Genoa Township goes after geese

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WESTERVILLE — Genoa Township has had help from the public to solve what many would consider to be a problem — an overabundance of geese.

Trustee Renee Vaughan explained the situation in the current township newsletter.

“Soon after being elected trustee, residents reached out concerning geese being aggressive at Hilmar Park,” Vaughan wrote. “Additionally, with the large geese population at the park on a regular basis, their droppings made it very difficult to walk on the sidewalk along Hilmar Drive.”

Vaughan proposed hiring a company to drive the geese away from Hilmar Park, which is along Hilmar Drive near Westerville Central High School.

“After some discussion and further investigation, the trustees voted to hire a company to mitigate the geese populations at both Hilmar and Center Green Parks,” she wrote.

Earlier this year, it was determined that the program was successful at Hilmar, but not at Center Green. Vaughan said the township is continuing the program at Hilmar. Indeed, no geese were spotted at Hilmar Park or its pond during a visit on Tuesday morning, with area residents walking their dogs in peace along the trail.

However, there were some geese seen in a pond west of Center Green Park, along with a white swan. They are regulars at this spot.

“This is one example of residents reaching out to trustees and township staff to solve an issue,” Vaughan wrote. “At times, the best solutions have come from residents. The Township welcomes and values constructive feedback to ensure the trustees are on the right path. In order to lead Genoa in the direction the residents desire, leaders need to hear from citizens.”

Hilmar Park will be the site of the next Genoa Township Fishing Day, from 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 17.

“Registration is not required to attend,” the township said. “The first 100 children to check-in will receive a free fishing pole. Bait and instruction are provided. Prizes will be distributed to children in a variety of categories.”

The categories include the biggest and smallest catches of the day. Fish stocked in the pond include catfish.

On Sept. 1, the township announced that some new amenities were added next to the gateway sign at Mount Royal Avenue and state Route 3 — a chair swing and two chess/checkerboards.

“All roads have been resurfaced and so our tireless maintenance team have shifted their focus to a variety of tasks throughout the community,” the township posted last week on Facebook.

Members of Genoa’s Maintenance Department work on the trail along Center Green Drive.
https://www.delgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2022/09/web1_DSCF9144-1.jpgMembers of Genoa’s Maintenance Department work on the trail along Center Green Drive. Gary Budzak | The Gazette

No geese were spotted at Hilmar Park or its pond during a visit on Tuesday morning. However, there were some in a pond west of Center Green Park, along with a swan.
https://www.delgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2022/09/web1_DSCF9140-1.jpgNo geese were spotted at Hilmar Park or its pond during a visit on Tuesday morning. However, there were some in a pond west of Center Green Park, along with a swan. Gary Budzak | The Gazette

By Gary Budzak

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Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County. He may be reached at the above email address or on Twitter @GaryBudzak.

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