Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department modify an existing contract with Tyevco, Inc. to provide construction services associated with the Adventure Center Renovation 2024 Project. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $200,000.00.
The Recreation and Parks’ Center for Therapeutic Recreation at Franklin Park has the unique mission of sponsoring recreational activities that are adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities. In furtherance of that mission and to mitigate stigma, everyone is welcome to participate at the facility regardless of ability. For these reasons and the support of the Recreation and Parks Commission, City Council, and the Espy Family, this legislation requests to rename the Franklin Park Adventure Center to the Ben Espy and Kathy Duffy Espy Recreation Center. This legislation also requests additional funding to install signage that reflects this change, install new basketball gym goals, and additional flooring on the second floor. The original project completion date of the project was April 25, 2025. The modified project completion date, as a result of the proposed modification, will be December 31, 2025.
Senator Espy led a full life of dedicated and committed service as a remarkable statesman, loving father, and spouse. He was also a prolific football player for The Ohio State University under the legendary coach Woody Hayes. Senator Espy was an exceptional lawyer, who served our nation in the United States Air Force as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate stationed at Hancock Field Air Force Base in Syracuse, New York. He also demonstrated his resilience in 1984 when he survived a life-threatening accident while on the way to a Columbus City Council meeting. A falling concrete cornice severed his right leg below the knee. After this injury, he said, “As long as you don’t have your spirit amputated, you will be okay,” once again proving his streng...
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