Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with MS Consultants, Inc. for professional services for phase one of the design of the Alum Creek Trail - Johnstown Road East Columbus Connector. This involves gathering data, surveying, environmental studies, preliminary design, and public input.
Background: The East Columbus/Krumm Park neighborhood is a significant community of the city's near east side. The area has no access to the Alum Creek Trail, a major 22 mile north/south trail on the west bank of the river. The project will provide a new direct connector for the community, as well as increased access from the Johnstown Road corridor. An existing unused pedestrian bridge over Alum Creek next to Airport Drive will be slightly modified to align with a new trail underpass beneath I-670. From I-670, 1300 l.f. of new trail will be built to Johnstown Road. New bike lanes (0.3 mi.) will be built along Johnstown Road to Cassady Avenue. Also, a new bike boulevard along Kenilworth Avenue/Roxbury St./10th Avenue will improve safe on-street access to Krumm Park Recreation Center and East Columbus elementary school which are central community spaces of this neighborhood.
In July 2015, the department was awarded funding by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to construct this project. As part of the funding, the city is responsible for providing engineering plans for the project. In November 2015, the city advertised a Request for Proposals for engineering firms to design the connector trail and on-street improvements. During the planning process, public involvement meetings will be conducted with stakeholders in East Columbus, including civic associations, schools, and community organizations.
This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving access to trails and greenway corridors. The project will also improve the environmental health of the city...
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