Hilliard is a vibrant area nestled between Big Darby Creek on the west and the Scioto River on the east. The City of Hilliard was selected one of the state’s “Best Hometowns” for 2012 by Ohio Magazine. The excellent Hilliard City School District is among the best in the state of Ohio.
Originally called Hilliard’s Station, the town grew around the railroad route of the Piqua and Indiana Railroad station. In 1854, a post office was established in Hilliard’s Station and the word Station was dropped from the town name. The Village of Hilliard became incorporated on July 13, 1869 with a population of 280 residents. The original train station has been restored and remains in Hilliard’s historical Weaver Park.
Hilliard has a total of 23 developed park areas that range from wooded areas with natural settings to larger, athletic complexes. The city features Hilliard Municipal Park, Darby Creek State Park, the Darby Creek environmental district, Dublin Methodist Hospital and two municipal swimming pools, the largest of which features a lazy river, water slides, competition pool and large children’s play area. The Homestead, a 44-acre park offers a quiet, country atmosphere with a covered bridge, train station replica, caboose, and two barns. Other features include event shelters with barbecue grills, a 2½ -acre stocked pond for fishing, playground equipment, volleyball, basketball courts, and water feature play area. Heritage Rail Trail runs from historic downtown Hilliard to Plain City.
“Taste of Hilliard’s” annual event features area restaurants and businesses. The annual Hollyfest Arts and Crafts Show features homemade crafts which include floral, wood, clothing, and jewelry items among others. The Old Hilliard Street and Art Festival is held annually on the second Saturday of September, sponsored by the Hilliard Civic Association. Hilliard is the hometown of the Franklin County Fairgrounds and Historical Village. Vowing that “we will never forget”, the City of Hilliard has constructed one of the largest memorials in the country to pay tribute to first responders everywhere and to insure the events of 9/11 are remembered forever.