Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Clean Ohio Conservation Fund to preserve natural areas and green spaces in the 2027 fiscal year, including the acquisition of two properties for preservation of the City’s natural resources and future parkland.
The Ohio Public Works Commission’s Clean Ohio Conservation Fund is accepting 2027 applications for funding to preserve natural areas and green spaces. OPWC requires that a resolution, ordinance, or other written documentation to 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. If the grant funding is awarded, future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of City funds.
The two properties and projects that this grant would support the acquisition of are as follows:
Site 1 - Southern Meadows - Inland Products Site
The project would acquire approximately 51 acres in the Southwest Community. The site has a high quality landscape of meadow and woodlands. If successful with the grant and subsequent acquisition, the property would become a significant centrally located greenspace for the surrounding neighborhoods. The Southwest Community is one of the city's most underserved areas for protected natural areas and parkland.
Site 2 - Hague Ravines - Vandervort Property
This project would acquire five acres of high-quality greenspace in the City’s West Scioto Community along Hague Avenue. The natural features of the site include a wooded ravine and stream. Stream preservation would be in a key property along a tributary flowing from Raymond Golf Course to the Scioto River. The Hague Avenue Corridor is one of the city's fastest developing neighborhoods and this is one of the last remaining significant natural sites.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC)
77 South High Street East State Street, Suite 1846
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Abbey DeHart (614) 752-6829
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is being requested to meet the application deadline of August 28, 2026.
Benefits to the Public: Acquiring these properties will benefit the public through protection of the City’s high quality natural resources, inner city park space, greenway corridors, ravines, and urban forests.
Community Input/Issues: The Southwest and West Scioto Communities are actively involved in the two projects. These communities have expressed strong support for preserving sites for greenspace, parkland, and conservation.
Area(s) Affected: Southwest (59), West Scioto (37)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks’ Master Plan by protecting and expanding tree canopy. It will also provide quality recreational parks, trails, and improved connectivity for Columbus residents.
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 Public Works Commission (OPWC) Clean Ohio Conservation to preserve natural areas and green spaces in the 2027 fiscal year, including the acquisition of two properties for preservation of the City’s natural resources and future parkland; 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 Public Works Commission (OPWC) Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program which will be used to acquire two properties for preservation of the City’s natural resources and future parkland; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance shows the City of Columbus's 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 with the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) to meet the submittal deadline of August 28, 2026, 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 Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the 2027 Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Clean Ohio Conservation Fund to preserve natural areas and green spaces in the 2027 fiscal year, including the acquisition of two properties for preservation of the City’s natural resources and future parkland.
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 Public Works Commission (OPWC) Clean Ohio Conservation Program.
SECTION 5. 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 this ordinance.