Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Ironsite, Inc. for the Willow Creek Park Improvements Project. The contract amount is $2,801,660.68, with a contingency of $280,166.00, for a total of $3,081.826.68. An additional $2,000.00 is being authorized for interdepartmental inspections and fees for a total of $3,083,826.68 being authorized by this ordinance.
This project will renovate the existing Willow Creek Park by providing new playground equipment, sports courts, a shelter, and parking lot. The project will also add an additional park entrance at Gantz Road and expand amenities into the currently undeveloped natural area. New offerings at the natural area will include a crushed limestone path with a lookout onto Big Run Creek, native plantings, and a nature play area.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions:
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on July 30, 2026 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on August 25, 2026. Bids were received from the following companies:
Ironsite, Inc. (MAJ): $2,801,660.68
Builderscape, Inc. (MAJ): $3,090,213.00
Danbert, Inc. (MAJ): $4,452,501.65
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Ironsite, Inc. was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Ironsite, Inc. and all proposed subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
Principal Parties:
Ironsite, Inc.
PO Box 304
Galena, Ohio 43021
Dan Stainer, (740) 965-4616
Contract Compliance Number: 005926
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: August 26, 2027
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested in order to allow for the 16 week lead time for the playground equipment, staying on schedule for completion in summer 2027, and, since demolition within the park has already occurred during phase 1 of the project, there is a need to expedite this contract to be able to continue securing the site, ensuring the safety of residents.
Benefits to the Public: This project improves the existing Willow Creek Park, which is one of the primary community parks available to the Southwest Community. The project will open up access to Big Run Creek and natural areas. It also improves active park amenities.
Community Input/Issues: These improvements were first considered due to letters of interest received from the Southwest Area Commission. The Recreation and Parks Department held three open houses to engage the community and receive input.
Area(s) Affected: Southwest (59)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by renovating neighborhood and community parks. It provides an expansion of access to quality parks and natural areas for a community underserved by the park system.
Fiscal Impact: $3,083,826.68 is budgeted and available in the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 to meet the financial obligations of these expenditures.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Ironsite, Inc. for the Willow Creek Park Improvements Project; to authorize the transfer of $3,083,826.68 within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to authorize the expenditure of $3,083,826.68 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($3,083,826.68)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Ironsite, Inc. for the Willow Creek Park Improvements Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $3,083,826.68 within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $3,083,826.68 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; 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 enter into contract with Ironsite, Inc. to allow for the 16 week lead time for the playground equipment, staying on schedule for completion in summer 2027, and, since demolition within the park has already occurred during phase 1 of the project, there is a need to expedite this contract to be able to continue securing the site, ensuring the safety of residents, 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 the Recreation and Parks Department be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Ironsite, Inc. for the Willow Creek Park Improvements Project.
SECTION 2. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed, and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 5. That the transfer of $3,083,826.68, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $3,083,826.68, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 7. 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.