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) Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COTF) which will be used to assist in funding construction of the Big Walnut Trail from Little Turtle to Sunbury Road in the City's Northeast Community.
The project will build significant trail infrastructure for the Big Walnut Trail, including an underpass beneath State Route 161, a direct connection to Blendon Woods Metro Park, a stream crossing to connect neighborhoods on the west side of the river, and a section of trail along Sunbury Road, linking to the Alum Creek Trail at Parkridge Park. Over 15,000 Columbus residents live in neighborhoods that will be served by the new trail section. Once completed, the trail will connect residents to retail, services, and jobs at major destinations including Easton and the North Hamilton Road Corridor.
ODNR administers statewide grant funding for the construction of trails and this ordinance authorizes an application for COTF grant funds only. ODNR requires that a resolution, ordinance, or other written documentation obligate funds for the project as part of the application. This ordinance is a commitment to provide the necessary match funds at a later date to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the grant. The application will be for $425,000.00 with a local match of $142,000.00. If the grant funding is awarded, future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, as well as appropriation of grant and local match funds.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, E-2
Columbus, Ohio 43229
D'Juan Hammonds, (614) 265-6417
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is being requested to meet the application deadline of March 16, 2026.
Benefits to the Public: This project will be an expansion of the Central Ohio Greenways network, providing access in one of the City's most underserved communities.
Community Input/Issues: The surrounding neighborhood has expressed a strong priority for access and expansion of the Big Walnut Trail.
Area(s) Affected: Northeast (41)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks’ Master Plan by providing quality recreational parks and trails. It will also provide safe access and connections to the regional trail network for Columbus residents in nearby neighborhoods.
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) Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COTF) which will be used to assist in funding construction of the Big Walnut Trail from Little Turtle to Sunbury Road in the City's Northeast Community; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COTF) which will be used to assist in funding construction of the Big Walnut Trail from Little Turtle to Sunbury Road in the City's Northeast Community; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance shows 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 to meet the application deadline of March 16, 2026, all for the 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) Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COTF) which will be used to assist in funding construction of the Big Walnut Trail from Little Turtle to Sunbury Road in the City's Northeast Community.
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) Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COTF) 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.