Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to accept a Nature Works Grant for improvements to Southgate Parkland and enter into contract with the State of Ohio, Department of Natural Resources. This grant will be used to construct a parking lot, loop walk, playground, athletic field and Stormwater BMP on the currently undeveloped Southgate Parkland located on Obetz Road, between Parsons Avenue and Lockbourne Road. The grant amount is $51,959.00, with the City of Columbus responsible for a match amount of at least $140,041.00.
Additionally, this ordinance shall authorize the City of Columbus to be bound by the terms of the Grant Agreement as they relate to the Property, including the obligation that the Property must be operated and maintained solely for public recreation or natural resource purposes for Fifteen (15) calendar years from the first month following the request for final reimbursement. A notice of the grant agreement shall be recorded with Franklin County.
The City has owned the 3.7 acre Southgate Parkland since 1978, however it has never been developed into a useable recreation space. A master plan was developed in 2014 in conjunction with the Far South Columbus Area Commission which reviewed and approved the master plan in October of 2014. This grant funding will assist the Recreation and Parks Department in developing the Southgate Parkland as a Neighborhood Park available for public use.
Previous Ordinance: 0982-2016
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, E-2, Columbus, OH 43229
Mary Fitch, 614-265-6477
31-6402047
Benefits to the Public: Developing Southgate Park will benefit the surrounding community by providing a neighborhood park within walking distance of the Southgate Neighborhood. The park will provide parking and easy access to physical activities including a ¼ mile loop path. Residents will be able to use the park amenities for recreation and exercise. The improvements will allow the Department to open up the park to public use and thereby provide a new recreational space for the area. Additionally, the improvements will also support the Mayor’s initiatives related to social equity by providing a Neighborhood Park within a ½ mile walking distance of many residents that do not currently have easy access to a Neighborhood Park.
Community Input Issues: In 2014, CRPD 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 2014. The Area Commission would be further involved as detailed plans are developed.
Area(s) Affected: Far South (23)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving a minimum of five neighborhood parks per year and continuing to work with neighborhood groups on needed park improvements.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is requested at this time. Future legislation will authorize the appropriation and expenditure of the grant funds and match amount.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to accept a NatureWorks grant and enter into contract with the State of Ohio, Department of Natural Resources, for improvements to Southgate Parkland located on Obetz Road between Parsons Avenue and Lockbourne Road. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, developing Southgate Park will benefit the surrounding community by providing a neighborhood park that will provide parking and easy access to physical activities including a ¼ mile loop path; and
WHEREAS, future legislation will authorize the appropriation and expenditure of the grant funds and matching amount; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Recreation and Parks to authorize the Director to accept a NatureWorks grant and enter into contract with the State of Ohio, Department of Natural Resources, for improvements to Southgate Parkland located on Obetz Road, between Parsons Avenue and Lockbourne RoadNOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks is hereby authorized and directed to accept a NatureWorks grant in the amount of $51,959.00 and enter into contract with the State of Ohio, Department of Natural Resources, for improvements to Southgate Parkland located on Obetz Road, between Parsons Avenue and Lockbourne Road.
SECTION 2. 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. The obligation of said funds is subject to the approval of City Council and the City Auditor.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.