The Township has a diverse supply of facilities and a variety of services are provided through Delaware County. Since the 2010 plan, the Township has added two hospital facilities, Mount Carmel Lewis Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and a public library, Delaware County District Library Orange Branch.
Fire Protection The two fire stations in the Township are located near the two largest thoroughfares in the Township being US-23 and South Old State Road. Both stations are manned full time by firefighters and paramedics.
Historical Sites Structures and archaeologic sites make up the historic sites throughout the Township. The Lewis Center area was originally platted to be a rail stop along the St. Louis, Chicago,and Columbus railroad. Utilizing the history of this site could be advantageous for the Township.
Hospitals Since the 2010 Comprehensive Plan, four medical facilities have been added to the township. The $437 million Mount Carmel-Lewis Center facility was completed in November, 2015. The facility includes an urgent-care center and primary and specialty physicians. Ohio Health operates two facilities as well: one urgent-care facility and one facility located in Kroger on US-23. Nationwide Children's hospital is the fourth facility, which is located near the southern border on US-23.
Parks There are nine parks throughout the Township. Two of the largest parks are Highbanks Metro Park and Alum Creek State Park. Currently, there is one area that has been proposed to become a park and another that is in the process of becoming a park. An inventory of the Township’s current parks is provided below:
Police The police force is contracted and run through the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. The deputies that patrol the Township are located at the corner of US-23 and Orange Road. Two police cars typically patrol the Township on staggered shifts.
Schools Orange Township is part of the Olentangy Local School District. The schools within the Township boundary are:
One major concern facing the school system is the potential for the growing population to require more school facilities or inflate the existing ones.
Trails The Township has various trails that run throughout the Township. The trails are constructed mainly through levy and grant programs. To date the Township has spent $4,171,736 on trails. Since 2009, over 14 miles of trails have been constructed throughout the Township. One of the biggest concerns regarding the trails is that they are not connected and lack a destination. Connecting more neighborhoods, adding connections across railroad tracks, and requesting developers to build or extend their affected area of the trail will help to fix this problem with the trail network. The majority of these trails are located in the center of the Township and do not connect to any neighboring communities’ trail networks. Click here for a map of the existing Township's trail network.
Future Amenities One of the greatest needs that has been frequently discussed by the Township is the addition of a community center. This center could incorporate a recreational center, senior center, and / or multi-use facility. The issue was put to a vote during the November 2014 election, in which the residents of Orange Township voted to not fund a community center by a vote of 4,626 (56.3%) to 3,590 (43.7%).
Public Feedback
Public Meeting 9/12: SWOT Analysis Strengths
Effective Park Systems
Maintained trees, greenspaces, playgrounds, handicap-accessible, Highbanks Metro Park, Preservation Parks, Alum Creek State Park, North Orange Park Aquatic Center
Great School System
Olentangy Local School District
Access to Medical Care
Mount Carmel - Lewis Center
Library
Delaware County District Library
Weaknesses
Need a balance between school district and development
If enrollment increases, the Township will need more facilities
Opportunities
Improve trail connectivity
There are designated green spaces, paths, and parks
The Parks Board is hosting events; hold more events
Possible to expand recreational opportunities
Township is known for schools; collaborate with schools
Developers need to set land aside for additional schools
Threats
Residents did not submit any threats to Township facilities.
Public Meeting 10/5: Poster Presentations Goal One: Complete the goals addressed in the 2008 Parks, Trails, & Greenways Master Plan. ••• Goal Two: Continue to maintain the condition of existing community facilities. •• Goal Three: Identify opportunities for a future recreational and/or community center. Goal Four: Upgrade parks as necessary to encourage visitors. • Goal Five: Promote Township parks by programming community events.
Online Survey Results For the online survey, one of the most discussed sections was community facilities. The main topics for community facilities were predominantly about public facilities, park system or the trail network. Community events and the Olentangy Local School District were also discussed. “The Township has done a great job with walking trails” “We need to have better planning for our roads and trails.” “I hate having to go to other communities to have family events and festivals.” “[Without a community center], it is hard to feel a part of a community.” “We need to finish building trails and connecting them.” “The Township has done a great job with walking trails.” “I very much appreciate the parks and the care given to all of them.” “...[I] love the green spaces and the parks.”
Goals and strategies
Goal CF-1: Complete the Bike/Pedestrian Path Network in the Township The disjunction of the current bike network makes access difficult for pedestrians and bicyclists. Connecting trails will increase safety and encourage community members to use active transportation methods to travel through the Township. This could also help reduce traffic congestion. Click here for map of the current inventory and proposed network improvements Strategy CF-1.1: Complete the recommendations that are currently set by the Parks, Trails, Greenways 2008 Master Plan, and the Delaware County Parks & Multi-Purpose Trail Plan. Strategy CF-1.2: Analyze community feedback and recommendations for additional path connections that were missed. Strategy CF-1.3: Categorize trail improvements on short, medium, and long-term improvements. Strategy CF-1.4: Work with neighboring communities to connect Orange Township’s Trail System to their trails. Responsible Parties: Park Board and Park Department.
Goal CF-2: Schedule Events at Parks and Other Community Facilities The Township has been increasing community events more frequently. The events help unite the community. Additionally, the events can help attract visitors to parks and other areas that they normally would not have visited. Strategy CF-2.1: Plan various events such as festivals, community events, and other family-friendly events to engage the community. Strategy CF-2.2: Partner with Olentangy Local School District to organize the use of space for certain events. Strategy CF-2.3: Schedule at least one event at each of the Township’s parks and the Township Hall each year. Responsible Parties: Park Board and Olentangy Local School District.
Goal CF-3: Continue to Analyze Spaces that are Appropriate Spaces for Community Facilities As the community continues to develop, a focus needs to be placed on securing land for necessary community facilities. These possible facilities include, but are not limited to, a community center, a recreational center, park space, or a new school building. Available land should be sought quickly before it becomes more difficult to acquire. Strategy CF-3.1: Work toward having all residentially-zoned properties within a half-mile walking distance of a Township or homeowner association park. Strategy CF-3.2: Secure a large area of land to be used for a future community facility location. Responsible Parties: Township Trustees, Park Board, Park Department, Zoning Department, and Zoning Commission.