via Ridge and Merry, the parade will end at Oak Grove Cemetery. 

The parade will also stop at the Wood County Courthouse for the laying of a wreath.

Immediately following the parade, the Bowling Green Memorial Day Planning Committee will host a ceremony in Oak Grove Cemetery to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. 

The master of ceremony will be Colonel (Retired) Greg Robinette. The ceremony will involve: Pat Carney, BG Middle School teacher, who will deliver the keynote address. Evie Van Vorhis will sing the National Anthem. Father Jeff Walker will provide the invocation, Mayor Mike Aspacher will recite Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Logan’s Orders will be presented by Joseph Fawcett, BG Director of Public Services and Global War on Terrorism veteran, and a patriotic poem will be read by Tony Hetrick, BG Chief of Police and US Air Force veteran.

Anyone going directly to the cemetery should utilize Merry Street for access. Note that only pedestrians will be allowed access to the Ridge entrance.
Refuse/Recycling Delay
Week of May 30th

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, all non-24 hour City facilities, including the Bowling Green Community Center, will be closed on Monday, May 30th, and refuse and recycling collection will be delayed by one day:

Monday's route will be collected on Tuesday.

Tuesday's route will be collected on Wednesday.

Wednesday's route will be collected on Thursday.

Thursday's route will be collected on Friday.

Questions about this schedule may be directed to Public Works at 419-354-6227.

Never miss a "trash day" again! Download the Recycle Coach App to receive a custom calendar and reminder notifications for special collections.

Visit the Recycle Coach web page for more details.
Put A Lid On It!
Kids Bike Helmets

To help prevent injuries and save lives, the Bowling Green Bicycle Safety Commission is joining the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) in a statewide effort to remind children to “Put a Lid on It!” during the month of May 2022 – Ohio Bike Helmet Safety Awareness Month. And, this month is not just for kids. Parents who model wearing their bike helmet increase the likelihood of a child wearing their helmet, so this month is not only to get children to wear their helmets, but also to allow them to see adults in all walks of life wearing their helmets proudly.

Bicycle helmets will be going to children across Ohio this summer thanks to a continued partnership between the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio AAP. Bowling Green was one of several local communities to receive youth bike helmets for distribution. Helmets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Those in need of a youth helmet may pick one up at the Bowling Green Community Center during regular operating hours. Sizes and quantities are limited.
DORA
Returning May 27th

The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is returning to Bowling Green on Friday, May 27th.

A DORA is a designated public area where alcoholic beverages can be purchased from permitted establishments and consumed outside within the district. 

The DORA will serve to enhance the experiences of the patrons of the business establishments and the special events within the Downtown Bowling Green area. It provides options for those visiting Bowling Green and positions the community as a vibrant destination for entertainment, culture, and activity. Safety and cleanliness are priorities of the Bowling Green DORA.

HOURS
Monday - Thursday:
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM*
Friday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM*
*Last sales shall occur no later than 9:30 PM & all cups must be disposed of by 10:00 PM.
Historic Preservation Month Continues through May
Needle Hall (formerly Floral Hall), located at City Park, was constructed in 1882 for the Wood County Fair to house floral displays. Later, the name was changed to "Needlepoint Hall" to showcase the needlework of county residents. It is rumored that the cupola doors on the building were opened for politicians to give speeches to crowds during the fair. In later years, the fair was moved, and the original grounds were converted into a city park. The building, shaped like a four-legged Greek cross, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 27, 1982, qualifying both because of its architecture and its place in local history. It is an excellent example of fair exhibition buildings typical of the upper Midwest during the late 1800s. The "Needle Hall" building is now used as an indoor rental and outdoor stage. If you have not already, please visit one of the oldest buildings in the City of Bowling Green, and while you are there, take a look at the newer interpretative signage describing the rich history of City Park!
City Pool & Waterpark to Open Memorial Day Weekend
The Bowling Green Parks & Recreation Department will open the City Pool & Waterpark Memorial Day weekend. The Pool will be open Saturday, May 28th - Monday, May 30th and will then closed Tuesday - Thursday while Bowling Green City Schools finish their school year. The Pool will resume normal hours on Friday, June 3rd.
Friday Birding Series at Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve 

Bowling Green Parks and Recreation is excited to offer Friday Morning Birding at Wintergarden/ St. John’s Nature Preserve with Chris Gajewicz. This series will run from Friday April 8th until May 27th, 2022. Adults 18 and older and birders of all ability levels are welcome to meet at Wintergarden/ St. John’s Nature Preserve on Fridays at 7:30 AM. Binoculars and field guides are available for those who do not have their own. Hikes will last a minimum of one hour, but could last longer based on sightings and bird activity.