Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Byrne & Jones Enterprises, Inc. DBA Byrne & Jones Construction for the Busch Ball Diamond Park Turf Installation Project. The contract amount is $1,644,038.00, with an alternate of $155,486.00 and a contingency of $150,000.00, for a total of $1,949,524.00. An additional $2,500.00 is being authorized for interdepartmental inspections and fees for a total of $1,952,024.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
This project will improve Busch Park and enhance its long-term use as a community recreation destination. Located on the northwest side of Columbus, the park serves as a popular location for youth and adult baseball and softball programs. The park includes eight ball diamonds.
The proposed improvements will focus on ball diamonds 1, 2, 3, and 4, including new artificial turf playing surfaces, upgraded fencing, and improvements to player areas. These upgrades will increase field durability, reduce maintenance needs, and allow the fields to remain playable for longer periods throughout the year by reducing weather-related closures. The project will also include improvements to the park’s drainage system to reduce standing water and improve field conditions following rain events. These improvements will create a better experience for residents, athletes, and visitors. The improvements will also increase opportunities for recreational and community events. The upgrades will support sports programs for all ages, accommodate increased use of the facility, and position the park to host larger events. Overall, the project will provide a modernized recreational facility that will serve the community for years to come.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions:
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on April 27, 2026 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on May 19, 2026. Bids were received from the following companies:
Byrne & Jones Enterprises, Inc. DBA Byrne & Jones Construction: $1,644,038.00
The MOTZ Group: $1,766,728.00
Builderscape, Inc: $2,220,813.00
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Byrne & Jones Enterprises, Inc. DBA Byrne & Jones Construction was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Byrne & Jones Enterprises, Inc. DBA Byrne & Jones Construction and all proposed subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
Principal Parties:
Byrne & Jones Enterprises, Inc. DBA Byrne & Jones Construction
5730 Hayden Run Road
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Leigh Brooks, (614) 616-1414
Contract Compliance Number: 054551
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: February 17, 2028
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested in order to ensure construction is completed by April 2027 in preparation for the upcoming baseball and softball seasons.
Benefits to the Public: This project will significantly enhance the amenities and programs offered by the City. The improvements will expand recreational and sports opportunities for residents and visitors. This project will also help position Columbus as a destination for baseball and softball tournaments and events for a wide range of skill levels.
Community Input/Issues: Input for this improvement project was primarily gathered through the Columbus Community Sports Park Feasibility Study conducted by Conventions, Sports and Leisure International and managed by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. The study helped identify improvements needed to enhance athletic facilities, expand recreational opportunities, and support future community use of the park.
Area(s) Affected: Northwest (34)
Master Plan Relation: This project supports the goals of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving athletic facilities while expanding amenities that serve a broader range of recreational interests and community needs.
Fiscal Impact: $1,952,024.00 is budgeted and available in the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 and Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 to meet the financial obligations of this expenditure.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Byrne & Jones Enterprises, Inc. DBA Byrne & Jones Construction for the Busch Ball Diamond Turf Installation Project; to authorize the appropriation of $1,392,000.00 within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund; to authorize the transfer of $1,392,000.00 within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund; to authorize the amendment of the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget; to authorize the expenditure of $1,952,024.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund and Permanent Improvements Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($1,952,024.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Byrne & Jones Enterprises Inc. DBA Byrne & Jones Construction for the Busch Ball Diamond Turf Installation Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation of $1,392,000.00 within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $1,392,000.00 within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the amendment of the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget Ordinance 1790-2025 in order to provide sufficient budget authority for this and future projects; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $1,952,024.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 and Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747; 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 Byrne & Jones Enterprises, Inc. DBA Byrne & Jones Construction in order ensure construction is completed by April 2027 in preparation for the upcoming baseball and softball seasons, 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 Byrne & Jones Enterprises, Inc. DBA Byrne & Jones Construction for the Busch Ball Diamond Turf Installation 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 appropriation of $1,392,000.00 is authorized within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That the transfer of $1,392,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between projects within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget Ordinance 1790-2025 is hereby amended as follows in order to provide sufficient budget authority for this ordinance and future projects.
Fund / Project / Project Name / Current Revised Authority / Current Remaining Authority / Change / Amended Revised Authority / Amended Remaining Authority
Fund 7747 / P514047-100000 / Sports Facilities Improvements (Carryover) / $0 / $0 / $1,840,578 / $1,840,578 / $1,840,578 (to match cash)
Fund 7747 / P514047-100000 / Sports Facilities Improvements (Carryover) / $1,840,578 / $1,840,578 / $1,392,024 / $448,554 / $448,554
Fund 7747 / P514031-100000 / Busch Park Improvements (Carryover) / $0 / $0 / $1,392,024 / $1,392,024 / $1,392,024
SECTION 8. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $1,952,024.00 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 and Permanent Improvement Fund 7747, in object class 06 Capital Outlay, per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 9. 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.