Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Berens Tree & Excavating LLC for the Big Walnut Tree Clearing - Helsel Park to Nafzger Park Project. The contract amount is $ 37,500.00, with a contingency of $12,500.00, for a total of $50,000.00. An additional $2,500.00 is being authorized for interdepartmental inspections and fees for a total of $52,500.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
The southern reach of the Big Walnut Trail is developing into one of the most scenic and accessible greenways in Central Ohio. The trail will provide thousands of residents of the Mid East and South East Communities with access to the trail network within a few minutes.
This southern 2.5 mile trail segment will begin at its current terminus at Winchester Pike and will travel along the greenway corridor to Helsel Park. It will continue to South Hamilton Road and Refugee Road. The segment will end at Nafzger Park. There are connections planned to the Blacklick Estates and Eastland Neighborhoods. Additional connections are also planned for the Cross Creek Village and Walnut Heights Neighborhoods.
This contract is for tree clearing for phase one of the trail project from Helsel Park to Nafzger Park. The work needs to be completed before March 31, 2026 to comply with Indiana Bat habitat protection requirements.
Phase One trail construction is anticipated to start in the summer of 2026 and should be completed by summer 2027. Phase Two trail construction from Winchester Pike to Helsel Park is anticipated to start in summer 2027 and should be completed by summer 2028.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions (Office of Diversity and Inclusion designation status):
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on December 2, 2025 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on December 23, 2025. Bids were received from the following companies:
Hardwick Tre...
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