City of Columbus - File #: 2394-2025

• File #: 2394-2025
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Council Office for Signature
• File created: 8/29/2025
• In control: Neighborhoods, Recreation, & Parks Committee
• On agenda: 10/6/2025
• Title: To authorize and direct the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Franklin Park Conservatory for the administration and implementation of the Franklin Park Master Plan and related capital improvement projects in the amount of $2,000,000.00; to authorize the transfer of $2,000,000.00 between the General Fund Income Tax Set Aside Subfund and the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund; to authorize the appropriation of $2,000,000.00 in the Income Tax Set Aside Subfund and Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; to authorize the expenditure of $2,000,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($2,000,000.00)

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
10/6/2025	1	Columbus City Council

Explanation

Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with the Franklin Park Conservatory for the administration and implementation of the Franklin Park Master Plan and related capital improvement projects. The amount being authorized by this ordinance is $2,000,000.00.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens requested capital support from the City of Columbus in 2024 and 2025 to fund the following projects.

$1,000,000.00 is intended to support the initial phases of the Palm House project, with anticipated requests for construction support in upcoming years. The City’s support will leverage private giving in 2024. All of the planned upgrades to the historic buildings will drive revenue and also provide opportunities for robust education, plant collections conservation, and a more rentable, enjoyable space for decades to come.

$500,000.00 is designated toward improving the overall guest experience through upgrades such as Children's Garden improvements and important security system upgrades.

The Conservatory is also allocating $500,000.00 to the area of greatest need based on timing, project size, cost and equipment lead-time needed within the following types of priority projects that would best elevate the guest experience and therefore support earned revenue generation.

Major equipment replacement, renovation or expansion, (examples: emergency generator, HVAC units, plumbing and electrical)
Parking lot, road and pathways replacement or renovations (examples: asphalt, pavers, or concrete)
Atrium flooring and furniture replacement
Safety and security upgrades continued from 2024 initial phase (examples: replace cameras, systems and security vehicle)

It has been determined that it is beneficial for the Franklin Park Conservatory to perform the administration of these projects to allow for the least disruption to the daily operations of Conservatory business. The funds will be u...