Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a grant agreement with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) for construction of the Big Walnut Trail - Helsel Park to Refugee Road Project. This ordinance will also authorize the acceptance and appropriation of the grant funds. The grant amount available for this project being authorized by this ordinance is $4,082,250.00.
In 2025, the Recreation and Parks Department successfully applied for grant funds towards the construction of the Big Walnut Trail, from Helsel Park to Refugee Road at Nafzger Park. This project is located in the Mid East Area of the City. The project will construct a 1.25 mile segment of the regional trail. It will include trail underpasses beneath Hamilton Road and Refugee Road. The project will also include a pedestrian bridge over Big Walnut Creek and trailhead access at both parks. This grant funding will provide funds towards construction in 2026. A second grant agreement, authorized with a separate ordinance, is anticipated to be awarded to the Recreation and Parks Department in 2027 for construction of the next segment of the trail, from Helsel Park to Winchester Pike.
Principal Parties:
Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)
33 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Garth Weithman, (614) 275-5935
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested so design of the project can begin by June 2026 to meet the project's schedule mandated by the COTA grant funding.
Benefits to the Public: This project will provide access to transit, parks, jobs, the Eastland Community, and the regional trail network.
Community Input/Issues: The community has provided input to the project during the past 6 years, including public open houses, sessions with the Area Commission, and outreach through the Recreation and Parks Department's social media.
Area(s) Affected: Mid East (57), South East (65)
Master Plan Relation: This pro...
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