Explanation
Background:
This ordinance 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 a new water fountain 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.
One of the key elements to the Scioto Mile is the construction of a new water fountain in Bicentennial Park.
Included in the revitalization of Bicentennial Park will be a stunning 15,000 square foot water fountain that will be a one-of-a-kind attraction for the entire region. The Bicentennial Park fountain will turn the Scioto Mile into the premier location for arts and culture, combining the gorgeous scenery of illuminated, moving water with a superb location for events, festivals, performances, art showcases, and concerts. The fountain will set the stage for a wide range of diverse and cultural activities on the Scioto Mile and especially in Bicentennial Park, with the new café, as well as a top-notch performance venue.
As the most prominent piece to the renovation, the Bicentennial Park fountain will be unique to Columbus and the entire area. It is envisioned as being that central, significant location on the Scioto Mile that people will come to over and over. As the centerpiece to the entire region's rich appreciation of the arts, the Bicentennial Park fountain will be a regional attraction, drawing people from near and far.
The fountain will be comprised of one-of-a-kind elements that will truly make it not only a landmark but a remarkable piece of art. The fountain will consist of several pools of water that can be computer programmed to make a myriad of different geometric shapes, providing images not seen with any other water feature. It will have interactive areas with access for children, as well as a central pool with a towering jet of water, making it a breathtaking element. A stone-paved plaza and an arcing seat-wall will be built adjacent to the fountain to provide an ideal place to enjoy the scenery during all seasons.
Special effect lighting for both day and night viewings will be another feature of the fountain. The projections will animate the water and give onlookers silhouettes and images to view.
The fountain will operate all year long, providing a cool place to meet in the warmer months, and will allow the natural freezing of water in the colder months to take over. This will give visitors the opportunity to view lighting shining through natural ice formations, formulating abstract imagery that can't be replicated by any person.
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 Bicentennial Park Fountain, along with new elements, will combine to give Columbus a new-and-improved Bicentennial Park. It is anticipated that the revitalization of the park will allow for daily programming and events to occur there. Bicentennial Park will be the center for cultural happenings in central Ohio, and the community will associate it as the venue for such events.
Emergency action is requested to ensure the grant application can be submitted prior to the deadline.
Fiscal Impact: N/A
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to submit a grant application to the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission for the construction of a water fountain in Bicentennial Park, and to declare an emergency.
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 Fountain"; 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 Fountain 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.