Lifewise Academy Cites Arrests as Reason for Gated Parking Lot, No Records Indicate an Arrest
A lack of evidence and lies about an arrest are reasons given by Lifewise Academy for requesting a locked gate to access its parking lot.
During the City of Hilliard’s Board of Zoning Appeals' June 18, 2026, meeting, Lifewise Academy requested a variance to install a gate blocking public access to the parking lot at its headquarters, located at 3940 Lyman Drive, Hilliard, OH.
Filings with the Board of Zoning show a lockable gate would be installed at the public access point into the Lifewise Academy parking lot. During the meeting, Steve Clifton, Lifewise COO, stated that the fence would be installed to prevent cars from driving through the parking lot and to deter public harassment.
“By nature of the things that we do, we attract some people that don’t necessarily like us, that may want to vandalize the building.”
Steve Clifton, Lifewise Academy COO
Clifton also stated that “one arrest was actually made.” This is a 100% false statement. No arrests were ever made. No person was ever charged. Public records show one person drove through the property and yelled “obscenities” and left. The individual met with Hilliard Police to receive a written warning. No laws were broken. Lifewise Academy never asked the individual to leave.
The police report was filed by Matthew Maruster, who writes for concealedcarry.com and has appeared on their podcast several times to discuss legal homicides. Maruster lists his position with Lifewise Academy as “Team Player”. Lifewise has had several police reports for suspicious vehicles at the property. One was an individual who shouted something, one person was dumpster diving, and the final one was an employee who had an access card for the building. These are the only reports provided by the Hilliard Police Department for the last 18 months.
The zoning request states that the gate would be locked only during night hours. This process would do nothing to stop the only police report that describes an action directed at Lifewise. Having the gate unlocked during the day would not stop someone from yelling at the building while employees are there. A member of the zoning board spoke against the gate, saying it does little to stop vandalism and that allowing cars to come along the building would capture more evidence on camera.
The picture Lifewise submitted to the zoning board, compared with what will be installed, remains to be seen. The building permit was approved July 24, 2026. Time will tell.
Lifewise Academy describes itself as coming alongside schools as a supportive ally. Does Lifewise need to keep the public away from its building because of the “support” it is offering?