Explanation
Background:
In 2022, the Recreation and Parks Department was offered a land donation from Metro Development II LLC, located at 6420 Hall Road in the City’s Westland Area (PID 246-317168 and PID 246-317169) and consisting of approximately 126.3 acres of contiguous property on the city’s west side, along Hall Road and Galloway Road (the “Property”). The Property is former farmland, and will become a future park space and natural area. The Property lies within the Big Darby Creek watershed, and is categorized by the Big Darby Accord Plan as Tier 1 conservation lands to help protect the water quality of one of Ohio’s most unique environmental resources.
As part of the donation, Metro Development requested that the new parkland be named the Rowland Giller III Family Park and will reserve a temporary construction driveway. Once the donation is accepted, the Recreation and Parks Department will initiate an engagement process with key stakeholders, including the residents of the surrounding community, environmental agencies, planning professionals, city staff, and adjacent jurisdictions to develop a framework for a master plan of the Property.
Principal Parties:
Metro Development II LLC
470 Olde Worthington Road, Suite 100
Westerville, Ohio 43082
(614) 540-2400
Contract Compliance Number: 032349
Benefits to the Public: The Westland area of Columbus is one of the city's least served communities for accessible parks, trails, and natural areas. The substantial size of the parkland enables the opportunity to provide future development of family-scale park amenities as well as considerable permanent protection and restoration of a critical area in the Big Darby watershed.
Community Input/Issues: The Department has conducted regular and ongoing engagement with the Westland community during the past 3 years. This also includes dialogue with conservation agencies and key public and private stakeholders surrounding the property.
Area(s) Affected: Westland (52)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by providing quality recreational parks and paths while offering easy connectivity for Columbus residents of all ages.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is required at this time.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a Property Donation Agreement and to accept certain real estate from Metro Development II LLC, located at 6420 Hall Road in the City’s Westland Area (PID 246-317168 and PID 246-317169); to dedicate the collective property as public parkland; and to name the parkland the Rowland S. Giller III Family Park. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department was offered a land donation from Metro Development II LLC, located at 6420 Hall Road in the City’s Westland Area (PID 246-317168 and PID 246-317169) and consisting of approximately 126.3 acres of contiguous property on the city’s west side, along Hall Road and Galloway Road (the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Property is former farmland, and will become a future park space and natural area; and
WHEREAS, the Property lies within the Big Darby Creek watershed, and is categorized by the Big Darby Accord Plan as Tier 1 conservation lands to help protect the water quality of one of Ohio’s most unique environmental resources; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into a property donation agreement and to accept in good faith certain real estate from Metro Development II LLC, located at 6420 Hall Road in the City’s Westland Area (PID 246-317168 and PID 246-317169) and to dedicate the collective property as public parkland and to name the parkland the Rowland S. Giller III Family Park; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a Property Donation Agreement to accept and dedicate the Property as parkland; and
WHEREAS, the Property Donation Agreement contemplates the Property will be named the Rowland S. Giller III Family Park; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department be and is hereby authorized to enter into a Property Donation Agreement and to accept certain real estate from Metro Development II LLC, located at 6420 Hall Road in the City’s Westland Area (PID 246-317168 and PID 246-317169) consisting of approximately 126.3 acres; to dedicate the collective property as public parkland; and to name the parkland the Rowland S. Giller III Family Park.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.