When making lists of family-friendly neighborhoods in Columbus, the Short North doesn’t usually make the cut.
Although fabulous, the zone between OSU campus and Downtown is better known for funky art galleries, a crazed Halloween party, dining and drinking.
A new group, Short North Parents, begs to differ. The group sees the neighborhood as one that is rich in opportunities for kids and families. In fact, when pressed, founding member Steven Mills rattles off a list that includes: Goodale Park, the Screen on the Green series, walking to Clippers and Blue Jackets games, walking to OSU games – and to the grocery: it’s all very walkable.
Mills continues, “In short, the Short North has everything a family could want within walking distance… except a decent neighborhood school.”
While some might feel differently about the neighborhood school scene, there’s no debating the trend that the area realtors see: when families become interested in children and education, families move out of the Short North.
So Mills, along with Jim Christy and Robert Bickis Jr. started Short North Parents. It has as its primary goal creating attractive k-12 public school options for the neighborhood. It wants families to stay in the Short North.
Mills insists that the area is truly ideal for growing families, “Some of the obstacles that families face in major cities, where the majority of the population lives in high-rise apartments or condos, just don’t apply in the Short North.” He adds, “That’s one of the great things about the area – you can go a block off High Street and you’re in the midst of single-family homes with small backyards and minimal street traffic.”
The team is off to an early start – as the founders don’t yet have children (though one is expecting). Starting now gives them time to build the community in which they want to live. Says Mills, “I figured I would get involved now in hope of making a difference within five years.”
For more information, check out their website at www.shortnorthparents.com or their Facebook page.