Rachel Karas

2 weeks ago | cityscenecolumbus.com | Rachel Karas

Situated among 6,000 acres of parkland within 41 parks and recreational facilities, residents of Westerville are no strangers to green spaces around the city. One local spot offers a hidden world that feels right out of a fantasy novel. Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District Metro Parks’ Inniswood Metro Gardens, north of 270-I and off of South Hempstead Road, welcomes roughly 650,000 visitors annually with its ever-changing landscape that blankets the 123-acre nature preserve.

2 months ago | cityscenecolumbus.com | Rachel Karas

Whether you raised butterflies to learn about life circles or built an erupting volcano with baking soda and vinegar, there is a good chance you have had an educator who found a way to make learning fun. For more than 30 years, the Westerville Education Foundation (WEF) has worked with Westerville City Schools and its teachers to help fund engaging educational projects to keep kids in love with learning.

2 months ago | cityscenecolumbus.com | Rachel Karas

When Janine Sickmeyer began collecting donated books from community members at her store, she never imagined the final count would reach 600. Through the support of the community, Storyline Bookshop collected and donated hundreds of books for children and their families at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital this past December.

2 months ago | cityscenecolumbus.com | Rachel Karas

It was by chance that Randy Banks began working for South-Western City School District (SWCSD). He heard about an open position from a friend, and after getting the job stayed with the district for the next 13 years. Now, roughly 26 years later, he has returned to the district to take on a new role as superintendent. While Banks knows he has big shoes to fill, he is looking forward to working with the staff and students as the district continues to grow and change in the coming years.

Feb 11, 2025 | cityscenecolumbus.com | Rachel Karas

It was by chance that Randy Banks began working for South-Western City School District (SWCSD). He heard about an open position from a friend, and after getting the job stayed with the district for the next 13 years. Now, roughly 26 years later, he has returned to the district to take on a new role as superintendent. While Banks knows he has big shoes to fill, he is looking forward to working with the staff and students as the district continues to grow and change in the coming years.