Beulah Park’s Huge Redevelopment Planned for 2017

After nearly three years of inactivity, Beulah Park redevelopment plans will begin in 2017.

Pat Kelley, President of Falco Smith & Kelley — the development company in charge of the project — said his vision for Beulah Park is similar to what was proposed in the preliminary plan submitted approved by Grove City Council last year.

“We’re looking at about 800 residential units, a 50- or 60-acre community park, some office and commercial development and perhaps some retail,” he said.

The walkable community would connect to the Grove City Town Center, Kelley said.

“You could live there and walk to work. The idea is to stay out of your car.” Grove City Administrator Charles Boso Jr. said to The Dispatch back in June.

Beulah Park is the nearly century old horse racing track sitting in Grove City. It is noteworthy for being the first thoroughbred racetrack in Ohio and one of the only three tracks in Ohio to offer live thoroughbred racing.

First opening in 1923 by the Robert Dienst family, they owned and operated the track until 1959. After his death, his son owned the plot, pouring more money into upkeep and quality of the stables. In the early 80’s the track began switching ownership, first being sold and renamed to the Darby Downs, before returning back to Beulah Park. It was then resold in 2010 for $37 million. Since then it has been subject to talk of relocation, new facilities and new operations — none of which came.

The park’s final race was in 2013 and since then, has been waiting for Grove City to move on potential redevelopment.

Kelley wants houses to go on the market in spring or early summer of 2017 with prices from $175,000 to $350,000.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY