Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Advanced Civil Design, Inc., for the Joan Park and Freedom Park Improvements Project. The contract amount is $375,000.00, with a contingency of $52,000.00, for a total of $427,000.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
This project will support planning and design work for improvements at Joan Park and Freedom Park. The goal is to create safe, welcoming, and active neighborhood parks that are more inclusive in serving the whole community. Improvements will help increase opportunities for recreation, outdoor activity, and connection to nature.
Joan Park is a 4-acre neighborhood park located in Northeast Columbus. The park currently includes a basketball court and walking path that serves nearby residents in the Mulbur Park and Mulbur Heights neighborhoods. The site also contains a stormwater basin maintained by the City of Columbus. The project will study how the park can better support recreation and community use while improving the overall appearance and functionality of the space.
Freedom Park is an 8.33-acre neighborhood park located in the Westland Community. Existing features include a playground, gazebo, walking path, open field space, parking lot, and mature trees. The park is connected to nearby neighborhoods and the Camp Chase Trail by sidewalks and shared-use paths along Norton Road. The project will evaluate opportunities to improve park amenities, increase accessibility, and create more spaces for recreation and gathering.
Public input will be an important part of the planning process. Residents and community stakeholders will help identify park needs and priorities so the final designs reflect the interests of the surrounding neighborhoods. Planning and early design work is expected to begin in June 2026. Final construction documents are anticipated to be completed by Fall 2027 to support future construction bidding a...
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