Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to support the Greenways Improvements 2025 Project.
The Olentangy and Scioto Greenway Trails are two of Columbus' most heavily used recreational corridors, serving over 1,000 users daily and connecting key destinations throughout the Columbus area. Many trail segments are more than 20 years old and nearing the end of their service life. These segments have surface deterioration and safety hazards such as root upheavals, cracking, and ponding. This project will rehabilitate approximately 1.93 miles of trail, including 1.54 miles along the Olentangy Greenway and 0.39 miles along the Scioto Trail. This project addresses five high-priority sections, including the Olentangy Trail at Antrim Park, the Olentangy Trail near the Ohio State University Wetlands, the Olentangy Trail at Tuttle Park, the Olentangy Trail from 3rd Avenue to Goodale Street, and the Scioto Trail from State Route 33 to Confluence Park.
Planned improvements include asphalt surface enhancements, as well as, the replacement of wayfinding signage and pavement markings. Tree clearing is also needed to improve visibility and safety of trail users while proving access for asphalt trucks to get to the construction areas. These targeted repairs will extend the pavement’s service life and enhance user comfort. This project will provide full depth and partial depth pavement improvements in these high priority areas.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department applied through a special solicitation from the Ohio Department of Transportation for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). This application was successful and was awarded $435,931.86 in federal funds in October 2025. Project funding will consist of 80% TAP funds and a 20% local match.
This project has been prioritized through the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Greenways Safety and Stabilization Program. This annual trail improvement program uses condition and usage data to identify trail segments most in need of improvements. With ODOT support, the Recreation and Parks Department can complete all five critical trail segments rather than only two initially planned. This project will ensure safer, more accessible, and longer-lasting trails for the 28,000 residents living within a 10-minute walk of the project area and the broader Central Ohio Community. Bidding this project for construction in the second quarter of 2026.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODOT), District 6
400 East William Street
Delaware, Ohio 43015
Michele Risko, LPA Manager, (740) 833-8397, michele.risko@dot.ohio.gov
Benefits to the Public: This project will enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort for thousands of trail users while extending the lifespan of two major greenway trails.
Community Input/Issues: 311 reports were used to support the justification of trail section priorities for this project. A 30 day public comment period will be required as part of the federal grant process, which will be another opportunity for the public to share their input.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks’ Master Plan by addressing the safety and life cycle extension of park assets and trails.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance will authorize the appropriation of $435,931.86 in grant funds in the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund 2283. Future legislation will be prepared to expend these funds once the project is ready to move forward.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to support the Greenways Improvements 2025 Project and accept a grant in the amount of $435,931.86; and to authorize the appropriation of $435,931.86 in the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund. ($435,931.86)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to accept a grant in the amount of $435,931.86 and enter into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to support the Greenways Improvement 2025 Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation of $435,931.86 to the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is necessary to authorize the Director to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to support the Greenways Improvements 2025 Project, NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks is authorized and directed to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to support the Greenways Improvements 2025 Project and accept a grant in the amount of $435,931.86. Future legislation will be prepared to expend these funds once the project is ready to move forward.
SECTION 2. That from the unappropriated monies and from all monies estimated to come into said fund from any and all sources and unappropriated for any other purpose during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, the sum of $435,931.86 is appropriated to the Recreation and Parks Grant Fund 2283 per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance. Appropriation effective upon receipt of executed grant agreement.
SECTION 3. That at the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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 7. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.