Explanation
This ordinance will authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Franklin Park Conservatory for the administration of the implementation of the Franklin Park Master Plan in the amount of $1,500,000.00.
Background: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens developed Master Plan 2.0 in partnership with Columbus Recreation and Parks. The Conservatory requested $5,000,000 from the City of Columbus in support of Phase One construction. The $1,500,000 commitment in 2016 brings the city's commitment to $3,000,000. This $1,500,000 will support design and construction of a new 2-acre children's garden and 8-acre expanded visitor experience scheduled to open in May, 2018. The Conservatory will request an additional $2,000,000 in 2017 to complete construction of this project. Public support from the City, County, and State are being matched 2:1 by the private sector. To date, the Conservatory has raised $12,836,800 or approximately 58% of the $22,000,000 goal in two years.
It has been determined that it will be beneficial to have the Franklin Park Conservatory perform the administration of this project to help allow the least disruption to the daily operation of the Conservatory business. The funds will be used to reimburse the Conservatory for expenditures to support the implementation of the Master Plan for the Conservatory and Franklin Park and capital improvement projects for the Conservatory.
Principal Parties:
Franklin Park Conservatory Joint Recreation District
1777 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43203
Federal Identification Number: 31-1364884
Non-Profit Organization
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is necessary to allow the City to reimburse the Franklin Park Conservatory as soon as possible as plans for the park are moving forward and work has commenced.
Benefits to the Public: These improvements will benefit the community by enhancing the visitor experience, creating a more attractive destina...
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