Each month, we feature an Ohio Legacy City on our #GOPCThread Series, #OHCommunitySpotlight. This month, we trek up to Northwest Ohio, along the banks of the Blanchard River, and visit Findlay, Ohio - Officially Proclaimed by Congress in 1974 as Flag City, USA.
Each month, we feature a community in Ohio on our #GOPCThread series, #OHCommunitySpotlight. This month, we highlight Flag City, USA - #Findlay!
A Congressional Resolution passed in 1974 officially proclaims #Findlay as #FlagCityUSA, after communitywide efforts spearheaded by the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce continued the work of resident, John B. Cooke.
The county seat of Hancock County, situated in Northwest, Ohio, #Findlay is the second largest city in Northwest Ohio. #Findlay is 40 miles south of Toledo, with a 2020 Census Population of just above 40,000.
Named after Colonel James Findlay, #Findlay was founded after the War of 1812, with the first town lots placed in 1821. At the time, #Findlay was a known stop along the railroad lines, and later became a booming center for natural resources likes coal and oil.
Today, #Findlay is headquarters to Fortune 1000 companies, MarathonPetroCo and @coopertire. Findlay is also home to @WhirpoolCorp’s dishwasher manufacturing plant. Findlay’s @WhirpoolCorp distribution is considered largest in the world based on production size.
Blanchard Valley Health System and the University of Findlay are anchors to the #Findlay and Hancock County area. @MarathonPetroCo, @CooperTire, WhirpoolCorp, @BVHSJobs, and @ufindlay comprise half of Findlay’s top employment organizations.
.@UFindlay established the nation’s 1st bachelor’s degree in hazardous waste studies, & helped lead the national effort to establish the All Hazards Training Study, which provides training to more than 100K professionals every year in emergency planning, response, and recovery.
Residents and visitors can explore the nature beauty of #Findlay, as it is located on the Blanchard River. Activities include hiking, biking, camping, kayaking and canoeing, fishing, and swimming!
Two reservoirs encompass almost 1,000 acres in Findlay to serve residents and businesses with water from the Blanchard River. Both reservoirs are open to public recreation to fish and enjoy a walking trail around the shoreline.
The Blanchard River has infamously flooded downtown Findlay over the years. @CityofFindlay + Conservancy District have implemented mitigation strategies, including river benching—areas where the water can pool, instead of in streets and businesses!
Blanchard River Benching Project Leads to Flood Stage Changes in Findlay - WTVG (ABC) Toledo
#Findlay is home to local art galleries & museums, including the Hancock Historical Museum, @UFindlay’s Mazza Museum + the Children’s Museum of Findlay. Jeffrey’s Antique Gallery has been in #Findlay for more than three decades, & houses more than 300 vendors in a 38K SF building
The Cube Ice Arena offers residents and visitors the opportunity to indoor skate from September to March. In its off-season, the arena is a large, indoor space to host concerts and events, such as flea markets, weddings, and meetings.
Downtown Findlay offers residents and visitors an opportunity to shop, eat, and explore, with Farmer’s Markets, arts and culture activities, and events.
In 2021, Findlay City Council approved a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) with nineteen downtown bars and restaurants participating!
Due to Marathon HQs located in the heart of downtown, Findlay’s commercial vacancy rates are low and many 2nd and 3rd floors have been converted to apartments and condos.
Image Source: Wikicommons (Mbrickn)
Community leaders have established the Findlay Forward initiative to develop a strategic plan that serves as a roadmap for future policies & priorities. The effort includes city, private, public, & philanthropic leaders, service clubs, & school districts
Whether you are looking for outdoor recreation or downtown shopping and dining, #Findlay offers the best of both worlds! GOPC looks forward to the continued revitalization work underway in Findlay.
