Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to support the Big Walnut Trail - Helsel Park to Nafzger Park Project. This ordinance will also authorize the appropriation of the grant funds. The grant amount available for this project being authorized by this ordinance is $98,000.00. The grant funds will be used towards construction of a 1.25 mile segment of the Big Walnut Trail, from Helsel Park to Nafzger Park, in the City's Mid East and South East Communities.
This project is in the final design stage and has been awarded this State of Ohio grant from ODNR, as well as LinkUS funding through the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), for the future construction of the trail segment. Construction is set to begin in early 2026.
The southern reach of the Big Walnut Trail is developing into one of the region’s most scenic and accessible greenways. This segment of the trail will put thousands of residents of the Mid East and South East Communities within a few minutes of access to the regional trail network. This project will be coupled with a Phase 2 segment beginning construction in 2027, from Helsel Park to Winchester Pike, with connectivity to South Hamilton and Refugee Roads via pathways. Neighborhood connections are planned to the Blacklick Estates, Eastland, Cross Creek Village, and Walnut Heights.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, Building E-2
Columbus, Ohio 43229
Teresa Goodridge, (614) 265-6396, teresa.goodridge@dnr.ohio.gov
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested so the grant agreement can be executed by the Recreation and Parks Department and ODNR by a November 2025 deadline.
Benefits to the Public: This project provides connectivity to park spaces and active transportation opportunities.
Community Input/Issues: Leaders from the Mid East Community, Sou...
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