Good morning, Westerville. The contrast couldn't be more striking: while gunfire disrupted Columbus's Short North in the early morning hours, across town a symbol of community unity is taking shape. The new 22,000-square-foot inclusive playground at Blendon Woods Metro Park represents what's possible when accessibility becomes a priority—wheelchair-friendly equipment, communication boards, and spaces designed for all abilities to play together. At $1.5 million, it's an investment in belonging that advocates call "a symbol of hope."
Meanwhile, the Columbus food and beverage scene continues its expansion with Bada Bean Bada Booze opening its fourth location this weekend. The Quarry Trails outpost offers more than just coffee and cocktails—it provides what we're all increasingly seeking: community spaces where connections happen naturally. With its patio overlooking the park and daily hours from dawn till dusk, it's poised to become the neighborhood's newest gathering spot.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🔫 Gunfire erupts in Columbus's Short North as officer fires at suspect. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. near East Hubbard Avenue and North Pearl Street, where a special duty officer witnessed gunshots being exchanged between a male and people in a dark pickup truck. The officer fired at least once but didn't hit anyone, detaining the male and recovering a firearm while the truck fled the scene. Separately, an unresponsive man was found nearby and hospitalized in critical condition, though police say he doesn't appear to have been shot. The Columbus police's Major Case Unit continues to investigate the incident.
🏞️ Columbus unveils a playground where all abilities can play together. The new 22,000-square-foot inclusive space at Blendon Woods Metro Park features wheelchair-accessible equipment, communication boards, and universal facilities. Costing $1.5 million, the fully fenced playground was developed with input from advocates like Jessica Bennett, who called it "a symbol of hope." The park will be open to the public with special reservation options for those with disabilities, and an opening ceremony is scheduled for April 10th at the East Dublin-Granville Road location.
☕ Bada Bean Bada Booze expands to fourth Columbus location this weekend. The coffee shop and cocktail bar will open Saturday at Quarry Trails, a mixed-use development featuring a metro park and housing. The spacious venue offers an outdoor patio overlooking the park, locally-sourced ingredients, and a menu spanning from breakfast to cocktails. Beyond serving drinks, Senior VP Nora O'Malley describes it as "a community space where neighbors can connect," operating daily from 7am to 10pm.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals
Modern luxury townhome awaits: Priced at $425,860, this modern Westerville townhome offers a bright, open-concept layout with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an attached garage and thoughtful amenities including a gourmet kitchen with a spacious island.
Spacious split-level family haven: This $584,900 five-level split home offers a spacious layout with dedicated areas for kids, entertainment, and privacy—plus a kitchen and great room with soaring 20-foot ceilings.
Sunny end-unit near everything: This sunny, end-unit condo at $344,900 features a vaulted Great Room, updated kitchen with solid surfaces, and 3 bedrooms with 3 full baths, plus access to community amenities near shopping and major roads.🙏 In Remembrance
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