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 development of Linview Park, and to provide the necessary match funds; and to declare an emergency. 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 the development of Linview Park, a future City of Columbus park bounded by Fern Place (North), Denune Avenue (South), Fern Avenue (East) and Berrell Avenue (West) in the Northeast Columbus Community. The project concept originated jointly with the Columbus Department of Public Utilities through their Blueprint master planning process for the Linden area, and Columbus Recreation and Parks analysis of parkland deficient neighborhoods across the city. During the past year, Recreation and Parks and Public Utilities have been closely engaging with the Northeast community to gather input about the park features and amenities that residents would like to see in their community.
The grant application requires a Resolution of Support be included with the application package. The grant application will be for $130,000, with a required local match of $43,334.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, NatureWorks Program
2045 Morse Road, E-2
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 265-6477
Emergency Justification: Due to the uncertainty of City Council calendar, and due to the requirement of ODNR’s deadline for the application of June 1, 2020, an emergency is being requested so that we are certain that the authorization is complete prior to submission.
Benefits to the Public: The area in which Linview Park will be developed is one in which Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s 2018-2024 Land Plan has identified as parkland deficient-meaning that residents living in the neighborhood do not have a park or trail access within a ten minute walk of their homes. Providing access to recreation spaces will improve community health and wellness through outdoor play, walking, social interaction, and a sense of neighborhood pride. The project has the additional benefit of advancing the city’s neighborhood-based strategies to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows in the Linden area.
Community Input/Issues: Public input was gathered throughout 2019 and will continue to be gathered in 2020 through direct engagement at public meetings and person-to-person exchanges at nearby community gathering places. An open house was hosted on February 18, 2020 and there was attendance on the subject at the NE Area Commission February Meeting to notify the public of the upcoming attempt to acquire funds for this project.
Area(s) Affected: Northeast (41)
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.
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 the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, NatureWorks Program, for the development of Linview Park; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, NatureWorks Program is accepting applications for grant funding; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for a grant for the development of Linview Park; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance shows the City's support for all application submittals; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to apply for the grant due to the requirement of ODNR’s deadline for the application of June 1, 2020, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; 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 to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Program for the development of Linview Park.
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, NatureWorks Program.
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 ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.