Westerville Parks Foundation Remembers Richard “Dick” Rano
Richard “Dick” Rano passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023. He was 89 years old.
As the first Director of the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department, Dick was a leader and visionary in acquiring hundreds of acres to be utilized for public parkland. These acquisitions led to the high-quality park system in place today. A few of Mr. Rano’s accomplishments include the construction of “the Pool” at Highlands Park and the development of Metzger and Hoff Woods parks.
Dick “acquired” the vacated water plant and repurposed it as the Westerville Senior Center, establishing the Westerville Senior Association as a nonprofit organization. The Association assisted in fundraising and the purchasing of buses and other equipment for the seniors, as well as established the Senior Advisory Board to oversee these efforts. Dick was additionally involved in the initial planning and oversight of what is now known as the Westerville Bike and Walkway (B&W).
Dick understood the importance and need for a diverse set of recreational activities and programs to offer citizens. His vision and leadership contributed to the department receiving the National Gold Medal Award in 1974 and again in 1997.
Dick is a Westerville Champion, Class of 2016. His recognition is etched in stone and lives as part of a landscaped seating node located at the entrance of Highlands Park Aquatic Center (HPAC).
First Responders Park
Thank You, Westerville
First Responders Park (FRP) is officially open to the public. We are so grateful to be surrounded by such a giving community that made this park renovation possible. More than 460,000 was raised by the Westerville Parks Foundation to directly fund the construction of FRP. Thank you to all the businesses and community members that generously contributed to the project.
Learn more about park’s new features and history at www.westerville.org/frp.
Westerville License Plate Available
Show your civic pride by purchasing a “Westerville” community license plate today!
The plate is available through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and can be purchased online at www.bmv.ohio.gov.
It was designed to represent the Westerville community as a whole. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the plates will go to the Westerville Parks Foundation and another portion of the proceeds will be set aside to fund anti-bullying initiatives for school-aged students.
What We’re About
The Westerville Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the City of Westerville Parks and Recreation Department’s programs and facilities.
We work with donors and volunteers to support Westerville’s vision of becoming a “City Within A Park” by ensuring the extensive park and trail system will be a legacy for future generations to experience.