Explanation
Background: The Department of Recreation and Parks supports the installation of temporary seasonal lighting to illuminate Bicentennial Park and the Promenade along the Scioto River during the winter season. This tradition enhances the downtown public park space for local citizens and visitors to enjoy at a time when landscape features are dormant. Local businesses benefit from the increased foot traffic and the unique experience that the lighting provides.
Principal Parties:
Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (dba Downtown Columbus Inc.)
150 South Front Street, Suite 210
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Nick Stefanik, (614) 545-4700
Contract Compliance Number: 010217
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: Non Profit, Does not expire
Emergency Justification: N/A
Benefits to the Public: This annual tradition enhances the downtown public park space for residents and visitors to enjoy during the winter months. Local businesses will benefit from the increased foot traffic generated by this annual tradition.
Community Input/Issues: Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (dba Downtown Columbus Inc), an Ohio non-profit corporation, has been a long-time partner in this annual tradition. Our shared interest in enhancing downtown public space will be further strengthened by maintaining this tradition.
Area(s) Affected: Bicentennial Park and Promenade
Number of residents will be served by this legislation: Downtown Columbus is currently home to more than 11,000 residents, in addition, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department (CRPD ) annually receives emails and has social media interactions with people from throughout central Ohio who visit Bicentennial Park during the winter.
Master Plan Relation: Enhance public parks, develop relationships with local organizations, encourage economic growth
Fiscal Impact: None
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into an agreement with Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (dba Downtown Columbus Inc.) for the annual winter lighting of Bicentennial Park and the Promenade. ($0.00)
Body
This ordinance is to authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into an agreement with Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (dba Downtown Columbus Inc.), an Ohio not-for-profit organization (hereinafter called “DCI”)., lasting from October 1, 2025 and expiring on February 28, 2026, in regards to the annual tradition of winter lighting in Bicentennial Park and the Promenade in order to enhance the downtown experience. DCI will coordinate, on CRPD’s behalf, with third party service providers to furnish, install and maintain winter lighting for the upcoming winter season.
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus (“City”) owns and operates Bicentennial Park and the Promenade depicted in Exhibit A and hereinafter identified as “Premises”; and
WHEREAS, Parties share a common interest in the public enjoyment of Bicentennial Park and the Promenade; and
WHEREAS, It has been an annual tradition since the opening of the Premises for the City to coordinate a temporary installation of winter lighting to enhance the downtown experience; and
WHEREAS, CRPD desires to allow DCI to coordinate, on its behalf, with third party service providers to furnish, install and maintain winter lighting for the upcoming season; and
WHEREAS, Parties agree this agreement shall commence with an effective date of October 1, 2025 and expire on February 28, 2026; 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 an agreement Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (dba Downtown Columbus Inc.) to coordinate installation of winter lighting at Bicentennial Park and the Promenade as provided in Exhibit A attached hereto for the period beginning on October 1, 2025 and ending on February 28, 2026 and in accordance with the timeline set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.