Walnut Ridge Park Contract Awarded - New Deputy Fire Chief
Westerville’s Walnut Ridge Park Improvements
Westerville City Council has awarded a $3.06 million contract to Builderscape Inc. for improvements to Walnut Ridge Park, advancing plans to renovate the longtime neighborhood park on East Walnut Street.
The contract includes the project’s base bid and an additional planting soil component known as Alternate A1, bringing the total construction cost to $3,059,513. With contingency funds, the project budget totals about $3.24 million.
Builderscape was selected through a competitive sealed bidding process that drew seven bids from contractors. The company submitted the lowest and best bid, about 10 percent below the average of all bids received. City staff noted the firm has completed several previous projects for Westerville and other central Ohio communities on schedule and within budget.
Construction is expected to begin in March following a pre-construction meeting and material ordering. The city anticipates completing the project by Oct. 23, 2026.
The renovation will modernize the roughly 10.8-acre park while addressing environmental conditions in the area’s floodplain. Planned improvements include a full-size basketball court, new asphalt parking lot and trails, concrete walkways, landscaping, and boardwalks. The project will also relocate part of the stream running through the park and create wetland areas to improve stormwater management and habitat. Because the work involves rerouting a watercourse within the floodplain, the project also required approval from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
City planners say the changes are intended to update the park for modern recreational needs while restoring the floodplain and stabilizing erosion along the watercourse. Elevating the ball fields out of the floodplain and restoring the stream’s natural alignment are expected to improve flood storage capacity, habitat quality and overall environmental health.
During council discussion, City Engineer Nate Lang told council members the park’s playground and shelter building will remain open during construction.
The park, located at 529 E. Walnut St., has existed in roughly its current layout since the late 1960s. Planning Commission members approved the site plan modifications in June 2025 after a public review process that included an open house and design adjustments in response to community feedback.
Westerville Swears In New Deputy Fire Chief
The City of Westerville formally swore in Joshua A. Lester as the new Deputy Fire Chief for the Westerville Division of Fire during Monday night’s city council meeting, with the appointment taking effect March 2, 2026.
Lester joins the department after serving as Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Mount Vernon, where city officials say he played a significant role in strengthening organizational culture and professional development within the department accordong to a city news release.
City officials described Lester’s hiring as part of a broader effort to reinforce leadership within the Division of Fire as the city prepares for an upcoming transition at the top of the department.
“Joshua’s expertise in professional development and operational excellence makes him an ideal fit for the Deputy Chief role,” City Manager Monica Dupee said in a statement. “As we prepare for a leadership transition within the Division, ensuring we have a robust and talented executive team is a top priority. Joshua will be a foundational asset to this department and our community for years to come.”
In his new role, Lester is expected to help guide departmental operations, workforce development, and collaborative public safety initiatives. City officials said his background in public safety leadership and organizational development will help support the department’s service delivery and long-term strategic planning.
Lester said he views the position as an opportunity to help guide the department’s future while supporting firefighters and emergency personnel.
“Joining the Westerville team presents an incredible opportunity to apply my years of experience in fire service leadership toward the future growth of this department,” Lester said. “I am dedicated to mentoring our personnel and keeping Westerville safe and resilient.”
The appointment comes as the city continues its search for a new fire chief to replace Chief Brian Miller, who is expected to retire this spring. Officials say adding Lester to the leadership team ensures stability within the department during the transition.
The Westerville Division of Fire said it remains focused on recruiting experienced leadership and maintaining high standards of safety, service, and innovation for the community.
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