Reynoldsburg, Ohio

T he City of Reynoldsburg,Ohio is a suburban community of 38,000, located in the Columbus metropolitan area with its feet firmly planted in the counties of Fairfield, Franklin, and Licking. Reyn- oldsburg earned the moniker “The City of Respect” about 15 years ago,when it began welcoming im- migrants from Nepal and Bhutan to make their home in the community.This growing penchant for diversity and inclusion continues to be a source of pride for the city, today, and it’s all based on having great respect for one another. Reynoldsburg also owns claim to fame as “Birthplace of the Tomato,” thanks to favorite son,Alexander W. Liv- ingston,who, back in the 1800s, developed the “Para- gon Tomato”–billed as the first ever tomato bred for commercial use.His legacy lives on in the Livingston House and Museum,which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Homes. EveryAugust, the “Tomato Festival” celebrates Reynoldsburg’s place in history with a culinary homage to the fleshy red fruit, as well as tomato judging contests, entertainment, and bush- els of fun.Another enticing visitor draw is the annual Taste of Reynoldsburg business expo, sponsored by the Reynoldsburg Area Chamber of Commerce,which features area restaurants serving up a variety of tasty local dishes. On the recreational front, Reynoldsburg offers Blacklick Woods, a spacious metro park that includes a four-mile walking and biking trail, open play areas,meadows, wildlife, a nature center, and a 72-hole golf course. Nearby, Pine Quarry Park features extensive pine woodlands, a rocky gorge once used as a limestone quarry, and more walking paths. Kennedy Park is THECITYOFRESPECT