02.02.2024

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Today’s Forecast

38º | Cloudy | 10% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:53 a.m. | Sunset 5:23 p.m.

Walk it out

Walking trends in Columbus

City Editor Hanna prefers strolling the Scioto Mile. | Photo by CBUStoday

If you’ve been singing the lyrics “I walk a lonely road” a lot lately, you’re not… alone (well, in a sense). Columbus roads are actually even lonelier than many, but we’ll get to that in a minute.

If national averages indicate anything, it’s that roads overall may have been more lonely during the past few years. According to a recent data report by Streetlight, annual average daily walking trips dropped 36% in the US between 2019 and 2022.

How does that national average shake out in the Columbus metro area, and where are the best spots to raise those national trend (and step count) numbers? Let’s take a look.

download - 2023-01-11T123449.919.jpeg — Find this 30-ft waterfall inside Hayden Falls Park. | Photo by @pavonia_shelly_photography

By the numbers

-46% | Percent change in walking trips in Ohio
-47% | Percent change in walking trips in Columbus
41 | Columbus’s score out of 100 on Walk Score’s walkability meter

What does a percent change in walking trips mean? Say a metro area sees a -50% change in walking trips. This means, on average, walking trips declined by 50% in that area. (For the record, none of the top 100 metros in the study saw that much of a decline — the biggest dip was 49% in Akron, OH.)

Where to walk the walk

Wondering where you can get your steps in? Check out these pedestrian-friendly spots around town, from local parks to trusted trails.

Bicentennial Park, 233 S. Civic Center Dr. | Walk along the iconic Scioto Mile at this downtown riverfront park and trail. Bonus: Take in scenic views of the downtown skyline while you stroll.
Hayden Falls Park, 4326 Hayden Run Rd. | Walk through this two-acre park full of nature and wildlife, best known for its beautiful waterfall.
Goodale Park, 120 W. Goodale St. | Columbus’ oldest public park is filled with greenery, walking paths, and a fishing pond.

Asked

Which US state’s average daily walking activity had the smallest decline from 2019-2022?

A. New Jersey
B. California
C. New York
D. Montana

Take a guess

Events

Friday, Feb. 2

Ohio State Men’s Hockey vs. Michigan | Friday, Feb. 2-Saturday, Feb. 3 | Times vary | Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr., Campus | $20-$30 | Cheer on the Buckeyes in a rivalry match against TTUN.
Disney on Ice | Friday, Feb. 2-Sunday, Feb. 4 | Times vary | Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District | $15-$123 | This kid-friendly show features many popular Disney films, including “Moana,” “Frozen,” and “Coco.”

Saturday, Feb. 3

Hot Mikey’s Takeover | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Mikey’s Late Night Slice, 268 S. 4th St., Downtown | $30 | Hot Chicken Takeover and Late Night Slice are collaborating for an all-you-can-eat buffet of pizza topped with chicken bites.
Black History 2024 Sip & Paint | Saturday, Feb. 3 | 5-8 p.m. | The Citadel614, 1761 Parsons Ave., Columbus | $30 | Painting materials, beverages, and finger foods are provided.

Sunday, Feb. 4

“Groundhog Day” Beer Tasting | Sunday, Feb. 4 | 1-5 p.m. | Grandview Theater & Drafthouse, 1247 Grandview Ave., Grandview | $45 | Sip craft beers while watching this classic Bill Murray movie.

100+ more local events

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Opening

Jenny’s Diner is expected to open at 4768 N. High St. in Clintonville on Monday, Feb. 12. The diner is a spin-off concept from Jenny Dials, a former server at Tee Jaye’s Country Place, with breakfast options like biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and fresh coffee. (614now)

Sports

The Columbus Clippers unveiled their 2024 edition of the COPA uniform. This teal, gold, and red jersey will be worn every Thursday-night home game throughout the rest of the season. The Clippers will be known as Los Veleros on these nights.

Biz

Cardinal Health, headquartered in Dublin, purchased Specialty Networks LLC., a Cleveland-based healthcare company, for $1.2 billion. The acquisition means Specialty will provide software and consulting to Cardinal for urology and gastroenterology. (Columbus Business First)

Number

$7.6 billion. That’s how much money was wagered in sports gambling last year in the Buckeye State. Nearly 97% of these bets were made via smartphone. (10TV)

Eat

Did you miss yesterday’s food truck at Columbus Commons? No worries — there’s always next week. Fetty’s Street food will be back on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

State

New data shows the median age in Ohio is roughly 39 years old. When compared to the rest of the country, this places the Ohio right in the middle. Utah had the youngest average age at 32, and Maine had the highest at 45. (The Columbus Dispatch)

Announced

Congratulations to our survey winner, Rachel M., for winning $500! Thank you to everyone who took the time to take our survey. We’re excited to continue providing positive news and events in our free newsletter.

Active

🏋️ Let’s get physical

Focusing on fitness: 5 fitness classes in Columbus

Screen Shot 2023-04-05 at 3.18.43 PM.png

The Butcher Shop Fitness has locations at 2571 Neil Ave. and 780 S High St. | Photo by @thebutchershopfitness

When it comes to fitness classes, Columbus carries its weight. Here are five local studios where you can put in work.

The Fitness Loft Columbus, 625 Parsons Ave.

Becoming a member allows for unlimited group fitness classes, access to a personal trainer, an infrared sauna, and wellness assessment.

Cycle614, 1636 Northwest Blvd.

Try a variety of riding options like the “HIIT It Ride,” which is high-intensity interval training, or the “Empower Hour,” which is cycling mixed with weights.

Studio Torch, Multiple locations

Work through stations with weights and treadmills while each class has a different focus — cardio, core, arms, or abs.

The Butcher Shop Fitness, Multiple locations

The 50-minute classes follow Lagree Fitness, which focuses on high-intensity, low-impact full-body workouts.

Modo Yoga Columbus, 1042 Dublin Rd.

This hot yoga studio offers class types from Vinyasa (fluid movements) to Yin, which targets deep connective tissues.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Hanna

From the editor

As you’re reading this, I’m soaking up some sunshine in Cancún. If want to feel some virtual sunshine, here are some videos of warmer, brighter days in Columbus at Goodale Park and the Scioto Mile.

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