Explanation
Background:
This legislation will authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to submit a grant application to the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission in the amount of $1 million dollars for historic and cultural improvements to Livingston Park. The grant application process and administration of the grant will be performed by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
The grant funding will begin the first phase of the Livingston Park master plan, completed in 2009. The existing shelter will be enhanced and upgraded as a neighborhood and visitor gathering space highlighting the unique park and neighborhood history and culture. Additional park improvements will be the addition of a plaza with the shelter, trellis, improved walks, landscaping and site furnishings. Graphics denoting history and culture will be prevalent in the park improvements.
Livingston Park is the oldest park in the City of Columbus, originally purchased in 1839 as the East Graveyard. It has a fascinating history that will be commemorated.
Benefits to Public:
Improved neighborhood gathering space and the sharing of the historical significance of Livingston Park and the surrounding area. The master plan preserves and protects the park from future development without community input.
Community Input/Issues:
CRPD has worked with a steering committee of neighborhood representatives, including Nationwide Children's Hospital to develop a master plan for the park. The master plan was presented to the Livingston Avenue Area Commission in February 2009. This grant will allow for first phase development.
This is legislation to submit the grant application. Future legislation will be to accept the grant, hire the architect and proceed with construction.
Emergency action is requested in order to ensure that the grant application can be submitted prior to the deadline.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to submit a grant application to the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission for historic and cultural improvements to Livingston Park; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is accepting grant applications in the amount of $1 million dollars; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for said grant for historic and cultural improvements to Livingston Park; and
WHEREAS, The grant application process and administration of the grant will be performed by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department; 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 Cultural Facilities Commission for historic and cultural improvements to Livingston Park.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application only and is not a commitment to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this legislation.
SECTION 4. 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.