By Okon Ekpenyong and Djamalou Shaibu

Ohio, Council President Shannon Hardin launched this year’s three-part Summer Splash series on June 20 at Marian Franklin Park in the Southside of Columbus. This initiative encourages the community to visit their local park swimming pools to cool off while providing a safe space for families.

Weather experts predict Central Ohio will average about 88 degrees starting June 21, which marks the official beginning of summer and continues into the end of June.

A heat advisory will remain in effect until Wednesday, June 25. The Central Ohio Transit Authority is even waiving fares amid the extreme heat advisory, which will impact Columbus and the Midwestern part of the United States.

Councilmembers Nicholas J. Bankson and Emmanuel Remy will host the next Summer Splash event on July 11 at Windsor Place. Following that, another council member, Melissa Green, will host the final splash series at Glenwood Pool on July 25.

The series is a free event offering families and swimmers a refreshing break with complimentary frozen treats, including popsicles, ice cream, and water to keep everyone hydrated. In light of recent events, the pool will have extended hours to combat the ongoing heat advisory, prioritizing community safety, particularly for the youth.

On June 11, 2025, a police-involved shooting occurred at Lincoln Park Pool and Barack Community Center, where officers injured a teenager suspected of carrying a firearm. This incident deeply troubled Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginter and other community leaders, prompting increased patrols at community recreation centers and pools throughout the city to ensure safety and peace of mind.

“We’re taking proactive steps to strengthen safety and security in every neighborhood across Columbus. Our officers are working hand in hand with the community, building trust and partnerships that have a lasting impact. It takes all of us working together to keep our city safe,” says Mayor Andrew Ginther.

Shannon Hardin, the Council President, emphasized the importance of safety during the summer splash kick-off, encouraging residents to wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and check on elderly neighbors.

He highlighted the need for community involvement in guiding youth to stay out of trouble and monitor their social media activity. Hardin also urged parents to keep track of their children’s whereabouts amid rising youth violence. He mentioned that community officers would enhance safety initiatives, like Operation Moonlight, especially in popular areas, to ensure parks and pools remain safe. But he stressed that it’s not just the responsibility of the authorities; it’s a collective effort that requires the active participation of every community member.

Mario Dovell, a Shannon Hardin community liaison team member, shared that everyone is working on that boots-on-the-ground initiative. This effort involves collaboration among the community, city councils, and faith leaders, all working together to provide support and guidance. We aim to create a strong network that ensures everything comes together effectively.

“Driving progress and connecting communities to various resources out there is what we are doing,” Dovell said.

Regarding community feedback, Dovell highlights that the city council continually explores new ways to connect with constituents and ensure their concerns are heard.

“We gather this feedback and then meet with the city administration team. Together, we work on developing processes or drafting outlines, collaborating with the safety and resources teams to address these issues effectively.”

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