Explanation
This ordinance is to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Natureworks Program for the Franklinton West Park Improvements, and to provide the necessary match funds. If awarded funding, a separate piece of legislation will be submitted to enter into a grant agreement and allocate the local match funds.
Background: This grant application would provide funding towards construction of playground improvements in the West Franklinton neighborhood along West Park, Dakota, and Guilford Avenues. During the past 2 years, the Recreation and Parks and the Department of Development have been closely engaging with the Franklinton community in developing park space in existing parkways along West Park Avenue, Dakota Avenue, and Guildford, Avenue. These greenspaces have been proposed to be activated as small neighborhood parks with play spaces, walking opportunities, gathering spaces, and pollinator plantings. The Franklinton community has also endorsed additional park amenities to be developed with Urban Infrastructure Recovery Funds through the Department of Development.
The grant application requires a Resolution of Support be included with the application package. The grant application will be for $92,000, with a required match of $45,000.
This ordinance requires $0.00 city of Columbus funds. If awarded the grant, future legislation will accept and appropriate the grant funds as well as the city match.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morese Road, E-2
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Natureworks Program, 614-265-6477
Emergency Justification: An emergency is being requested for this authorization as it is required as part of the grant application, which is due June 1, 2019.
Benefits to the Public: Franklinton is one of the city's most underserved communities for parks and active recreation. Providing access to recreation spaces will improve community health and wellness through outdoor play, walking, social interaction, and a sense of neighborhood pride. West Park Avenue is also a segment of the Franklinton Loop, a 4 mile circuit throughout the diverse neighborhoods of Franklinton, connecting to 126 miles of regional trail network.
Community Input/Issues: Public input was gathered throughout 2017 and 2018 through direct engagement at public meetings and person-to-person exchanges at the Franklinton Library. A survey was conducted, and playgrounds, open active space, walking paths, benches, and shelters were listed as the top park priorities.
Area(s) Affected: Franklinton (Community 54)
Master Plan Relation: Providing recreation and park space for the city's most underserved neighborhoods. (Social Equity) Providing access and opportunity for residents to walking, biking, and leisure spaces. (Health and Wellness) Tying inner city neighborhoods to the greater trail system of Central Ohio (Connectivity).
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is needed at this time. If awarded this grant, future legislation will accept, appropriate, and encumber the grant funding and required match.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, NatureWorks Fund for the Franklinton West Park Improvements; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, NatureWorks Fund is accepting applications; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for a grant for the Franklinton West Park Improvements; and
WHEREAS, future legislation would accept and appropriate the grant funds as well as identify a city match; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to apply for said grant to meet application deadlines; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Fund for the Franklinton West Park Improvements project and provide the necessary match funds per grant requirements.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for the grant funds only and is not a commitment to expend city funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of funds.
SECTION 4. That the City of Columbus does agree to obligate the funds required to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, NatureWorks Fund.
SECTION 5. 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 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.