Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to submit an application for a NatureWorks Grant for Southgate Parkland. The NatureWorks Grant is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to assist Ohio public entities in the acquisition or development of public outdoor recreation areas.
Background: This grant will be used for the construction of an open shelter, parking lot, loop walk, and playground on the currently undeveloped Southgate Parkland located on Obetz Road, west of Parsons Avenue in the Far South Columbus Area. These improvements will serve residents of the Southgate Neighborhood and the Far South Area by providing a needed and easily accessible neighborhood recreation space. Park Development average cost is $200,000 to $250,000. Application will request 50%.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, E-2, Columbus, OH 43229
Mary Fitch 614-265-6477
CCN: 31-6402047
Emergency Justification: This legislation needs to be submitted as emergency in order to complete and submit the application prior to the June 1st, 2016 grant application deadline.
Benefits to the Public: Developing Southgate Park will benefit the surrounding community by providing a neighborhood park within walking distance of the Southgate Neighborhood. Applying for funding through the NatureWorks Grant will benefit the City by reducing the capital burden of the park development while also meeting the goals of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in its administration of the grant.
Community Input Issues: In 2015, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department developed a Conceptual Master Plan for the Southgate Parkland. This Master Plan was reviewed and approved by the Far South Columbus Area Commission in October 2015. The Area Commission would be further involved as detailed plans are developed.
Area(s) Affected: Planning Area 23 - Far South Columbus Area, Southgate Neighborhood
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by making facilities within a park accessible to pedestrians, locating neighborhood parks within a half mile of all neighborhoods, and improving five neighborhood parks per year.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for a NatureWorks Grant for Southgate Parkland; and to declare an emergency. ($0)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, NatureWorks Grant are currently accepting applications for funding; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for grant funding for the projects listed above; and
WHEREAS, the application is a Resolution of Support required by the state for all application submittals; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to apply for this grant funding so that needed improvements are not delayed, projects can proceed in a timely manner, and commitments made to the local community can be kept; and, NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the NatureWorks Grant for Southgate Parkland. This Council hereby supports this action.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for the grant funds only, and is not a commitment to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation and expenditure of funds.
SECTION 4. That the City of Columbus does agree to obligate the funds required to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, NatureWorks Grant for Southgate Parkland.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.