Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with EDGE Group, Inc. to provide professional services associated with the parkland design for the West Franklinton Parks Improvements Project. The contract amount is $82,436.00, with a contingency of $5,000.00, for a total of $87,436.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
Franklinton is recognized as the oldest community in Columbus, reaching back to the early 1800’s in its development. Located on the west side of downtown, Franklinton has become a diverse cross section of neighborhoods, from the arts district along the eastern edge, the redeveloping West Broad Street corridor, to dense single family housing in the western side. The West Franklinton community predominantly encompasses neighborhoods west of route 315 to Interstate 70 as well as from Interstate 670 to Mound Street on the south edge. Like many older built-out communities, providing quality greenspace, recreation, and accessibility presents a significant development challenge for the long-term health and well-being of the community.
This legislation will begin the design of improvements to three of West Franklinton’s largest public spaces, those being the wide street islands of Dakota Avenue, West Park Avenue, and Guilford Avenue. The Department’s 2019 Land Plan shows that West Franklinton is per capita the most underserved community in the city for parks and recreation facilities. A mere 10.8 acres of parkland exists in an inner city community of over 9,000 residents. To address some of this need, this project will design selected recreation improvements for the street islands, which combined are over 6.5 acres of public greenspace. Over 6,000 residents live adjacent to or within a few minutes’ walk from these three sites. Since 2017, the Department has been collaborating with the Development Department and engaging with the Franklinton community on the potential of...
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