Welcome to Riverlea!
Incorporated in 1939, the Village of Riverlea is a quiet, leafy residential community of just over 600 people, situated between High Street and the Olentangy River just north of Columbus. We are a fifteen minute drive from the Ohio State University campus and a twenty minute drive from downtown Columbus. It’s a short walk to the shops, restaurants, and village green of downtown Worthington, and a short ride to the scenic Olentangy bike trail. Our children attend Evening Street Elementary School, Kilbourne Middle School, and Thomas Worthington High School in the Worthington school district. All three schools are located within a mile of the Village.
Announcements
Coronavirus updates
Village officials are in regular contact with regional and local public health and emergency management officials about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Important information will be posted here as appropriate. Residents may also text COVID19FC to 888-777 for regular updates from Franklin County Emergency Management.
Public meetings
During the COVID-19 emergency public meetings, including the regular Village Council meeting scheduled at 7:00 pm on April 20, will be held via Zoom teleconference in accordance with the guidelines contained in House Bill 197. Details about how to connect will be made available in the week before the meeting.
Emergency response
Emergency services in Riverlea have not been affected by the pandemic, although first responders are taking precautions to protect themselves from exposure. When possible Worthington Police will be handling non-emergency calls over the phone rather than in person to protect their officers from unnecessary exposure. Emergency dispatchers will be asking an additional layer of questions to determine if there’s a risk of coronavirus exposure. Residents should not call 911 if they suspect that they have coronavirus symptoms unless they’re having trouble breathing. Please contact your primary care physician instead.
Closures and cancellations
COTA has waived bus fares for all riders and is asking people to use buses for essential travel only. Buses are being boarded from the rear to protect drivers from unnecessary exposure, and hand sanitizer is available on all buses. Changes have been made to a number of routes to adapt to changed commuting patterns and personnel availability. So far those changes haven’t affected the line that runs to Riverlea (#102) but that could change. The latest information is available at the COTA website.
The Worthington Community Center, Worthington Libraries, the Griswold Center, and the McConnell Arts Center are currently closed. They will re-open when the public schools do (currently May 1 at the earliest). The Worthington Farmers Market is on hiatus.
How to help
This is a good time to check in with friends and neighbors (by phone or email) to see how they’re doing and ask if they need anything. You may also contact Mayor Eric MacGilvray if you’re in need or willing and able to help someone who’s in need.
COhatch has organized a shopping and delivery service, “COhatch Delivers,” for residents who are in need. People who would like to volunteer to help can sign up here or email volunteer@cohatch.com. People who are in need of deliveries can make a request here or email help@cohatch.com.
Worthington Schools is providing free breakfast and lunch to needy families. If you would like to volunteer to help please contact volunteers@worthingtonresourcepantry.org.
For more information about coronavirus
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Why is “social distancing” so important?
Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to ‘flatten the curve’