News

First Responders Compete in Inaugural Rastin Challenge

rastin2016See photos by Bostic Imagery...
See photos by Katie J Photography...

The Mount Vernon Fire and Police Departments, along with the Foundation Park Conservancy, hosted the inaugural Rastin Challenge at Ariel-Foundation Park on Saturday, Sept. 3. The event showcased and celebrated first responders from central Ohio.

Winners received $500, $250 or $100 for first, second and third places, respectively, to be used for their departments. Individual prizes, valued over $2,000, were also awarded. Finally, a scholarship fund will be started from event proceeds for a Knox County student seeking a career as a first responder or for  a current first responder wishing to advance his/her credentials.

Numerous Park Improvements Completed During Summer

IMG 6934The Foundation Park Conservancy, in partnership with the City of Mount Vernon, has completed a variety of improvements since spring at Ariel-Foundation Park.

Rastin Challenge First Responder Information

COVID thank you sign

The 2020 Rastin Challenge for First Responders has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

Click for info.

In light of the event be cancelled, we are offering COVID-19 thank you signs (seen on the right) as a small way to thank our first responders and essential front line workers. You can find more information about how to order them and/or a tower lighting in their honor here:

LEARN MORE...

Please note: all the info below is for the 2019 event.

Descriptions | Registration | Sponsor Packet | Hotel Discounts | Schedule | Poster | Press Release

Challenges for first responders will begin immediately after the Opening Ceremony at 9 a.m. Funds raised will be used for cash awards for the competing departments and will go toward a scholarship fund for a current Knox County first responder pursuing higher education or additional training. The public is encouraged to show support for first responders by attending the event.

Rastin Challenge badgeMedals and NEW INCREASED CASH PRIZE AMOUNTS prizes will be awarded for first ($750), second ($500) and third place ($250). Checks will be made to your department association. PLUS, over $3,000 worth of individual prizes!

  • One-mile fun run led by Get Healthy Knox Coalition (8 a.m. registration; 8:30 race time)
  • Various safety service-related displays will be available during the event.
  • Youth challenges, led by the YMCA, will be held in between challenges and will include the terrace climb, firefighter relay, and obstacle course.
  • FREE breakfast for first responders from Tim Horton's.
  • Lunch will be available for purchase (first responders receive a $10 food voucher).
  • SPECIAL GUESTS: 9/11 firefighter Joe Gavitt, 9/11 police officer John Lambkin, Jody Shelley from Columbus Blue Jackets
  • SPECIAL EVENT: Tunnel to Towers Never Forget 9/11 Mobile Exhibit! Open hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Read more in the official press release...

Other things happening in Mount Vernon that weekend: Kokosing River BrewFest
For complete tourism info, visit: www.visitknoxohio.org


Rastin Challenge Sponsors

Additional Sponsors:
Whit's Frozen Custard of Mount Vernon
Matt and Joanne Starr

FPC Receives Ohio Arts Council Grant

oac full color rgb logoFoundation Park Conservancy is proud to announce that it has received a $4,800 grant from the Ohio Arts Council toward its free concert series. A portion of the funding will be used for this year’s events and a portion will be used for the 2017 series. The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.

Ariel Corporation 50th Anniversary

Ariel tentAriel-Foundation Park is proud to be the home of Ariel Corporation's 50th anniversary celebrations! The events are private, corporate affairs and the extraordinary tent erected in The Ruins area of the park will be kept secure around its perimeter, including the Urton Clock House museum, for the month of June. Our apologies for any inconvenience during this hallmark event for our community. The Urton Clock House will be re-opened regularly for the July 4th festivities and throughout the season.

Page 6 of 6

 Rentable Venues

To reserve a venue or picnic pavilion, click here or call 740-501-9293.

Vision Statement
•    Ariel-Foundation Park will be a world class example of adaptive reuse that honors its industrial heritage and is the focal point for recreation, entertainment, and social interaction in Knox County.
Mission Statement
•    The mission of Foundation Park Conservancy is to lead and support the economic stability, preservation, development, programming, and promotion of Ariel-Foundation Park in collaboration with the City of Mount Vernon.

Park Info

 

logo

 Ariel-Foundation Park, located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, is a 250-acre civic park that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages.

Visiting Hours

Ariel-Foundation Park is officially open April 1 through November 15. Some areas of the park are accessible to pedestrians year-round. Daily hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. There are no admissions or parking fees. The Rastin Observation Tower, park museum, picnic pavillions, trails and other park features are free and open to the public. The Rastin Observation Tower is open during winter months, as long as weather allows.

Contact Us

Foundation Park Conservancy
P.O. Box 644, Mount Vernon, OH 43050
[email protected]
740-501-9293

Mount Vernon City Parks Department
1700 Old Delaware Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050
[email protected]
740-393-9501

 
Back to top