Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) H2Ohio Program. The H2Ohio Program is accepting applications for funding to preserve and restore natural areas. If awarded, the funding will be used to restore wetland areas at Three Creeks Park.
ODNR administers grant funding through the H2Ohio Program to support projects focused on nutrient reduction and water quality improvement. The Recreation and Parks Department intends to submit a grant application that will include a focus on Three Creeks Park in the project scope. Three Creeks Park is a 1,097 acre park in the Far South Community and is joint-managed by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Franklin County Metro Parks. Grant applications are due in August of 2023 and notification of the grants being successfully awarded is expected in November 2023. Projects are required to be completed within a two year timeline. Project completion would be expected in early 2026. This reimbursable grant is expected to be approximately $500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00 and no match is required for this grant.
Three Creeks Park was historically farmed but wetlands have been developing over the past decade as the land has naturally converted from agricultural use. It is important that the Recreation and Parks Department apply for this grant to restore the wetlands at Three Creeks Park, as 90 percent of all wetlands in Ohio have been lost. Wetlands improve water quality and provide flood control. Wetlands serve as critical habitat for a variety of wildlife and capture carbon dioxide. Additionally, this grant would allow for the planting of additional trees to help support the Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) and the low canopy within the far south of the City. If the grant funding is awarded, future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of Cit...
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