Announcements
Welcome, or welcome back, to summer in your Bowling Green Parks! We are all looking forward to a more “normal” summer this year and thus we are excited to announce that all of your favorite programs have returned for summer 2022, along with some new options. We are happy to release the 2022 Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Summer Guide which contains information on camps, sports, safety town, swim lessons and much more. The 2022 Summer Guide is now available online at https://bit.ly/SummerGuide22 or may be picked up at one of our many locations. Resident registration begins on April 25 and non-resident registration begins on May 9. For questions or more information contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 419-354-6223, or visit www.bgohio.org.
Sponsors:
- Danberry Realtors
- Newlove Realty
- The Andersons
- Huntington
- Panda Technologies
- Hartung Brothers Inc.
- First Insurance Group
- Almar Property Management
- The Copy Shop
Vendors:
- Riehm Produce Farm, LLC
- Clay Hill, Ltd.
- Stevens Gardens, LLC
- Bella Cuisine
- Angry Irishman, LLC
- Gary's Kettle Corn
- Dirty Feet Gardens
- Sobee Honey, LLC
- Joseph's Greenhouse
- M & J Craft Baking
- Andersons (in Maumee)
- Great Lakes Custom Sharpening
- Work Leads to Independence
- Scholl Farm
Other vendors attending bi-weekly or weekly beginning in June (harvest time):
- Z Farms
- Sugar Milk Gluten Free Bakery
- Les Is More 894
- Black Swamp Hollow Farms
- 7th Heaven
- Creek Valley Farms
- Windy Hill Berries, LLC
- 3 Hares Farm
Every Week Food Trucks:
- Manny's Munchies
- Deet's BBQ, LLC
- Grumpy's
- Snowie Summers (fresh squeezed lemonade)
- 5/11 Lyle's Crepes
Music will be performed by the Black Swamp Fine Arts School
Community Tent will be Salvation Army celebrating Salvation Army Week
Children's Tent is Wine and Canvas doing 8 X 10 paintings with kids, adults, or as a family event.
Downtown Bowling Green SID has a page on their website dedicated to commercial space that is available for rent/sale. If you have commercial space located in the Special Improvement District that you would like showcased, you can contact them at info@downtownbgohio.org.
For a limited time, Efficiency Smart will reward small businesses with an increased incentive for purchasing qualifying LED bulbs or fixtures from a designated local supplier or contractor. Standard incentives still apply for all other qualifying purchases. Contact Efficiency Smart at 877-889-3777 to get started.
The Historic Preservation Commission is excited to celebrate May as National Historic Preservation Month. The month celebrates the nation's heritage through historic places. Preservation is about protecting the sites and structures that represent meaningful history to our community and the generations to come. The City's Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is excited to take this month to learn about our buildings, our town, and the histories that have shaped them!
Did you know?
Bowling Green, known initially as Mt. Ararat, was settled by pioneer Elisha Martindale in 1833 when he claimed 40 acres of land in Ohio's Great Black Swamp. A year later, a postal carrier named the newly settled area after his hometown in Kentucky. The draining of the swamp with massive ditches revealed rich farmland, which was also attractive to settlers. In 1855, Bowling Green was formed as an incorporated village and later, in 1870, became the seat of Wood County. In 1880, only about 1,539 people resided in the town, but Bowling Green experienced tremendous growth in the mid-1880s by discovering natural gas and oil. Free gas attracted five glass-making companies, bringing about the town's temporary moniker "Crystal City." The gas and oil boom attracted innovation and spurred further business and residential growth. In 1888, the town consisted of three newspapers, six churches, two banks, and several manufacturing businesses. The town's four largest employers were gas companies in 1888, with two railroads connecting the community. In 1901, Bowling Green was given "city" designation upon reaching a population of over 5,000. It later became an education center, with the establishment of State Normal College (now called Bowling Green State University) in 1910.
Many historic buildings and districts have stood the test of time, such as the Wood County Courthouse (built-in 1896, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974), Downtown Bowling Green (placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980), and Boomtown (placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987).
Today, Bowling Green is a thriving community whose past is reflected in a vibrant, carefully preserved downtown and surrounding residential neighborhoods. This university City boasts a manufacturing-based economy and a firm dedication to the arts and local history.
How are we celebrating Preservation Month?
The HPC has created a Downtown Bowling Green Scavenger Hunt throughout May. Any age can participate by obtaining a copy of the scavenger hunt on the City webpage at https://bit.ly/HPChunt or a hard copy at the City Administration Building (304 North Church Street), Wood County District Public Library (251 North Church Street), Juniper Brewing Company (145 South Main Street), or the Downtown Bowling Green S.I.D. office (217 South Church Street). Enjoy a walk in our beautiful town while noting the historic buildings and their unique architecture. Completed scavenger hunts can be submitted to the places listed above by the end of May for the chance to win a gift card from Juniper Brewing Company!
The HPC will highlight a historic building, site, or district each week in May. A description of the building or district, location, and history with a picture will be featured. It is exciting to learn about all the rich history of this area! After Preservation Month concludes, the HPC will be requesting nominations of historic buildings or sites the community would like to see featured monthly in the City e-news. Please consider submitting your ideas here https://bit.ly/3vKjrSb.
Also, just following Historic Preservation Month, the Wood County District Public Library is hosting a Boomtown Walking Tour! You'll love this informative walking tour if you're a local history buff or looking to learn more about Wood County. Join Local History Librarian Marnie Pratt and Wood County Museum Director Kelli Kling for a tour through history to learn about some of the famous places and faces of Wood County's Boomtown Era. This tour is Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This tour meets in the Bowling Green Library Atrium, rain or shine. Registration is required. To register, call (419) 352-5050, email woodref@wcdpl.org, or fill out the form on their website (https://wcdpl.libcal.com/event/8856655).
For any questions about the Historic Preservation Month activities, call the Planning Department at (419) 354-6218.
Office suite space is available for rent. 1,200 sq ft including two offices, large reception area, kitchenette and restroom. Contact Nick Snyder at 419-308-7454 or nick.snyder@snyderfm.com for more information and to schedule a showing.
The City of Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department is seeking youth volunteers to assist us with the summer Safety Town programs. This is an excellent opportunity for youth to gain valuable experience, develop responsibility and leadership skills, and work in a fun environment.
The volunteer opportunities we have open include the following:
- Monday, June 13, 2022-Friday June 17, 2022, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm (Advanced Safety Town)
- Monday, June 20, 2022-Friday July 1, 2022, 8:00 am-10:00 am (Safety Town)
- Monday, June 20, 2022-Friday July 1, 2022, 10:30 am-12:30 pm (Safety Town)
Volunteers must be available Monday through Friday for the session they volunteer for and be entering grades 7 to 12 in Fall 2022. Ideal applicants must be responsible and enjoy working with young children. Primary duties include helping the Safety Town Director lead youth through the Safety Town curriculum.
If interested, please complete the Safety Town Volunteer Application by Friday, May 27, 2022, at https://bit.ly/3kn17tg.
Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra State Community College is providing free seminars for anyone wanting to start, buy or expand a small business and focuses on business planning and development. The seminars last three hours and include learning the basics of: Name Registration, Licensing, Taxes, Advisors, Business Entities, Employees, Insurance, Financing, Business Planning, and more. To register, contact Bill Auxter at 419-559-2210 or bauxter@terra.edu.
The City of Bowling Green Tree Commission reminds residents of the 5th annual photo contest. The Commissioners want to raise awareness of Bowling Green’s Urban Forest that is found both on public and private property.
In 2022, citizens are asked to submit photos highlighting trees in all four seasons of the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall.
The contest runs through October 31, 2022. In November, the public will vote for the top photo in each category. The top photo will receive a $25 gift certificate from a local nursery or garden center and a print of their photo from Main Street Photo.
Eligibility:
- Any amateur photographer residing in Bowling Green
- Photos must be taken within the Bowling Green City Limits
- Photo must be of a tree and not other landscape plants (i.e. shrubs, annuals, perennials, etc.)
Photos may be entered online at www.bgohio.org/TreePhotoContestEntryForm
View the Wood County Museum's 2022 Event Schedule. For more information visit their website at woodcountyhistory.org or call them at 419-352-0967.
Events
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. No pre-registration is required and participants can come to one or all of the meetings as they fit their schedules. Please wear weather appropriate clothing and shoes that allow for walking on our trails. Regardless of weather, we’ll still flock together! For questions, please call 419-353-0301
On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 7:00 PM, the 6th annual Bowling Green Ride of Silence will start and end at the Veterans Building Parking Lot, located at City Park. The ride will cover 8 miles, with a speed no faster than 12 MPH, and an escort provided by the Bowling Green Police Division. Helmets are required. This event is free and open to the public and no registration is required. The ride will depart promptly at 7:00 PM after a short presentation; participants should arrive by 6:30 PM.
Prior to the ride, we will remember Eric Ramlow, who was killed in 2016 while riding on Sand Ridge Road. We will also remember Larry Sattler, who was killed in 2020 while riding along Oil Center Road, Tom Santoro, Sierah Joughin, Douglas Kania, Matthew Billings, James Lambert, Emilee Gagnon, Harvey Bell III, Andy Gast, Jimmy Hughey, Jeff Roth and others prior to the start of the ride.
This is a community event supported by the City of Bowling Green, the Bowling Green Police Division, the Bowling Green Bike Safety Commission, We Are Traffic, Maumee Valley Adventurers, and the Toledo Area Bicyclists.
The International Ride of Silence, now in its 20th year, will begin in North America and continue to roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a slow, silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to Share the Road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves. The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 MPH and remain silent during the ride. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways.
A Ride of Silence will also be held in Toledo, meeting on the UT Campus, and in Findlay, meeting at Emory Adams Park, both will meet at 6:30 PM. There are 17 locations participating across Ohio this year.
To support the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Wood County Museum is participating in the #SavingPlaces campaign for National Historic Preservation Month. On Thursday, May 19 at 6:00PM a group photo will be taken at the Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Road in Bowling Green. Participants are encouraged to wear a Wood County Museum shirt, or their favorite historic place apparel. This event is free & open to the public.
#SavingPlaces is a national campaign that encourages people to celebrate the places that are meaningful to them and to their communities. During the month of May, the community is encouraged to post on social media photos of the Wood County Museum, or other cultural institutions that are important to them, using the hashtags #SavingPlaces and #PreservationMonth.
The Museum is handicap accessible with an elevator, handicap restrooms, and ample parking in the visitor lot as well as behind the museum (south side). The south elevator entrance is also behind the museum.
All events detailed at woodcountyhistory.org or by following the Wood County Museum on social media. The museum is located at 13660 County Home Road in Bowling Green.
9am-10am; via Live Online
Facilitator Lauren Calkins, Wellness Consultant, The Employers' Association will be leading an information-packed session breaking down the components of nutrition and the current recommendation for healthy eating. You’ll become a savvier shopper, armed with the facts to make the best food decision – and even save some time and money along the way with our helpful tips.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Wood County is a leading self-help organization offering free events, educational classes, support groups, and other programs that address mental health for the Wood County community. NAMI Wood County has a variety of programming throughout the year! This programming is FREE and available to all Wood County residents.
Mental health treatment is more than attending therapy sessions and taking medication. It requires treating the whole person, including spiritually, physically, and emotionally. On Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 9-5p.m. at Bowling Green State University Levis Commons in Perrysburg, NAMI Wood County will be hosting their one day, hybrid Mental Health Conference Series available to both clinical professionals and community members. Titled Recovery: More Than Just a Pill, participants will learn different treatment techniques, how to connect with clients as a clinician, cultural competency, implicit bias, self-advocacy, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about NAMI Wood County’s programs and hear first-person perspective from individuals living in recovery. Cost for admission is $35 for in-person attendance and $25 for online participation. Boxed lunches are provided for in-person attendees. There are currently 7 continuing education units available from the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage & Family Therapist Board, including 1.5 Ethic Continuing Education Units. There will also be vendor tables available for participants. New and existing members of NAMI Wood County will receive ½ off admission for the conference. Please contact NAMI Wood County about your membership code. Visit to learn more and register: https://namiwoodcounty.org/mental-health-101/
The Wood County Historical Society will hold a special Membership Meeting on Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM at the Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Road in Bowling Green.
The purpose of this special meeting is to show member appreciation, provide museum highlights, and give Historical Society members the opportunity to review and vote on proposed bylaws changes. Coffee and light refreshments will be served and there will be a short program from the Wood County Historical Society Board President, Hal Brown, and the Museum Director, Kelli Kling. The voting window will remain open until 10:30 AM to provide opportunity to all Wood County Historical Society members in good standing to cast a ballot for this important bylaws update.
Following the program, the museum will be open for self-guided tours of the new wedding exhibit “Allure & Illusion: A Rose Colored Romance.” Additionally, the Power of Yesteryear Tractor Club will hold its annual farm and tractor show at the Wood County Museum from 10 AM – 4 PM. This is a free event and members are encouraged to attend.
The current Wood County Historical Society bylaws and proposed changes are available at woodcountyhistory.org or can be obtained by calling 419-352-0967 or send an email request to museum@woodcountyhistory.org. Advanced reservations are appreciated by June 1. Membership in the Wood County Historical Society is open to all who are interested in promoting the Society’s purpose and are current in their payment of dues, which can be made at woodcountyhistory.org/membership.
9:30am-1:30pm; Hilton Garden Inn, Levis Commons
The EA's 2022 Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting's keynote speaker will be Sally Helgesen, author of the best-selling book How Women Rise. Featured Presenters will be Ann Ebbert, CEO, Cherry Street Mission Ministries, Robyn Fralick, BGSU Women's Head Basketball Coach, and Steffany Larkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, Medical Mutual.
Investor Newsletters
- B2B Sales Boost e-Newsletter
- BGSU Biz News
- Black Swamp Chanticleer
- Black Swamp Players - The Fresnel
- Center for Women and Gender Equity
- Falcon Sports Properties - News from The Nest
- Habitat for Humanity of Wood County
- Montessori School of Bowling Green Friday Features
- Scam Alerts from the Better Business Bureau
- Visit BG Ohio E-News & Events
- Wood County District Public Library
- Wood County Health Department
- Wood County Park District
- Wood County Prevention Coalition
- Wood Soil & Water Conservation District
City, State, & Federal Updates
- Bike to Work or School Day
Friday, May 20th 2022 has been designated as the official Bike to Work or School Day in the City of Bowling Green. The Bowling Green Bicycle Safety Commission encourages citizens to participate by riding their bicycles to work or school and wearing a helmet. For questions or more information, contact the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department at 419-354-6225. - Poe Rd Overpass Closure
The Poe Rd. overpass over I-75 will be closed on Saturday, May 21st from 6:00 AM – Noon. This closure is necessary for ODOT to repair damaged sections of curb. - Carter Park Playground Equipment Closure
Beginning Monday, May 16, the Carter Park playground equipment will be closed to the public. The existing equipment will be removed to make room for the new, inclusive playground in partnership with Wood County Plays and the City of Bowling Green. Wood County Plays is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that designs, fundraises, and builds fully inclusive play spaces that allow children of all abilities to play side by side.The new inclusive playground will replace the existing, outdated playground, which is currently located at Carter Park. This playground was installed over twenty years ago, is due for an upgrade, and has outdated equipment that needs replacement to current playground standards. The new playground will welcome children and adults of all abilities. It will provide individuals, who are physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged, the opportunity to grow and learn through sensory-stimulating activities and peer-to-peer interactions. Wood County Plays Inclusive Playgrounds are wheelchair and walker accessible through extensive ramping, rubber surfacing, and specialized play equipment. Fencing also surrounds the playgrounds for children with sensory disorders that may elope or run away, and the poured rubber surfacing is coded for children with visual impairments to highlight danger areas. The new playground is expected to be complete by fall 2022. - Utility Scam Calls
The City of Bowling Green Utilities Business Office was recently made aware that some residents have received calls warning that their utilities would be shut off if individuals did not pay balances in gift cards. Residents, who receive a call making similar demands or asking for account information, should not respond and are urged to report the phone number to the Bowling Green Police Division at 419-352-2571.
Residents, delinquent on their utility account, can expect to receive an automated phone call and a delinquent letter in addition to their bills. They may be subject to disconnection when temperatures are above 32 degrees. Residents will never be asked to pay their City of Bowling Green utility bill with gift cards.
Payments may be made online via credit card or in person via cash or check at the City Administration Building. Residents, who have questions about their bill, are encouraged to check their account online or call the Utilities Business Office at 419-354-6252. Information on Utility Bill Pay Assistance is available on the City’s website at www.bgohio.org. - Ongoing Capital Projects
- The City of Bowling Green Official Website