Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks for the Audubon Park Improvements project and to provide the necessary match funds per grant requirements. If awarded funding, a separate piece of legislation will be submitted at a later date to enter into a grant agreement and allocate the local funds. The grant amount is anticipated at $165,000 from the NatureWorks Grant Program (ODNR) with the City of Columbus being responsible for a match amount of $55,000 from CIP Funds.
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. This grant will be used for the construction of an open shelter, loop walk, and playground at the existing Audubon Park located between Hudson Street and Weber Road, East of I-71. These improvements will serve residents of the North Linden Area by providing a needed and easily accessible neighborhood recreation space.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, E-2, Columbus, OH 43229
Mary Fitch 614-265-6477
CC#: 31-6402047
Emergency Justification: An emergency is being requested to apply for this grant as the application must be submitted by May 1st, 2017.
Benefits to the Public: Improving Audubon Park will benefit the surrounding community by providing a neighborhood park within walking distance of a large portion of the North Linden Area. 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: Beginning in 2016, Planning and Design staff began working with the community to develop a master plan for Audubon P...
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