Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program. If awarded, the funding will be used towards the Freedom Park Improvements Project.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is accepting grant applications for the NatureWorks program. The NatureWorks grant program provides local government subdivisions funding for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational areas. Grant applications are due July, 1 2026. The grant application amount is $150,000.00. If awarded, a 25 percent match in local funding will be required.
This grant will be used towards the Freedom Park Improvements project. Freedom Park is an 8-acre neighborhood park located in the Westland Community. The park is in need of improvements to its parking lot, shelter, walking path, and other amenities. It also has a large multi-purpose field which could accommodate courts or other active uses. Over 4,400 residents live within a few minutes of the park.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Tim Robinson, (614) 265-6417
Contract Compliance Number: 005089
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: N/A (State of Ohio Agency)
Emergency Justification: To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program for the Freedom Park Improvements Project; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Benefits to the Public: This project will provide a quality neighborhood park in one of the City's most vulnerable communities.
Community Input/Issues: The surrounding neighborhood has expressed a strong priority for an improved shelter, parking lot, walking path, site amenities, and courts.
Area(s) Affected: Westland (52)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Columbus Recreation and Parks Master Plan by providing quality recreational parks, trails, and connectivity for Columbus residents. This project will also prioritize improvements in parks with a low condition rating.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is required at this time. Future legislation will accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program for the Freedom Park Improvements Project; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program, which will be used for the Freedom Park Improvements Project; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance shows the City of Columbus' support for all application requirements; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as the ordinance must be submitted as part of the ODNR grant application package, which is due July 1, 2026, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; and, 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 (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program for the Freedom Park Improvements Project.
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 accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
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 (ODNR) NatureWorks grant program.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance, for the reasons stated in the preamble, which are made a part of this ordinance and fully incorporated for reference as if rewritten, is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after this ordinance’s passage and approval by the Mayor or ten (10) days after its adoption if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.