Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program. The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund is accepting applications for funding to preserve natural areas and greenway corridors. If awarded, the funding will be used to acquire properties for preservation of the city’s natural resources.
OPWC administers statewide grant funding to preserve natural areas and greenway corridors and this ordinance authorizes an application for 2023 Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program grant funds only. OPWC requires that a resolution, ordinance, or other written documentation to obligate funds for the project as part of the application. This ordinance is a commitment to provide the necessary match funds at a later date to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the grant. If the grant funding is awarded, future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of City funds.
These two grant applications, if awarded, would provide funding towards fee simple acquisition of two separate sites, including a seven mile long abandoned rail corridor in the Linden and Northland Communities as well as a nine acre greenspace on Brown Road in the Southwest Community. Additional information about these sites is below.
The Linden GreenLine:
The Linden and Northland Communities of Columbus are one of the region’s most underserved areas for parks, open spaces, and natural areas. The purpose of the Linden GreenLine Project is to provide a new approximately 58 acre linear park stretching along seven miles of an abandoned rail corridor, from Windsor Park near 17th Avenue to Cooper Park in the Northland Community. The rail corridor is privately owned, for sale, and acquiring the property provides a generational opportunity for...
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