Explanation
Background:
This legislation will authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to submit a grant application to the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission in the amount of $1 million dollars for construction of an amphitheater in Bicentennial Park. The grant application process and administration of the grant will be performed by the Columbus Downtown Development Commission on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Department.
The premier element coming to Bicentennial Park will be a permanent amphitheater and seating area. The amphitheater will be one of the most significant components to the Scioto Mile, providing a permanent outdoor venue for culture in our downtown, serving as host to concerts, performances and events. It is envisioned that the amphitheater will consistently bring visitors to the downtown Riverfront through programming and events.
The amphitheater will be made with a reflective metal exterior, and the interior will be comprised of wood, enhancing the acoustics of any performance or music coming from the stage. There will be some open, grassy spaces where onlookers can sit and enjoy the performances from the stage above and there will also be concrete, continuous benches adjacent to the amphitheater.
Electrical and water set-ups will be installed in the park easing the planning and execution of the events. In addition, the entire Scioto Mile will be equipped with free Wi-Fi, so visitors will be able to connect to the Web.
The park has been the location of some of the City's most popular events, including the Columbus Arts Festival and the Jazz and Rib Festival. By the City's bicentennial in 2012, the amphitheater, along with the other new elements, will combine to give Columbus a new and improved Bicentennial Park.
Construction on Bicentennial Park, including the amphitheater will commence in the summer 2009, with the grand opening for the entire Scioto Mile set for summer, 2011.
Emergency action is requested in order to ensure that the grant application can be submitted prior to the deadline.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to submit a grant application to the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission for construction of an amphitheater in Bicentennial Park, and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is accepting grant applications in the amount of $1 million dollars; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for said grant for the creation of the "Bicentennial Park Amphitheater;" and
WHEREAS, the Columbus Downtown Development Commission will perform the application process and administer the grant on behalf of the Recreation and Parks Department; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to submit said grant application for the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and he is hereby authorized and directed to submit a grant application to the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission for the Bicentennial Park Amphitheater project.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application only and is not a commitment to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. 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.