East of Africa Traffic Light Poles and Hay - New Polaris Intersection - Walnut Ridge Park Wetlands Begins
The weather has been very cooperative for the final stages of construction at the East of Africa development project. The towers for streetlights and traffic signals have been installed on Polaris Parkway at the new intersection with the road through the 88-acre project. Work continues building the surface for asphalt bike paths and sidewalks on the road, and crews are prepping the roadwork for the connector to Westar Boulevard.
However, that same favorable construction weather has taken a toll on the hay fields planted on the open areas of the project. Planted in the fall, the hay has suffered from being planted on a rocky clay surface after most of the topsoil was removed, reshaping the land’s contours for developers. The hay is being grown to maintain the land’s agricultural tax status as the city finds developers who will pay the recoupment fee for the land they buy.
New Polaris Turn Lane
Construction began Monday for a new signalized intersection in front of Chick-fil-A on Polaris Parkway, where the new Aldi store will be built across the street.
Northwest Bank and an oral & maxillofacial surgery medical office are under construction near the intersection.
Walnut Ridge Park Begins Wetlands Construction
The first phase of rebuilding Walnut Ridge Park to eliminate flooding and provide a wetland began Monday as crews removed the asphalt walkways and basketball court.
When completed, the park’s nearby stream will be redirected into a new wetland intended to slow water flow, provide elevated walkways, and offer play areas for children. The ballfield closest to the stream will be removed, with the two remaining fields elevated over a new drainage system to keep them dry.
Because this post is public, you’re encouraged to share it on social media.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
Reader funding, including subscribers, protects editorial independence, so coverage is guided by journalists rather than owners or corporate profit goals. It also reduces pressure to chase clicks, letting the newsroom focus on stories worth readers’ time. And it helps keep the site accessible to everyone, including people who can’t pay or live in places where a free press is under threat.
Explore more hyper-local reporting by subscribing to The Hilliard Beacon, Civic Capacity, Marysville Matters, The Ohio Roundtable, Shelby News Reporter, This Week in Toledo, and Into the Morning by Krista Steele.
