Getting Ready For Veterans Day and Walnut Boat Ramp Looks Very Different
Westerville Honors Local Veterans with Uptown Banner Display
The city of Westerville began installing its annual Veterans Day banners throughout the Uptown district on Tuesday, paying tribute to local veterans with a bold visual display along State Street.
Each banner features the name, photo, military rank, and branch of service of a veteran connected to the community. Some also highlight the era or conflict in which the individual served, such as the Global War on Terror. This year’s display includes banners for Navy Captain George Williams and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Santiago Quintero, among many others.
Now a yearly tradition, the Honoring Our Heroes program is coordinated by the City of Westerville and supported by families and organizations that sponsor each banner. It serves as a public expression of appreciation for veterans' service and sacrifice across generations.
In addition to the personalized banners, several generic banners read “Honoring Our Heroes,” symbolizing collective recognition for all who have served.
The banners will remain up through mid-November as part of the city’s broader Veterans Day observance, offering a prominent reminder of the men and women who have worn the uniform.
Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11.
Progress Update: Walnut Boat Ramp Renovation at Hoover Reservoir
Significant work is underway at the Walnut Boat Ramp, which closed in mid-September for a complete overhaul to improve access, safety, and shoreline stability.
Recent aerial comparisons show that the original boat ramp has been entirely removed, and the entrance roadway has been rebuilt with heavy riprap reinforcement along the shoreline. This new rock barrier is a critical step toward stabilizing the bank, which has suffered years of erosion.
Crews are also reshaping the entire waterfront area in preparation for a wider, ADA-compliant dual dock system. Once complete, the upgraded site will feature two 8-foot-wide docks, improved traffic flow, and better accommodation for all types of watercraft.
Construction will continue through winter, with reopening expected in spring 2026.
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.
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