Explanation
Background:
This legislation will authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for a grant in the amount of $56,856.00 from the Recreational Trails Program administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the Hayden Falls Boardwalk Project, Phase III. A 20% local match of $14,214 will be required from the City of Columbus. This legislation authorizes the Director to submit a grant application only and does not obligate any City funds.
During Phase I of the Hayden Falls project a staircase was installed to provide a safe and easy route to the bottom of the gorge, as well as a viewing platform and 375 feet of boardwalk to aid in viewing the falls. However, there is a gap of 175 feet between the viewing platform and the stairs that is still rocky terrain. Unfortunately, this gap still allows people to walk and climb in the area of endangered species.
Due to safety issues, endangered species considerations and issues of access to all citizens, the installation of the 175 foot boardwalk connecting the stairs and viewing platform would be added at the park. The six (6) foot wide boardwalk will be raised off the ground to an elevation of 762 feet, just higher than the 10-year flood level. This elevation will make it between two and six feet off the ground. It will also have railings along the sides to discourage people from climbing off the boardwalk. Since the boardwalk is located within a nature preserve, the wood will be non-arsenic and safe from leaching chemicals into the environment. The path of the boardwalk has been selected as it will have the least impact upon the area, with very few trees needing trimmed or cut.
With the completion of Phase I and II of this project, visitation in the park has increased. Although the boardwalk is not complete, parking has become a problem. This phase of the project will also enable us to overlay and stripe the existing parking lot as well as install blocks to designate parking spots, including one for handicapped parking. The parking lot will be expanded to the east through the installation of gravel and parking blocks, increasing parking from 6 spots to as many as 13.
Emergency action is requested to ensure the grant application can be submitted prior to the deadline.
Fiscal Impact: None at this time. This is an application only and does not obligate any City funds.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for a grant from the Recreational Trails Program administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the Hayden Falls Boardwalk Project, Phase III, and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, Recreation and Parks Department, desires to apply for a grant from the Recreational Trails Program administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in order to install 175 feet of boardwalk, connecting the stairs and viewing platform as part of Phase III of the Hayden Falls Improvement project; and
WHEREAS, if funded, this project will increase safety at Hayden Falls Park, provide better access for all, provide better protection for the rare plant species and increase parking; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to submit said grant application for the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and he is hereby authorized and directed to submit a grant application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $56,856.00 for the Hayden Falls Boardwalk Project, Phase III.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application only and is not a commitment to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.